Nextracker invests in field robotics and AI for solar power plants

image of the onsight technology inspection robot.

Nextracker OnSight is an AI-driven robotics inspection and fire detection systems for solar power plants. | Credit: Nextracker

Nextracker is launching a business initiative focused on artificial intelligence and robotics. The company has already invested over $40 million in the past year to acquire three key technologies and has appointed its first chief AI and robotics officer.

These strategic acquisitions will strengthen Nextracker’s digital platform, aiming to improve the deployment and reliability of solar power plants. The company‘s ultimate goal is to enhance the long-term return on investment (ROI) for asset owners.

“With millions of sensors and control nodes already deployed over approximately 100 GW of operating systems in 40 countries, Nextracker has a unique opportunity to harness AI and robotics at scale,” stated Dan Shugar, founder and CEO of Nextracker.

Nextracker appoints chief AI and robotics officer

Nextracker has appointed Dr. Francesco Borrelli as chief AI and robotics officer, a newly created executive role. A pioneer in predictive control systems, Dr. Borrelli brings decades of experience developing and commercializing autonomous technologies across robotics, automotive, and industrial sectors.

In his new role, Borrelli will lead the integration of AI, machine learning, and advanced robotics into Nextracker’s products and strategies to support global scalability and long-term innovation.

“Dr. Borelli brings the vision and expertise to lead this evolution, allowing us to deliver deeper insights, timely and incisive actions, and greater customer ROI across our global technology platform,” Shugar said.

“Scaling solar to meet global energy demand requires a new level of autonomy in how we build and operate power plants,” said Borrelli. “I’m excited to join Nextracker in this role and help lead the integration of AI and robotics—turning field data into real-time action that drives solar plant performance, reduces risk, and accelerates deployment.”

OnSight’s autonomous mobile robot inspects solar panels during patrols at a solar farm. | Credit: Nextracker

OnSight the latest technology acquisition

As a key component of its digital and robotics platform, Nextracker acquired OnSight Technology, a pioneer in autonomous inspection and fire-detection systems for solar power plants. OnSight said its AI-driven tools enable predictive maintenance by identifying and forecasting common mechanical and electrical failures, helping asset owners reduce operational risk, improve uptime, and manage site health proactively.

OnSight’s team of robotics engineers, field operations specialists, and product developers have joined Nextracker, and its products are now commercially available in the U.S. with a global rollout planned for next year.

“Joining Nextracker is an exciting new chapter for OnSight Technology,” said Derek Chase, CEO of OnSight. “From Day 1, our mission has been to bring advanced robotics and intelligence into the solar field. Together with Nextracker, we can deliver smarter diagnostics at scale to improve response time, reduce risk, and strengthen ROI.”

Nextracker also announced two previously undisclosed acquisitions. In August 2024, it acquired SenseHawk IP, which enables the creation of high-resolution 3D as-built maps of solar project sites using AI-enabled drone-captured imagery. The maps support precise geolocation and digital model alignment to enhance site commissioning and integration with optimization software such as TrueCapture.

In March 2025, Nextracker acquired Amir Robotics, which has developed a lightweight, water-free robotic cleaning technology designed for daily operation at large-scale solar sites. It will integrate the system into its existing data infrastructure to reduce soil-related yield loss. Amir Robotics’ robots are currently being tested at several commercial sites.

“Integrating robotics and AI into Nextracker’s technology platform is a smart move,” said Sheldon Kimber, CEO of Intersect Power. “We were early adopters of OnSight’s robotic inspection technology and believe that Nextracker has the expertise and global footprint to scale these types of products and services to multi-gigawatt deployment levels.”