Burns & McDonnell, Gritt partner on AI solar robots

The partnership between Burns & McDonnell and Gritt is grounded in a shared belief that AI and robotics can support, not replace, construction workers. The companies have already tested the technology over the past year at multiple utility-scale solar sites, suggesting the collaboration moves beyond theoretical planning into real-world evaluation.

Gritt's focus on retrofitting standard construction equipment rather than requiring entirely new machinery could lower barriers to adoption. By continuously learning from field conditions, the systems are intended to become more effective over time, which is key to making physical AI practical for large infrastructure projects.

Burns & McDonnell's interest extends beyond solar, as leaders see potential in applying the technology across critical infrastructure. This partnership is positioned as an early step in a broader shift, but the immediate focus remains on the solar construction sites where the technology has already been tested.