AES Atlas First-of-its-Kind Robot to Accelerate Solar Construction.
AES unveils Atlas, cutting-edge AI-enabled solar installation technology complementing existing construction programs and bolstering high-tech jobs in the US.
Atlas is a new solar installation robot that is the first of its type. Atlas is a significant advancement in solar energy technology, allowing the construction of new solar plants faster, more efficient, and safer. Atlas was developed by AES over the course of several years in collaboration with Calvary Robotics and other third parties.
According to BNEF, 455 GW of new solar facilities would be required each year through 2030 for markets and organizations to stay on schedule to meet their net-zero emissions pledges, which is more than three times the amount of capacity built-in 2020. Electricity is critical to achieving net-zero energy, and solar energy is becoming a more appealing alternative as one of the most cost-effective and abundant renewable energy sources. AES’s new Atlas robot allows for the large-scale deployment of additional solar resources to help fulfill the need for cleaner energy.
“Stakeholder commitment to a net-zero carbon energy future has never been higher, but our industry risks not being able to achieve this goal if we continue to adopt clean energy at the current pace,” said Chris Shelton, AES Senior Vice President and Chief Product Officer. “The AI-enabled, first-of-its-kind Atlas robot automates the construction of new solar resources, enabling a safer work environment, shorter project timelines and lower overall energy costs.”
Atlas will be used by AES teams to build new solar projects as a next-generation tool. Atlas will supplement our professional staff by keeping them safe and executing heavy lifting, solar module placement, and attachment, as well as creating new high-tech jobs.
“We are proud of the work that we’ve been able to do with AES in the development of Atlas at our Webster, New York headquarters. Calvary is focused on utilizing our expertise in advanced manufacturing to meet customer needs,” said Michael Marseglia, Calvary Robotics Vice President for Robotics and Technology. “To achieve this vision, we must rely on our most valuable assets, our talented people working together. We strive to create an environment rich with opportunity for learning, advancement and personal fulfillment.”
In addition to Atlas, AES’ other innovations and investments to reimagine solar energy from co-creating new solutions to meet customer needs through operations and maintenance include:
- Combining solar energy with other technologies to work around the clock for customers through our product that guarantees 24/7 clean energy on an hourly basis;
- Investing in 5B and its MAVERICK technology, which enables the deployment of solar resources three times as fast to deliver twice the amount of energy on the same amount of land;
- Pioneering the world’s first DC-coupled solar plus battery storage solutions providing dispatchable clean energy; and
- Deploying solar robots from Ecoppia to automate the cleaning of panels to ensure peak performance.
About AES
The AES Corporation (NYSE: AES) is a Fortune 500 global energy company accelerating the future of energy. Together with our many stakeholders, we’re improving lives by delivering the greener, smarter energy solutions the world needs. Our diverse workforce is committed to continuous innovation and operational excellence while partnering with our customers on their strategic energy transitions and continuing to meet their energy needs today. For more information, visit AES Reimagining Solar.