As part of the Horizon Europe-funded ARISE project, Probotica is developing an advanced autonomous mobile platform tailored for efficient operation within solar farm environments. The objective in this task is to create a mobile platform capable of reliably navigating along rows of solar panels while carrying sophisticated pneumatic manipulators designed for autonomous maintenance and inspection. This technology aims to support human workers, boost operational efficiency, and significantly enhance safety in the renewable energy sector.

Navigating Unstructured Terrain

A significant engineering challenge involves enabling the platform to function effectively in unstructured outdoor environments, characterised by irregular terrain and dynamic, unpredictable obstacles. To address this, they are designing a highly complex mechanical architecture that integrates durable electric drives, powerful motors, and advanced steering mechanisms. These elements allow the platform to manoeuvre precisely within narrow panel corridors while maintaining stability under load. Building on this foundation, they conducted targeted testing and fine-tuned ROS 2 controller parameters to adapt system behavior to rough terrain conditions.

Intelligent Power & Perception

The energy system must be carefully designed to account for the platform’s robustness, motor requirements, and the power demands of other ARISE subsystems. They are working on implementing high-capacity batteries combined with intelligent power management electronics to ensure reliable long-duration operation. This approach balances energy efficiency and performance, even under demanding workloads. In collaboration with other project partners, they are also integrating advanced sensors for autonomous navigation and perception, enabling the platform to make real-time decisions in dynamic environments.

Towards a Sustainable Future

As the ARISE project moves forward, Probotica’s mobile platform will undergo extensive field testing to validate its capabilities and robustness. By overcoming both mechanical and system-level challenges, their work contributes to the broader vision of intelligent, sustainable automation in solar energy and agriculture.