The objectives
The ROBO&M project aims to improve the maintenance and monitoring of photovoltaic systems: the main goal is to increase efficiency and reduce operational costs of interventions through the use of autonomous robotic solutions. Specifically, to achieve the project’s goal, solutions based on robots and drones will be developed, integrated with vision systems capable of quickly and accurately identifying any anomalies that may reduce the efficiency of the panels and, therefore, the production of electrical energy.
The objectives include greater operational efficiency, reduced maintenance costs, improved quality of inspections, and technological advancement with the development of a digital platform for autonomous management and data analysis. The project, which lasts 36 months, was made possible thanks to the financial support of the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The contribution of 1.015.420,06 euros will allow the development of advanced technologies and innovative solutions, which are essential to achieve the project’s objectives and improve the competitiveness of the renewable energy sector.
The role of Deltamax
Deltamax’s role in the ROBO&M project will be to develop algorithms to analyze the images collected by the robots and drones in order to detect anomalies in photovoltaic panels, such as dirt, physical damage, and degradation. These anomalies can compromise the efficiency of the panels, negatively affecting the amount of energy produced.
The real challenge will be to create a system capable of functioning in difficult environmental conditions, ensuring high-quality images and, consequently, accurate diagnosis. We will integrate these systems with the digital platform developed by our partners, enabling automated management of maintenance activities. This approach will not only improve the quality of inspections but also allow for more effective planning of interventions, reducing time and operational costs.
Our partners
The ROBO&M project involves close collaboration among several actors, each of whom has well-defined tasks in which to apply their important expertise.
Eurac Research has been working in the photovoltaic module and system sector for over 15 years, verifying performance and reliability. It will handle the identification of the technical requirements and necessary sensors, coordinating the testing of the developed solutions to ensure that the entire system is efficient, reliable, and ready for field implementation. https://www.eurac.edu/it
Fraunhofer Italia is the Italian branch of Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft, the important German research institute founded in 1949. It will be responsible for the development and integration of the robots and sensors used for the inspection of photovoltaic systems. https://www.fraunhofer.it/
Saidea is a company of the Delta Informatica group specializing in ICT services and the creation of custom management software. In the ROBO&M project, it will focus specifically on developing the platform that will collect and process data gathered in the field, as well as manage the automated interventions. https://www.saidea.it/
Watt Service is a company that designs and builds photovoltaic systems for third parties, providing its clients with additional services, from handling the bureaucratic procedures for obtaining the necessary permits for the construction of photovoltaic parks to their maintenance, currently performed on systems that produce more than 150MW in total. Their experience will be essential in bringing the proposed solutions into everyday reality, immediately developing functional and effective systems. https://www.wattservice.eu/it/
