Independent power operator NAES will work with robots and AI from Gecko Robotics to inspect and maintain critical infrastructure.
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Jake Loosararian, co-founder and CEO of Gecko Robotics, and Mark Dobler, president and CEO of NAES. Source: Business Wire
As demand for power increases across the U.S., so does the need to modernize production and infrastructure. Gecko Robotics and NAES Corp. yesterday announced a strategic partnership they said would “transform the reliability and operational efficiency of American power production following President Trump’s declaration of a national energy emergency on January 20th.”
NAES claimed that it is the nation’s largest independent power operator, with 65GW under management. It and Gecko Robotics said their initial multi-year agreement is worth more than $100 million, with an option to grow beyond $250 million as needed. The stated goal of the collaboration is to modernize power plants to meet the U.S. energy crisis.
“The demand for energy is going to grow substantially over the next five to 10 years, and we need to be smarter about how technology can support our workforce and infrastructure to deliver this,” stated Mark Dobler, president and CEO of NAES. “Every kilowatt counts. By partnering with Gecko, we are able to be a pioneer for the industry and demonstrate the advantage that can be gained when turning to innovation and technology, because it’s essential we deliver for our country.”
Gecko Robotics provides asset performance data
“The White House has rightly acknowledged that we are in an energy crisis, and that continuing on our current path for production and supply puts our country at risk,” said Jake Loosararian, co-founder and CEO of Gecko Robotics. “We’re proud to partner with NAES and, together, bolster the U.S.’s energy security at some of our most critical power facilities using what America does better than anyone — innovation!”
Founded in 2013, Gecko Robotics said its wall-climbing robots, drones, robot dogs, and fixed sensors collect unprecedented levels of data on critical infrastructure. That data feeds its Cantilever AI-powered software to view and identify asset health issues, as well as predict and optimize performance.
The Pittsburgh-based company said it “empowers decision making at scale for a more reliable and sustainable future.” Gecko asserted that its technology can reduce reactive maintenance by 80% and double the lifespan of an asset — significantly improving infrastructure reliability.
“Not only does this reduce unexpected downtime and reactive maintenance through prediction models, but it also allows facilities to learn from similar Cantilever-run facilities about how to yield the most optimum performance without causing catastrophic failures,” said Gecko Robotics. “Furthermore, as robotics improve, more actions will be taken by robots in the field to increase NAES’ already industry-leading reputation and record on safety.”
NAES notes spiking demand, labor shortage
NAES said its partnership with Gecko Robotics will support the reliability of the infrastructure it manages, as demand for energy and the skilled workers to operate it increases over the next decade.
U.S. electricity usage is growing because of artificial intelligence and data center development, electrification, and transportation demands, noted NAES. The Issaquah, Wash.-based company cited a projected increase of about 16% in the next four years, straining an already fragile national grid. Power demand for data centers alone could grow by 160% by 2030, it said.
NAES said it manages the second-largest fleet of power-generation assets in the U.S. Unlike regulated utilities, the independent company claimed that it has developed its know-how and intellectual property from delivering services to hundreds of customers over four decades.
Attracting and retaining top talent is another significant challenge for the power industry, as approximately four workers retire for every one that is hired, NAES added. By embracing cutting-edge technologies such as robotics and AI, NAES and Gecko said they plan to make the power industry a more attractive destination for top talent.
The partners also said they hope to retain knowledge about how to run traditional assets. NAES said its 4,000 team members have experience in operations, maintenance, construction, engineering and technical support to build, operate and maintain traditional, renewable, and thermal energy facilities.
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Industry, government seek to strengthen power grid
In addition to addressing the U.S. energy crisis as identified by the federal government, NAES and Gecko Robotics plan to work with the public and private sectors to strengthen critical infrastructure.
“With NAES powered by Gecko, power production facilities will significantly improve their use of advanced technology like AI-driven platforms with the unique advantage of being built on the back of robots collecting data and taking actions in the real world,” said the partners. “The two companies will also seek to attract the talent, investment, and governmental support necessary to transform the sector and future-proof against any further crises.”
“Throughout its history, Pennsylvania has been on the cutting edge of robotics, technology, and energy – and this partnership between Gecko and NAES shows what the next generation of energy projects could look like in the commonwealth,” said Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro.
“Under my administration, I have an energy plan to spark new innovation and build a more reliable, affordable energy grid by incentivizing new projects, streamlining permitting approvals, and encouraging communities to lower utility bills through shared energy resources,” he said. “By coming together around an energy strategy, we can support groundbreaking projects like this, lower costs for consumers, create more jobs, and position the commonwealth to continue to be a national energy leader for decades to come.”
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