SMUD runs three robot dogs that inspect substations across a system of more than 270 substations and 400 large transformers. In this Energy Central episode, SMUD's Eric Poff explains why catching a faulty $2,000 component can save a $4 million transformer, and what it takes to turn a pilot into standard practice. It is a utility putting a dollar figure on what one robot inspection catch is worth.
Foundry Robotics raised a $100 million Series A led by Marlinspike to build robot cells trained on reusable assembly skills, so one factory can build many kinds of hardware without a dedicated line for each. Its 130,000-square-foot Bay Area factory targets wire harnesses, underwater vehicles, satellites, drones and telecom gear. The bet is flexible capacity for low-volume, high-mix assembly.
At Saudi Aramco's Yanbu refinery, optimization algorithms adjust production in a closed loop with operators overseeing, while at Ras Tanura the same kind of algorithms only recommend and operators decide. SCG Chemicals reports 99% plant reliability and a ninefold return within six months from an AI-supported digital twin. Same company, two refineries, two levels of autonomy is how most plants will actually adopt it.
Vertiv reported Q3 net sales of $4.313 billion, up 61%, with organic orders up more than 100% and full-year sales guidance raised by $650 million. The Americas grew 75%, and the company says it is expanding capacity to keep up with data center power and cooling demand. Read with GE Vernova, it shows how fast power gear is selling.
