Weekly Brief

Reap Benefits by Utilizing Robotics in the Renewable Energy Sector

By Olivia Smith, Utilities Tech Outlook | Saturday, December 19, 2020

In order to achieve greater competence and sustainability, AI and automation are essential elements in a broader picture of energy efficiency.

Fremont, CA: As technology continues to expand through global industries, robotics holds the key to improving accuracy, precision and cost savings. However, robotics can also play a key role in the field of energy sustainability. This is especially true as one considers the environmental benefits of automation.

It is already established that robotics can help protect the oceans in many ways, from improving wastewater treatment to improving fuel efficiency on ships. This shows that robotic assistance can have a positive impact on the renewable energy market.

Robotic assistance in the area of solar energy proves to be most useful. For example, the process of producing solar energy can be mechanized and simplified with the aid of robotics. Robots may also perform critical tasks that are harmful to humans, such as scraping dust from solar cells. The removal of dust is essential to the maximum performance of solar energy systems, especially in dust-prone regions.

Energy Efficiency: Challenges and Advantages

The application of robotics in the alternative energy field poses a range of challenges. One of the main problems is the new power grid, mainly designed to move electricity from large gas and coal-fired power plants. As a result, most power grids are outmoded and need to be overhauled before renewable energy can be precisely implemented as a potential source of power.

Experts believe that new approaches to power grid design are necessary for the future of the energy sector. Smart power grids will respond by incorporating a variety of renewable energy sources and helping utility companies to minimize outages. In order to achieve greater competence and sustainability, AI and automation are essential elements in a broader picture of energy efficiency.

Robotic assistance can also help to conserve natural resources while refining quality. For example, in response to the danger to salmon stocks in dams, an innovative solution has been implemented by one laboratory. Tiny devices, called sensor fish, were introduced into the rivers surrounding the dams in the area. When submerged, the robotic fish sensor then gathers data such as water pressure and orientation. Information obtained by sensor fish is expected to help dam operators and engineers build and operate hydropower plants in an environmentally friendly manner. In this way, robotic assistance will catalyze the more diligent and environmentally sustainable design and operation of hydropower plants.