Flywheel AI revolutionizes construction operations by enabling remote control of excavators and other heavy equipment. The Y Combinator-backed startup addresses critical safety and productivity challenges in the construction industry through innovative teleoperation technology.

The solution tackles the "dull, dirty, dangerous" nature of construction work while addressing the industry's aging workforce and recruitment crisis. Their approach combines immediate remote operation benefits with long-term automation goals.

🚜 Machine-Agnostic Retrofit

Universal retrofit system compatible with any hydraulic equipment that installs in hours without blocking manual operations

🕹️ Low-Latency Remote Control

An advanced teleoperation platform allowing operators to control machines remotely using just laptops and joysticks

👷 Safety Enhancement

Remove operators from dangerous environments while maintaining full operational control and oversight

📊 Data Collection Platform

Gather operational data during remote sessions to train autonomous systems for future workflow automation

⚡ Instant Supervisor Override

Built-in safety features allow supervisors to take control immediately when needed

🔄 Fleet Management

Enable single operators to manage multiple machines and construction sites simultaneously

🤖 Autonomous Workflow Development

Use collected data and robot learning to automate tasks like digging, dumping, trenching, and grading

The technology represents a stepping stone toward full automation, collecting real-world operational data while immediately improving safety and productivity. This approach provides immediate value while building toward comprehensive construction automation.