Nextracker, a solar tracker and related technologies provider, has launched a new artificial intelligence and robotics business initiative. Over the last year, the company has invested over $40 million to acquire three AI and robotics technologies. These acquisitions build on Nextracker’s end-to-end digital platform for solar power plant deployment.
Credit: Nextracker
Nextracker acquired OnSight Technology, an autonomous robotic inspection and fire detection system for solar power plants. OnSight’s AI-driven tools use predictive maintenance by identifying and forecasting common mechanical and electrical failures, helping asset owners reduce operational risk, improve uptime and manage site health. OnSight’s team of robotics engineers, field operations specialists and product developers have joined Nextracker, and Onsight products are now commercially available in the United States 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 one, 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 related acquisitions:
- SenseHawk IP (August 2024): IP that creates high-resolution 3D maps of solar project sites using AI-enabled drone imagery. The maps support geolocation and digital model alignment for site commissioning and integrates with optimization software such as TrueCapture®.
- Amir Robotics (March 2025): Developer of a lightweight, water-free robotic cleaning technology designed for daily operation at large-scale solar sites. This solution will be integrated into Nextracker’s existing data infrastructure to reduce soil-related yield loss and is 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.”
News item from Nextracker