QBotix, a Calif.-based firm that uses robotics to improve solar power capabilities, has announced that it raised $6.5m in a series A round with participation from Siemens’ venture unit Siemens Venture Capital.
The round was also joined by venture firms New Enterprise Associates, DFJ JAIC, and Firelake Capital Management. QBotix said the round brought the total financing raised to $7.5m, but did not disclose the origin of the first $1m. However, the firm did reveal that the series A took place in March, and has seemingly held onto the announcement to coincide with the unveiling of its QBotix Tracking System.
The QTS is a dual-axis tracking system that employs mobile robots to operate solar power plants, thus maximising the energy output. Essentially, the robots can track and alter solar panels into an optimal position to yield as much energy from the Sun as possible.
“Robots have proven themselves in extreme and diverse environments from the surface of Mars to battlefields and ocean depths. We’re now deploying the innovations developed in robotics over the last several decades to manage solar power plants,” said Wasiq Bokhari, chief executive officer and founder of QBotix. “Our main focus is to deliver a compelling combination of high performance, reliability, competitive cost, and unprecedented intelligence to our customers. Regardless of the choice of solar panels, inverters, foundations or other system components, the use of QTS will dramatically lower LCOE compared to all existing mounting or tracking systems.”