The increasing use of robotics in renewable energy construction and infrastructure reflects a broader global trend that is driven by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), robotics and automation.[1] As AI continues to evolve, the use of robotics and maximising automation has shifted from a productivity-enhancing convenience to a strategic necessity in Australia’s clean energy transition.[2]
Using robotics to meet net-zero targets
Achieving net zero by 2050 requires over 800 GW of solar to be installed annually by the early 2030s. Human labour alone cannot deliver at this pace, with inefficiencies, fatigue and weather risks creating costly delays. Robotic manufacturers and installers offer scalable solutions that reduce reliance on large workforces and provide predictable scheduling. Shanghai’s Leapting Technology has demonstrated this potential, with its robot installing 480 panels per day; three to five times faster than a human crew.[3] The adoption of a robotic workforce for such installation-based tasks has multiple benefits.
- Overcoming human risks and limitations
Construction remains one of the most hazardous industries in Australia, with large-scale solar projects posing WHS risks such as strain injuries, falls, heat stress, and weather exposure.[4] Further, traditional safety controls have limits, creating a need for new solutions.
Robotics provide a safer alternative by handling heavy, repetitive and high-risk tasks without fatigue, while workers transition to lower-risk supervisory or technical roles. This improves safety outcomes, supports WHS compliance, reduces insurance costs and enhances project delivery, particularly in large-scale developments.[5]
- Improving project cost efficiency
Utility-scale solar projects are often built in remote regions, where transporting and housing workers and providing basic amenities adds major logistical and cost pressures. Hidden labour costs such as compensation claims, higher insurance premiums and downtime from injuries, or staff relocation costs create additional financial burdens for project proponents.
Robotics reduce these burdens by limiting workforce requirements, cutting reliance on temporary infrastructure, and enabling smaller support crews.[6] This leaner approach lowers transport, accommodation and support costs, with ARENA projecting that automation could help drive large-scale solar costs down to $20/MWh.[7]
- Offsetting labour and skill shortages
The energy transition will require up to 17,400 additional critical energy workers by 2030 and 37,600 by 2050. [8] However, Australia faces acute labour shortages in trades and construction, particularly in regional areas. This threatens project viability and the safety and quality of installations.
Robotics offer a practical solution. Systems like Leapting’s robot can perform the work of four human installers in a fraction of the time, reducing reliance on large on-site workforces and accelerating installation timelines.[9] By bridging labour gaps, robotics can provide the manufacturing and installation capacity required for net-zero by 2050.
- Curbing project delays and cost overruns[10]
Delays and cost overruns in large-scale renewables undermine timely project delivery. New solar farms may face up to one-third curtailment by 2027, while AEMO has confirmed a two-year delay to the VNI West interconnector. If you would like to read more about the risks of energy curtailment, see our article on the subject here.
By reducing delays and budget blowouts, robotics lower project risk, strengthen investor confidence and support critical grid and funding milestones.
Examples in practice
ARENA is funding robotic deployment through initiatives such as the $2.66m Australian Robotic Piling Deployment for Large Scale Solar program[11] and the Solar ScaleUp Challenge,[12] aimed at commercialising technologies that reduce labour reliance, improve safety and accelerate installation.
At the Culcairn Solar Farm, Leapting’s autonomous robot installed nearly 10,000 panels in ten weeks,[14] 25% faster and 30% cheaper than manual crews while removing workers from high-risk tasks.[15] Leapting plans to scale this work by installing up to 500,000 panels, as of May 2025 -signalling that robotic installation could soon become standard practice in Australia.[16]
ARENA recently contributed funding of $4.9 million to deploy Luminous Robotics’ ‘LUMI’; an AI-powered autonomous, tracked robotic system at two major utility-scale sites in NSW and Victoria. Luminous Robotics aims to operate at twice the speed of conventional crews, install approximately 3.5 MW per week with minimal oversight, and lower project costs by up to 6.2%.
Looking ahead: challenges and opportunities
Robotics is not yet a standalone solution. They perform best on level, open sites and cannot handle tasks like wiring or troubleshooting, meaning rooftop and complex projects still depend on human labour.[18] Robotic installation is also largely governed by existing legal and regulatory frameworks. However, there are certain gaps that raise significant issues, especially as robotic systems become more autonomous and widely used:
- WHS compliance
Existing WHS laws have been designed for human workers. It is unclear how risk assessments, incident reporting, and duty of care obligations will apply when robots enter the site, especially if the robot malfunctions or causes injury. [19]
- Product liability and duty of care
In cases of product defects, malfunction, or human oversight, it is unclear whether the developer, robotics manufacturer or contractor should bear responsibility for product liability and tort-based negligence, particularly because automated machines act independently.[20] Proponents may consider this risk in negotiating their development agreements.
