An autonomous solar pile driver built on a Cat 335.
In March 2023 Built Robotics launched the RPD 35, which it called the world's first fully autonomous solar piling system.
How it works
The RPD 35 is built around a Caterpillar 335 excavator. It surveys, distributes, drives and inspects piles, using RTK GPS and onboard pile baskets.
Claimed speed
Built said a two-person crew could install more than 300 piles a day, up to five times faster than conventional methods.
Why it matters
Utility-scale solar means tens of thousands of piles per site. That is the kind of repetitive work robots suit best.
Sources
Source: prnewswire.com
Source: roboticsandautomationnews.com
Built Robotics