Advanced robotics and AI system deploys solar panels in half the time at half the cost.
Maxrobotics FAQ
What is Max Installation Services?
Max Installation Services is the solutions provider leveraging the proprietary Maximo and Max IQ technologies. Max Installation Services leverages industrial robotics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence to automate the end-to-end mechanical installation of solar modules. Max Installation Services partners with solar installers to lighten crew loads and accelerate deployments to meet their goals.
In what ways is Maximo more efficient than standard solar module installation?
Maximo installs modules twice as fast as standard mechanical installation processes while reducing the number of crew members required per project. Maximo can be run by installation crews of two people — one to drive the system and the other to ensure everything is in place as the robot installs each row of modules.
Staging and site preparation work are nearly identical to site prep and staging for traditional installation. Maximo is mechanically calibrated to ensure that its onboard systems are adjusted for the appropriate solar module and hardware used on the job site.
Is Maximo different from other robotic solar installation solutions?
Maximo is the only construction automation solution that provides the full end-to-end mechanical installation of solar modules directly in the field. Maximo is technology agnostic to adapt to any solar module, and its use cases are quickly expanding to a wide range of clamps, rails, and trackers. Max IQ tracks and continuously learns from solar installation data. This results in advanced analytics and insights that help solar developers and EPCs better predict project costs and timelines and optimize future projects.
Advancements in computer vision, artificial intelligence and robotics have made it possible to automate tasks which just a few years ago would have been impossible to execute efficiently and cost-effectively. Maximo combines a series of sensors, cameras, and advanced computer vision and artificial intelligence / neural network algorithms to identify the tracker structure, modules and other surroundings at solar construction projects, which serve as reference for the next module to be installed.
How does Max IQ support and benefit solar installations?
Max IQ powers a user-friendly dashboard that enables operators to monitor the status of each Maximo unit, provides improved forecasting and risk mitigation, and unlocks operational insights and visibility.
Max IQ empowers construction managers and Maximo engineers to make data-driven decisions at the unit and fleet level to enhance operational efficiency and ensure seamless project execution. By providing real-time insights into robot performance and construction progress, it transforms complex workflows into streamlined processes and serves as the source of truth for solar plant development
How does Maximo perform on challenging terrains and in harsh environments?
Maximo has been extensively tested and validated in a variety of conditions and job sites to ensure that it can perform in almost any weather condition, lighting condition, or terrain type. It has successfully deployed more than 20 megawatts of solar modules to date. Maximo’s core robotics technology allows for the system to be positioned in a wide array of orientations and place each panel in the appropriate position. The system has tracks that enable it to maneuver on a variety of ground conditions, including in sandy, muddy, and bumpy environments.
The system has great potential to solve problems in extreme desert conditions where working conditions are most challenging and to support solar teams installing modules on the tallest trackers. Maximo allows crews to install safely from the ground at the click of a button.
How does Maximo make solar module installation safer?
Maximo reduces injury risk by eliminating repetitive heavy lifting and bending for installation crew members. Its advanced sensing technology detects people in the area and stops operation to prevent incidents, and the system includes a safety switch held by the operator for extra assurance. Its ability to install modules on higher tracks and operate in harsh environments such as deserts reduces the highest risk human work.
What makes Maximo different from other solar robots on the market?
Maximo is the only construction automation solution that provides the full end-to-end mechanical installation of solar modules directly in the field. The solar robot results in faster installation and creates safer working conditions, as construction teams do not need to lift heavy commercial solar panels – nor bend to place them – therefore reducing the risk of injury.
Maximo is technology agnostic to adapt to any solar module, and quickly expanding to a wide range of clamps, rails and trackers, which enables Maximo to install solar projects with single-axis trackers. Maximo tracks solar installation data, giving EPCs full visibility into their site's construction status.
How fast is Maximo?
Maximo works with solar construction teams to automate construction projects and install modules twice as fast as standard mechanical installation processes.
Has Maximo been tested in real conditions?
Maximo has been extensively tested and validated in a variety of conditions and job sites to ensure that it can perform in almost any weather condition, lighting condition, or terrain type.
It has successfully deployed nearly 10 megawatts of solar modules to date.
Are Maximo’s materials designed to withstand outdoor environments?
Yes, Maximo was built to sustainably operate in uncontrolled outdoor conditions.
What is Maximo’s power source?
Maximo runs on a mobile microgrid, using lithium-ion iron phosphate batteries as a power source. AC / DC inverters and phase converters supply the three-phase electric power required to run the larger components.
Is Maximo prepared to overcome problems in the field?
Maximo is equipped with a variety of controls and safety measures that allow it to work reliably in the field. The solar robot’s AI-enabled computer vision system detects any inconsistencies in the installation process and self-corrects to minimize any interruptions. The Maximo User Interface enables the operator to monitor the status of the Maximo unit, including the vision system and battery charge state.
How does the computer vision system work? Does it have sensors to calculate distances?
Maximo combines a series of sensors, cameras, and advanced computer vision and artificial intelligence / neural network algorithms to identify the tracker structure, modules and other surroundings at solar construction projects, which serve as reference for the next module to be installed.
Has this kind of technology been successful in other backgrounds and industries?
Advancements in computer vision, artificial intelligence and robotics have made it possible to automate tasks which just a few years ago would have been impossible to execute efficiently and cost-effectively. Applications of these advancements have been successful and are being increasingly adopted in other industries such as electronics, agriculture and automotives. In the solar industry, AI technology has been used to automate processes like preventative maintenance and module cleaning.
How is Maximo’s panel box replenished?
Solar panel boxes can be replenished with most skid steers or telehandlers, which easily lift a pallet of modules and load it into the module storage space through Maximo’s back panel.
How does Maximo move within solar installation sites?
Maximo is assisted by a human operator to move between rows on a solar construction site, and a skid steer driver tows the robot.
What are the optimal use cases for Maximo?
While we envision Maximo to have widespread use in every type of solar construction project that uses trackers , this system has great potential to solve problems in extreme desert conditions where working conditions are the hardest and where (in the US) installation jobs are harder to fill.
We also see a major benefit for solar module construction teams installing modules on the tallest trackers. Safety hazards surrounding working at heights lead to slower production rates. Maximo allows crews to install safely from the ground at the click of a button.
What is the preparation work for implementing Maximo?
- Site preparation: Staging and site preparation work are nearly identical to site prep and staging for traditional installation.
- Maximo-specific preparation: Maximo is mechanically calibrated to ensure that its onboard systems are adjusted for the appropriate solar module and hardware used on the job site.
How many people are required for Maximo’s operation?
Maximo can be run by installation crews of two people. One person drives the system, and the other runs the machine and ensures everything is in place as the robot installs each row.
Is Maximo designed for robustness against site variability like slopes and wetlands?
Maximo’s core robotics technology allows for the system to be positioned in a wide array of orientations and place each panel in the appropriate position. The system has tracks that enable it to maneuver on a variety of ground conditions, including in sandy, muddy, and bumpy environments.
How closely does Maximo work with hardware and tracker manufacturers?
Maximo works within the supply chain that exists today. We continue to work with module and tracker OEMs to integrate the latest technology as it is released. It is technology agnostic, adaptable to any solar module and quickly expanding to a wide range of clamps, rails and trackers. The Maximo team collaborates closely with tracker manufacturers to ensure seamless operations on current product offerings and to stay ahead of hardware revisions.