Solar Power World
By Kelly Pickerel | August 25, 2026
Burns & McDonnell and Gritt have entered into a strategic partnership focused on evaluating and deploying AI-powered robotics technology on utility-scale solar projects. The technology will help improve safety, enhance project predictability and support construction teams as demand for new energy infrastructure continues to grow.
Gritt combines AI and robotics to automate labor-intensive tasks on construction sites. The company builds intelligent systems that can be attached to standard construction equipment, which can then autonomously handle tasks like placing and assembling solar arrays, pouring concrete and laying rebar.
The partnership brings together the integrated EPC capabilities of Burns & McDonnell with Gritt’s AI-powered software and robotics platform to create new opportunities and address labor challenges, improve efficiency and advance innovation in solar construction.
Over the past year, Burns & McDonnell and Gritt have collaborated to evaluate robotic solar installation technologies in real-world construction environments. The companies have tested Gritt’s technology at multiple utility-scale solar sites.
“Solar construction is very repetitive work, lifting 80-lb modules day after day,” said Adam Bernardi, renewables business line director at Burns & McDonnell. “As solar installations continue to grow in scale, we have an opportunity to leverage technology in ways that help our teams work safer, faster and smarter. By helping crews handle some of the most repetitive and physically demanding tasks, Gritt offers a solution that can improve safety while helping us deliver projects more predictably.”
Unlike robotics solutions designed for controlled factory environments, Gritt’s technology is built specifically for outdoor construction sites, where terrain, weather and site conditions can vary significantly. The company’s AI-powered systems are designed to assist crews with repetitive installation activities while continuously learning from field operations.
“The future of construction won’t be humans or robots; it will be humans and robots working together,” said Puneet Puri, CEO and co-founder of Gritt. “Our mission is to help civilization build infrastructure faster. Working alongside leading EPC firms like Burns & McDonnell allows us to deploy our technology in real project environments, learn from experienced builders and continuously improve the intelligence behind our systems. Together, we’re creating tools that can help the industry meet growing infrastructure demands while supporting the workforce that makes it all possible.”
Automation and robotics are getting popular in the solar industry, with companies developing construction aids and panel installation devices. Some recent developments include Xpanner’s devices for skid steers, the Maximo solar panel installation effort by AES and the Terabase automated installer.
Kelly Pickerel has more than 15 years of experience reporting on the U.S. solar industry and is currently editor in chief of Solar Power World. Email Kelly.

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