Biz Briefs: Partnerships and Expansions in Robots, EV Chargers, and More

To develop technology, leaders must make sharp and timely business decisions. The latest moves include a facility expansion in California for customized components and funding to support robotic inspections of high-voltage transmission in Scotland. In Oklahoma, the electrical preparation for a lithium refiner is underway. Meanwhile, the design for a robotic solar-panel installation system is ready for manufacture, and an electric vehicle charging company has made a deal with a major automaker.

Business strategies involved EVs, solar panels, facility expansions, and electrical infrastructure. Adapted from images used courtesy of Triad Magnetics, Ross Robotics, Wallbox, and Canva

Facility Expansion for Triad Magnetics

Triad Magnetics has opened a $1.2 million production facility at its California headquarters for onsite manufacturing and in-house engineering design services. The facility will supplement Triad’s factory in the Philippines. The U.S location will allow Triad to quickly turn around products to meet unique needs.

Six full-time production specialists will work with the small-scale components for unique needs. Custom manufacturing will include audio, planar, power, toroidal, and switch-mode transformers, current sensors, and inductors. In the U.S., Triad produces winding (automated, toroidal, fine wire, and copper foil), planar assembly, varnishing, and potting.

SSEN Transmission Secures £300,000 for HVDC Development

The Scottish and Southern Electricity Networks (SSEN) has received £300,000 in funding from the Strategic Innovation Fund to support network innovation. The funding includes £149,612 for the ODIN project, which aims to develop automated methods for analyzing data from robots monitoring and inspecting high voltage direct current (HVDC) areas.

“Haggis,” the robotic HVDC asset inspector. Image used courtesy of SSEN Transmission

SSEN Transmission uses the autonomous robots, developed by Ross Robotics, to check its

Blackhillock HVDC switching station in Aberdeenshire. The robot is officially named EXTRM MK4.1 but is called “Haggis.” The robot can detect faults and determine future maintenance requirements. With the new funding, SSEN will develop artificial intelligence and machine learning to interpret Haggis’ data. The project aims to learn about HVDC asset behavior to support operational efficiency, grid reliability, and the transition to net-zero.

The remaining £139,663 will fund the project RAPID, which will plan routes for new overhead line projects. SSEN Transmission will work with the National Energy Systems Operator and other transmission operators to standardize the route selection process.

Stardust Power, OG&E To Develop Lithium Processing Infrastructure

Stardust Power has partnered with Oklahoma Gas and Electric Company (OG&E) to advance the development of a lithium refinery on a 66-acre site in Muskogee. Stardust Power’s long-term usage commitment will pay for the engineering and construction of an electric substation to support the refinery’s operations, which could have power load requirements of up to 40 MW. The project will also upgrade regional transmission systems and high-capacity electrical service.

The first phase is to construct a production line that can handle up to 25,000 metric tons annually. The second phase will add a second line of 25,000 metric tons, for a total of 50,000 metric tons per year.

Concept of lithium refinery facility. Image used courtesy of Stardust Power

When completed, the lithium refinery will be among the largest in North America. It will provide a domestic supply of lithium for batteries in electric vehicles, military technologies, energy storage systems, and other applications. The company procures lithium from underground brine and recycled wastewater from oil and gas production.

Rosendin PV-Installing Robots Ready for Manufacturing

Rosendin has begun taking offers for its three-piece robotic system for installing solar panels. The company will evaluate proposals based on manufacturing capabilities, market reach, and commitment to renewable energy infrastructure. Those interested in manufacturing or commercializing the system can own it or rent it out to solar developers.

The decision follows a successful demonstration in April, where the robots used GPS and KMZ mapping to accurately position solar panels within 2 mm, used LiDAR to detect obstacles, and performed other autonomous operations. A small electric crew using the robotic system can install panels in half the time as an all-manual crew.

The robot placing a solar panel. Image used courtesy of Rosendin

Wallbox and Nissan Canada Partner on Home EV Charging

Wallbox has partnered with Nissan Canada to launch RocketEV, a nationwide integrated network of home chargers for Nissan electric vehicles. The deal allows Nissan EV drivers who purchase Wallbox’s Pulsar Plus charger to receive installation through their local Nissan dealer. The Pulsar Plus, available in 40 A or 48 A, is compatible with all EVs. Both are Level 2 chargers. The compact charger can be installed indoors or outdoors.