CrewMate is a semi-automatic lifting assist vehicle developed by Moog Construction Company. It recently completed on-site testing near Niagara Falls in New York, demonstrating the machine's ability to assist solar field workers in installing photovoltaic panels. Montante Solar, headquartered in Buffalo, and Moog Construction carefully planned on-site experiments at a solar field on top of a closed landfill site. It has been proven that the undulating and steep terrain effectively tests the vehicle's leveling system as well as its ability to climb and maneuver with workers.

In the on-site experiment, CrewMate repeatedly transported trays, with each tray carrying up to 31 large photovoltaic panels measuring 93.9 x 51.3 inches, while closely tracking workers and using the machine's lifting assistance device to pick up each 83 pound tray. Guide the panel onto the solar module rack on site. CrewMate tracks the installation personnel between solar racks until the photovoltaic panels on the tray are cleared, while maintaining a safe distance from workers and objects.

Steven Erck, Vice President of Montante Solar, said, "We believe that CrewMate is an innovation that can safely increase productivity and help meet the needs of new solar power plants and workers." "The photovoltaic panel in this on-site test was one of the largest and heaviest installed by the staff; CrewMate reduces the pressure of installation work typically carried out in high temperature and remote areas

CrewMate is a 'collaborative robot' that enhances the way solar workers handle work; it increases the amount of work that workers can complete, "said Aditya Sharma, Business Development Manager for Strategic Opportunities at Mug Construction Company

Within minutes of introducing CrewMate, solar workers learned how to operate its fixtures to pick up and move solar panels. CrewMate can also reduce panel damage and eliminate injuries, sprains, and strains caused by repeatedly lifting and moving photovoltaic panels.

This autumn, CrewMate will participate in a larger pilot project to help build solar power plants at new locations.