Rows of solar panels under a clear sky. Credit: Soren H on Unsplash Infrastructure builder MasTec will deploy Gritt’s AI robotic attachments on its utility-scale solar projects across several US states, after testing them on live sites. It follows a similar deal with Burns & McDonnell in August. No financial terms were disclosed.
MasTec, one of North America’s largest infrastructure builders, will use Gritt’s AI-powered robots on its solar farms, the two companies said on Tuesday. Neither disclosed financial terms. Gritt makes robotic arms that bolt onto equipment crews already use, such as skid steers and forklifts, to lift and place solar panels. MasTec tested the systems on live sites, where they helped install “megawatts” of panels.
The companies now plan a pipeline of projects across several US states. “We’ve evaluated Gritt systems on active construction sites, and we see an opportunity to pair our teams’ expertise with technology that supports them in the field,” said Rob Turner, vice president of construction at MasTec Renewables. It is Gritt’s second named partner in three months. Burns & McDonnell signed a similar deal in August after a year of trials, Solar Power World reported. When Gritt raised $32M in July, it said it worked with three of the top 10 US power construction firms but did not name them.
It said its robots let crews place 3,000 to 4,000 panels a day instead of about 800. At the time, Gritt had only two systems in the field. Its website now lists more than seven job sites. Construction firms are turning to robots as skilled workers retire.
Procore agreed to buy drone maker DroneDeploy for $845M in July, and welding startup Path Robotics raised $300M on Tuesday. Get the TNW newsletter ✕ Close Get the TNW newsletter Get the most important tech news in your inbox each week.
