Abstract: A solar panel installation machine includes a chassis, a body coupled to the chassis, a plurality of tractive elements coupled the chassis, a boom coupled to the body, and an implement coupled to an end of the boom. The implement includes a track, a robotic arm coupled to and translatable along the track, the robotic arm including a plurality of linkages, and a grabber assembly coupled to the robotic arm, the grabber assembly configured to selectively engage with and facilitate picking up a solar panel to provide the solar panel to an installation location where the respective solar panel can be secured to a solar panel support.

Abstract: A method of installing a solar panel includes providing, by a remote controller to an installation vehicle, a desired installation location for the solar panel. The method further includes controlling, by a first controller coupled to the installation vehicle, the installation vehicle to autonomously navigate toward the desired installation location, the installation vehicle including an implement configured to selectively couple to the solar panel. The method further includes controlling, by a second controller coupled to a delivery vehicle, the delivery vehicle to autonomously navigate toward the installation vehicle, the delivery vehicle supporting the solar panel. The method further includes autonomously controlling the implement of the installation vehicle to remove the solar panel from the delivery vehicle and move the solar panel into the desired installation location.

Abstract: A solar panel installation system includes a solar panel unloading machine, a solar panel carrier machine, and a solar panel installation machine. The solar panel unloading machine is configured to autonomously interact with a shipping device carrying a plurality of solar panels to unload the plurality of solar panels from the shipping device and autonomously transfer the plurality of solar panels to the solar panel carrier machine. The solar panel carrier machine is configured autonomously transport the plurality of solar panels to a location proximate where the plurality of solar panels are to be installed. The solar panel installation machine is configured to autonomously pick up a respective solar panel of the plurality of solar panels from the solar panel carrier machine and autonomously provide the respective solar panel to an installation location where the respective solar panel can be secured to a solar panel support.

Abstract: A vehicle for unloading solar panels from a shipping container includes tractive elements, a boom assembly, and an implement assembly. The tractive elements are coupled with a base of the vehicle. The boom assembly is coupled with the base of the vehicle. The implement assembly is coupled with an end of the boom assembly. The implement assembly includes a carriage, forks, and a sensor. The carriage is pivotally coupled with the end of the boom assembly at a first pivotal location along the carriage. The pair of forks are configured to be inserted into and lift a pallet of solar panels positioned within the shipping container. The pair of forks are pivotally coupled with the carriage at a second pivotal location along the carriage. The sensor is positioned on the carriage and configured to measure a position of the implement assembly relative to an interior of the shipping container.

Abstract: A carrier machine includes a chassis, a plurality of tractive elements coupled to the chassis, a prime mover coupled to the chassis and configured to drive one or more of the plurality of tractive elements, and a carrier coupled to the chassis. The carrier defines a stowage area. A width and a depth of the carrier are adjustable to facilitate varying a size of the stowage area.

Abstract: A clamp for coupling a solar panel to a frame includes a bolt extending along a longitudinal axis. The bolt has a head, an end, and a shaft extending between the head and the end. The clamp further includes a retainer portion extending at least partially between the head and the end along the shaft. The retainer portion is moveable between a first position with a first diameter and a second positioned with a second diameter. The first diameter and the second diameter are greater than a diameter of the shaft. The clamp further includes a nut threadedly coupled to the bolt proximate the end of the bolt such that rotation of at least one of the bolt or the nut cause the nut to move longitudinally along the shaft.

Abstract: A lift device includes a lift apparatus configured to raise and lower a robotic attachment and a base assembly configured to support the lift apparatus. The base assembly includes a prime mover configured to rotate one or more wheels coupled to the base assembly. The lift device also includes a controller in communication with at least one of the lift apparatus and the robotic attachment. The robotic attachment includes robotic implement moveable independent of the lift apparatus, a stabilizer bar coupled to the robotic implement and configured to selectively provide a stabilizing force to the robotic attachment, and a locking mechanism configured to selectively hold the stabilizer in a locked position.

Abstract: A lift device includes a lift apparatus for raising and lowering a robotic attachment. The lift apparatus includes a base assembly, the base assembly including a prime mover to rotate one or more wheels. The robotic attachment includes a base, a primary robotic implement, and a secondary robotic implement, each moveable independent of the base. The robotic attachment further includes a stabilizer bar coupled to the base and configured to engage with an external support to provide a stabilizing force to the robotic attachment. At least one of the primary robotic implement and the secondary robotic implement are configured to move one or more end effectors to perform a welding operation, including a weld gun, a weld lead, and a needle scaler. The lift apparatus may also include a control system configured to position the robotic implements in a plurality of preset positions.