Nextracker, a top solar technology provider, introduced a new AI and robotics division with major technology acquisitions and leadership expansion. The company also named its first Chief AI and Robotics Officer as part of its strategic growth plan. Over the past year, Nextracker has invested more than $40 million into acquiring three cutting-edge AI and robotics technologies. These additions strengthen the company’s digital platform while improving deployment, quality, and long-term return on investment for solar power projects.
To lead this new initiative, Nextracker appointed Dr. Francesco Borrelli as Chief AI and Robotics Officer. Dr. Borrelli, a leader in predictive control systems, brings decades of expertise in autonomous technologies. His experience spans robotics, automotive, and industrial sectors. Now, he will guide the integration of AI and robotics into Nextracker’s systems to boost global innovation and scalability.
“With millions of sensors active across 100 gigawatts of solar systems globally, Nextracker is primed to use AI and robotics at scale,” said Dan Shugar, Nextracker CEO. “Dr. Borrelli’s leadership will help us unlock deeper insights and deliver smarter actions, improving ROI for our global customer base.”
Dr. Borrelli added, “To meet energy demands, solar operations need autonomous technology. I am thrilled to drive the next wave of innovation at Nextracker turning sensor data into real-time intelligence that boosts solar plant performance and speeds up deployment.”
In its latest move, Nextracker acquired OnSight Technology, known for AI-powered inspection and fire detection tools for solar plants. These solutions predict failures and optimize site health. With this acquisition, OnSight’s team has joined Nextracker, and its products are now available in the United States, with international expansion planned soon.
“Joining Nextracker helps us advance our mission to bring robotics to solar,” said Derek Chase, OnSight CEO. “Together, we can deploy smart diagnostics faster and enhance ROI for solar operators.”
Additionally, Nextracker disclosed two recent acquisitions:
- SenseHawk IP (August 2024): Offers AI-driven drone imagery and high-resolution 3D mapping of solar project sites. This technology enables accurate digital modeling and aligns with Nextracker’s optimization software.
- Amir Robotics (March 2025): Created a waterless robotic cleaner for solar panels. The cleaner operates daily at utility-scale plants and is under testing at commercial sites. It reduces dust-related energy loss and integrates into Nextracker’s digital systems.
“Sheldon Kimber, CEO of Intersect Power, praised the strategy, saying, “We adopted OnSight’s robotics early on. Nextracker is now well-positioned to scale these AI and robotics solutions for global solar operations.”
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