Why Solar Deployment Speed Is the Real Climate Bottleneck with Deise Yumi Asami

Hardware to Save a Planet · 2 Apr 2026 · 40m · Episode 98

What this episode covers

Deise Yumi Asami, founder of Maximo at AES Corporation, explains how her AI-powered field robot automates solar panel installation to address labor shortages and deployment bottlenecks. She details the engineering challenges of using computer vision in uncontrolled outdoor environments, the role of digital twins in accelerating development, and why EPCs prioritize delivery certainty over simple cost savings. The conversation covers scaling the robot fleet, recent project deployments, and the future of autonomous construction.

Other shows on the same ground, closest first.

  • The Robot Report Podcast · 1h 00m

    Transforming Solar Construction Through Robotics with Deise Yumi Asami

    Deise Yumi Asami, founder of Maximo Robotics, an AI-enabled robotics startup incubated within the AES corporation, explains how their robotic system automates utility-scale solar panel installation to improve speed, safety, and project certainty. Asami details the engineering challenges of designing a dual-arm robot capable of handling heavy, variable modules in harsh outdoor environments without requiring changes to existing supply chain components. She also describes the strategic advantage of having a captive internal customer (AES) that allows for rapid iteration, real-world testing across diverse US climates, and frank feedback loops that accelerate product development and commercialization.

  • Catalyst · 43m

    The coming robotics wave

    Andy Lubershane, head of research at Energy Impact Partners, discusses the convergence of AI and robotics in climate tech, driven by labor shortages and falling component costs. He highlights specific applications such as transmission line installation by InfraVision, wind turbine inspection and maintenance, and solar panel deployment. Lubershane contrasts specialized 'vertical robots' with general-purpose humanoid robots, noting the former's faster path to market and data moats.

  • Catalyst · 34m

    How AI is modernizing EPCs

    George Hershman, CEO of SOLV Energy, explains how the company manages gigawatt-scale solar and storage projects by leveraging operational leverage and AI-driven logistics simulations to overcome labor constraints. He details how SOLV uses proprietary data platforms like Sunscreen to optimize site layouts and equipment movement, aiming to cut build times by 15-20% without proportionally increasing headcount. Hershman identifies supply chain disruptions and logistics orchestration as the primary bottlenecks, arguing that early procurement and strategic material staging are critical to maintaining construction momentum.

  • Manufacturing Happy Hour · 54m

    BONUS: Leaders in Machine Vision and Robotics: Live from Boston, Pt. 1 of 2 (brought to you by A3)

    Chris Luecke and Jake Hall interview leaders from Plus One Robotics, IDS Imaging, Calvary Robotics, CMES Robotics, Lincode Labs, KUKA, and Locus Robotics at the A3 Vision Show and AMRL Conference in Boston. The guests discuss the persistent 'technology hesitancy' in warehouse automation, the critical role of machine vision in enabling mobile robots to operate in unstructured environments, and the workforce shortages driving adoption. They also share insights on market entry strategies, AI deployment for quality inspection, and the cultural differences between scaling a startup and operating within an enterprise.

  • The Robot Report Podcast · 1h 13m

    Fox Robotics trailer unloading and Canvas wall finishing robots

    Mike Oitzman interviews Marin Tchakarov, CEO of Fox Robotics, about their autonomous forklift solution for trailer unloading, which has moved from prototype to production with over 1 million pallets moved. Oitzman also speaks with Kevin Albert, CEO and co-founder of Canvas Robotics, about their drywall finishing robot that uses a mobile manipulator to apply and sand joint compound, addressing skilled labor shortages in construction. The episode highlights the transition of these technologies from garage-stage innovation to scaling production and securing customer backlogs.

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