CSIRO’s All Terrain Robot was trialled on an operational solar farm.
Photo by
Contributed
Australia’s largest solar farms are getting a high‑tech helping hand, with robots developed by CSIRO set to take on some of the toughest and most hazardous maintenance work.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
The AI‑powered robotic system has been successfully trialled on large‑scale solar farms, where workers can currently spend long days walking kilometres of uneven, baking ground to inspect photovoltaic panels.
In summer, ground temperatures can soar, increasing safety risks and costs.
Originally designed for the mining industry, the autonomous robots have been repurposed to navigate solar farms in all terrain and weather conditions.
They build detailed digital maps of sites, avoid hazards and use artificial intelligence to inspect thousands of solar panels with speed and precision.
Large solar farms can generate more than 500 megawatts of electricity, enough to power over 300,000 homes, but maintenance is constant.
The robots can automatically detect dust build‑up, bird droppings, insect nests, damaged panels, loose bolts, wiring faults and hotspots that reduce efficiency over time.
They are equipped with advanced sensors including three‑dimensional mapping, high‑resolution cameras for visual inspection and thermal cameras that identify electrical issues invisible to the human eye.
CSIRO senior photovoltaic engineer Kenrick Anderson said early detection of faults was key to keeping solar farms operating efficiently.
“If solar farms cost less to run and produce more consistent power, it increases the stability of the energy grid,” Mr Anderson said.
Ross Dungavell undertaking field trials at a solar farm under construction in Queensland.
Photo by
Contributed
Senior robotics engineer Ross Dungavell said the technology also addressed workforce challenges in remote areas.
“Often you can’t get people to work long periods in harsh conditions,” Mr Dungavell said.
“The robot can log and store every piece of data it captures.”
Beyond safety and efficiency, the technology is expected to support skilled regional jobs, shifting workers into technical roles such as robotics support, data analysis and targeted repair work.
CSIRO is continuing trials across Australia and is working with industry partners to roll out the technology more widely as the nation’s renewable energy sector grows.
20°C