A first-of-its-kind AI-powered robot, Maximo, is revolutionising the speed and efficiency of building Amazon-supported solar farms. Developed by energy company AES, Maximo can cut solar installation timelines and costs by up to 50%. According to AES, this innovation not only accelerates project completion but also creates new job opportunities and alleviates the physical strain on construction crews working in hot conditions.
Maximo recently showcased its capabilities at Oak Ridge Solar Farm in Louisiana, a project backed by Amazon, where it efficiently installed solar panels despite high temperatures. The robot is now set to support construction at Bellefield in Kern County, California—the largest solar-plus-storage project in the US, also funded by Amazon.
Maximo utilises AI technologies, including computer vision and real-time construction intelligence, for precise panel placement and efficient decision-making. Its design process involved various Amazon Web Services (AWS) tools, including AWS RoboMaker, a cloud-based simulation service for robotics development.
In addition to automating heavy lifting, Maximo performs reliably in various weather and lighting conditions. This capability is particularly beneficial for the Bellefield project, located in a sandy desert with extreme heat. When Maximo arrives later this year, it will work alongside crews to position hundreds of heavy solar panels.
AES highlights that Maximo reduces the time crews spend in harsh desert conditions and speeds up the delivery of renewable energy. It also broadens the pool of potential workers and is expected to help address workforce shortages, as the demand for solar workers in the US is anticipated to double in less than a decade. However, 90% of solar companies report difficulties in finding qualified workers.
Upon completion, Bellefield will feature a 1 GW solar farm with up to 1 GW of battery storage. The battery will store excess solar energy produced during the day for use at night or during peak demand periods, providing a consistent supply of carbon-free energy. Bellefield will generate enough power to supply 467,000 California homes annually.
“AI is a critical tool that is already helping us develop sustainability solutions and address climate change at scale,” said Kara Hurst, Amazon’s chief sustainability officer. “As society’s energy needs grow, the demand for new solar and wind projects is also increasing, and we’re excited to collaborate with renewable energy developers like AES that are bringing new renewables to the grid, and prioritizing innovative technologies that can help accelerate those efforts.”
Deise Yumi Asami, founder of Maximo, AES, “The demand for clean energy continues to grow and at AES we believe that innovation can help us meet those needs for our customers. Maximo is supercharging the workforce, enabling the installation of solar panels in half the time and at half the cost.”