Pilot Test Launches for Semi-Autonomous Lift-Assist Vehicle in Construction
Moog Construction recently conducted a field trial for its semi-autonomous lift-assist vehicle near Niagara Falls, USA. The trial showcased the machine’s capability to assist solar field workers in installing PV panels effectively.
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Famous solar project designer and developing company Montante Solar orchestrated the field test with Moog Construction’s semi-auto lift-assist vehicle "CrewMate" at a solar project atop a closed landfill.
The rough and steep terrain was said to be a good trail for the vehicle’s leveling system and capability to climb and maneuver with the installer.
On the project site, CrewMate carried solar panel pallets over and over – each pallet loaded with up to 31 large-sized PV panels – while closely following installers using the CrewMate lift assist to pick up each 83-pound panel and set it onto the field’s solar module stands.
CrewMate followed the workers between solar stands until finishing its pallet of Solar panels while its safety sensors kept it a safe distance from installers and objects.
Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the need for solar PV installers is projected to grow 22% until 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.
“The CrewMate is a revolution we’re confident can boost productivity safely and help in managing the growing demand for new solar fields and skilled installers,” said Steven Erck, Vice President of Montante Solar. “The solar panels in this field test are among the largest and heaviest installed by crews; CrewMate makes installation work hassle free that’s often done in high temperatures and sometimes in remote areas.”
CrewMate the semi-auto lift-assist vehicle also helps decrease the potential panel breakage and eliminate injuries to installers, sprains, and strains from over and over again lifting and moving PV panels.
At Moog Construction the business director for Autonomy and Robotics Dave Grabau said “CrewMate easily consolidates with ConOps,”.
“Unlike other fully robotic solutions, CrewMate keeps humans actively engaged in the process. A fully autonomous robot would demand extreme precision, especially with challenges like ground instability and racking. Collaborative robots (cobots) like CrewMate simplify this complexity, making operations smoother and safer.”
The CrewMate lift-assist vehicle will soon engage in a larger pilot project to help installers to construct a solar field at a new location later this year.
