Burns & McDonnell and Grit have established a strategic partnership focused on evaluating and deploying AI-powered robotics for utility-scale solar projects. This technology will enhance safety, improve project predictability, and support construction teams in addressing the growing demand for new energy infrastructure.

Gritt combines artificial intelligence and robotics to automate labor-intensive tasks on construction sites. The company has developed intelligent systems that can be installed on standard construction equipment, enabling autonomous completion of tasks such as installing and assembling solar panels, pouring concrete, and laying rebar.

This collaboration combines Burns & McDonnell's integrated EPC capabilities with Gret's AI-driven software and robotic platform to create new opportunities, address labor challenges, and enhance the efficiency and innovation levels of solar construction.

Over the past year, Burns & McDonnell collaborated with Greentech to evaluate robotic solar installation technology in real-world construction settings. Both companies tested Greentech's technology at multiple utility-scale solar power plants.

"Solar installation is highly repetitive work, involving the daily handling of 80-pound components," said Adam Bernardi, Director of the Renewable Energy Business Unit at Burns & McDonnell. "As the scale of solar installations continues to expand, we have the opportunity to leverage technology to help our teams work more safely, efficiently, and intelligently. By assisting workers with some of the most repetitive and physically demanding tasks, Gritt provides a solution that enhances safety while enabling us to deliver projects more predictably.". ”

Unlike robotic solutions designed specifically for controlled factory environments, Gritt's technology is tailored for outdoor construction sites where terrain, weather, and on-site conditions can vary significantly. The company's AI-powered system is designed to assist workers with repetitive installation tasks while continuously learning from field operations.

"The future of the construction industry will not be humans or robots alone, but a collaboration between the two," said Puneet Puri, CEO and co-founder of Gritt. "Our mission is to help civilization build infrastructure faster. Partnering with leading EPC companies like Burns & McDonnell allows us to deploy our technology in real-world projects, learn from seasoned builders, and continuously refine the intelligence behind our systems. Together, we are developing tools to help the industry meet growing infrastructure demands while supporting the workforce that makes it all possible.". ”

Automation and robotics are becoming increasingly prevalent in the solar industry, with companies developing construction-assist equipment and component installation systems. Recent advancements include Xpanner's skid steer loader devices, Maximo's solar module installation project, as well as AES and Terabase's automated installation efforts.