- Industrial relations and workforce displacement
Currently, there is no legislation that governs workforce rights in relation to robotics. This may cause uncertainties around workforce displacement, enterprise bargaining agreements, and upskilling obligations.[21] Further, the social licensing cost of displacing entire workforces will be a critical juncture to be overcome in the wider scale adoption of robotics.
- Data privacy and cybersecurity
Advanced robotics systems often collect and transmit large volumes of operational data. Where these systems are remotely monitored or cloud-integrated, there may be exposure to cybersecurity risks, confidentiality and other breaches under the Privacy Act 1988 (Cth).
While robotics are not a perfect solution, they have demonstrated capability to enhance efficiency, reduce WHS risk and accelerate project development and delivery, positioning them as a key enabler in Australia’s pursuit of achieving net-zero emissions.
The Hamilton Locke team will interview Alan Fenelon from Solar Energy Robotics, one of two solar automation companies in Australia. Please see our Expert Insights section for the upcoming publication.
The Hamilton Locke team advises across the energy project life cycle – from project development, grid connection, financing, and construction, including the buying and selling of development and operating projects. For more information, please contact Matt Baumgurtel.
[1] Michael Bernard, ‘Meet the Robot Replacing Four Workers at a Time on Solar Projects’, CleanTechnica (Online Article, 25 April 2025) <https://cleantechnica.com/2025/04/25/meet-the-robot-replacing-four-workers-at-a-time-on-solar-projects/>.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Ibid.
[4] Frank Oudheusden and Chris Needham, ‘How Robotics is Reshaping Solar Module Installation’, PV Magazine, (Online Article, 29 April 2025) <https://www.pv-magazine-australia.com/2025/04/29/how-robotics-is-reshaping-solar-module-installation/>.
[5] Bernard (n 1).
[6] Oudheusden and Needham (n 4).
[7] Giles Parkinson, ‘More Confident Than Ever: Australia Set for Stunning Low Price for Solar, with Help of Robots and AI’, Renew Economy (Online Article, 23 May 2025) <https://reneweconomy.com.
au/more-confident-than-ever-australia-set-for-stunning-low-cost-for-solar-with-help-of-robots-and-ai/>.
[8] Tom Monaghan, ‘Australia’s Workforce Shortage: A Potential Obstacle on the Road to Net Zero’, Australian Energy Council (Online Article, 25 July 2025) <https://www.energycouncil.com.au/
analysis/australia-s-workforce-shortage-a-potential-obstacle-on-the-road-to-net-zero/>.
[9] Bernard (n 1).
[10] Ryan Cropp, ‘Solar Farms Forced to ‘Switch Off’ Due to Energy Grid Logjam’, Australian Financial Review (online, 11 July 2025) <https://www.afr.com/policy/energy-and-climate/solar-farms-forced-to-switch-off-due-to-energy-grid-logjam-20250710-p5mdw5>.
[11] ‘Australian Robotic Piling Deployment for Large Scale Solar’, Australian Renewable Energy Agency (Web Page) <https://arena.gov.au/projects/australian-robotic-piling-deployment-for-large-scale-solar/>.
[12] ‘LUMI Robots ScaleUp Solar Deployment with Advanced Automation’, Australian Renewable Energy Agency (Web Page, 2 July 2025) <https://arena.gov.au/news/lumi-robots-scaleup-solar-deployment-with-advanced-automation/>.
[13] Bernard (n 1).
[14] David Carroll, ‘Leapting Robot Completes Install of 10,000 PV Modules’, PV Magazine (Online Article, 23 April 2025) <https://www.pv-magazine-australia.com/2025/04/23/leapting-robot-completes-install-of-10000-pv-modules/>.
[15] Bernard (n 1); ‘Guide to managing the Risks of Rooftop Solar Installation Work’, Safe Work Australia (Guidance Material, August 2024) <https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/sites/default/files/2024-11/final_-_guide_to_managing_the_risks_of_rooftop_solar_installation_0_002.pdf>.
[16] Carroll (n 14).
[17] ‘LUMI Robots ScaleUp Solar Deployment with Advanced Automation’ (n 17).
[18] Blathnaid O’Dea, ‘Labour Shortages and Safety Prompt Developer Interest in Robot Workers’, PV Magazine (Online Article, 28 March 2025) <https://www.pv-magazine-australia.com/2025/03/28/labour-shortages-and-safety-prompt-developer-interest-in-robot-workers/>; Bernard (n 1).
[19] Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Cth).
[20] Competition and Consumer Act 2010 (Cth) sch 2 (‘Australian Consumer Law’).
[21] Fair Work Act 2009 (Cth).
