RE2 Robotics and JLG Industries Partner to Develop Solar Panel Installation System
RE2 Robotics and JLG Industries are joining forces to create a robotic system for building solar farms. RE2 Sapien robotic arm technology, the Detect perception system and Intellect software will be integrated with JLG's aerial work platform to support moving, handling and placing photovoltaic modules for solar panel construction.
JLG, a global manufacturer of mobile elevating work platforms, is providing engineering support during the project's technology development stage. The joint work on the mechanical and control system interface between the manipulator and the lift is nearing completion.
The system will use computer vision to autonomously retrieve solar panels from a transport vehicle and accurately place them on a racking system. Skilled workers will supervise the robotic solar field construction system.
The intelligent RE2 Sapien robotic arm offers a high strength-to-weight ratio, allowing the lifting burden to be shifted to the robotic system. This system is expected to significantly increase productivity and reduce the time required to build a solar field.
“The future of work is already here. People and robots work closely together, and the construction industry is no exception. Our development partnership with JLG will allow us to apply our proven robotic technology in specific areas, including those requiring work at height and repetitive lifting tasks, such as solar field construction. We are pleased to work with JLG to bring revolutionary innovation to the construction market”
This collaboration is linked to RE2's program with the U.S. Department of Energy's Solar Energy Technologies Office to develop a robotic system for autonomous handling of outdoor photovoltaic panels (O-AMPP).
RE2 received the 2021 RBR50 Robotics Innovation Award for the O-AMPP system. Commercial solar installations are growing at record rates, and the market currently lacks installers to meet the demand for clean energy.
A solar power plant may require the installation of hundreds of thousands of panels. RE2 addresses this market need with a fully automated solar panel installation solution. No other autonomous solution exists on the market.
“Although JLG has long used and developed robotics in certain areas of our business, our focus has shifted to developing and deploying solutions that integrate with our lifts to help offset labor shortages and provide assistive technologies to a workforce that now includes Gen Z. Our relationship with RE2 allows us to work with an organization that strives for excellence just as JLG does, enabling us to accelerate the integration of robotics into our product lineup to advance the access industry”
In 2016, RE2 focused almost 100% on defense work, but today the defense sector accounts for less than one-third of its business. Weapons originally designed for the demanding requirements of the U.S. armed forces can operate in both structured and unstructured environments.
“Robotic technologies have long been used across a wide range of industries. The need for productivity, together with the COVID-19 pandemic, accelerated the demand for and adoption of robotic technologies beyond production floors. In fact, construction and industry today place great emphasis on remote equipment operation that protects workers from harm”
Neurenhausen noted: "Development partnerships, acquisitions and organic innovation serve as the three main pillars of our growth philosophy. Together, they help us stay agile and accelerate the development of future technologies that will drive the construction industry forward. Our work with RE2 Robotics is an excellent example of how we make progress with companies that are experts and leaders in their fields."
According to Neurenhausen and Pedersen, a concept machine will be unveiled soon, and demonstrations are planned in the near future to gather additional feedback.
JLG Industries is a leading global developer, manufacturer and seller of access equipment. The company's diverse product portfolio includes leading brands such as JLG lift platforms, JLG and SkyTrak telehandlers and telescopic booms, and a range of additional accessories that enhance the versatility and efficiency of these products. JLG is a company of Oshkosh Corporation.
RE2 Robotics offers the RE2 Sapien family of robotic arms, the RE2 Detect computer vision software and the RE2 Intellect autonomy software, which enable intelligent mobile manipulation systems to operate in a variety of challenging indoor and outdoor conditions. RE2 systems help companies in the aerospace, construction, defense, energy and medical industries enable remote operation, improve worker safety and efficiency, and reduce operating costs.
