Enel has inaugurated an innovation lab in Israel with the aim of boosting innovation in the fields of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and robotics for renewables and power distribution networks.
The Enel AI&Robotics Lab has been inaugurated to explore applications of AI and robotics in renewables and power grids, as well as develop sustainable solutions and materials.
This is the fourth initiative launched by the Italy-based gas and electricity manufacturer and distributor within Israel and is sponsored by Enel Green Power and Enel Grids.
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The lab, located in the centre of Tel Aviv, Israel, offers start-ups testing space for prototyping and experimentation of small robots, drones and sensors.
It is hoped to support the development of AI and robotics technologies, namely those focused on automation and digitisation in renewables and network construction and operation.
The Lab began operating in June 2022 with a bootcamp on business and technical challenges. Future bootcamps will cover challenges such as:
- Automation solutions for the construction of photovoltaic power plants, to guarantee a safe, effective and efficient working environment
- Ensuring worker safety through safe driving and monitoring of risky behaviours on the field
- Digitisation and automation using AI techniques and optimisation models for the validation of on-edge solutions to support operational processes on the field
- Solutions for the operation and maintenance of renewable energy plants and distribution grids to increase the number of tasks that can be performed remotely or autonomously (e.g. multifunction robots, visual analytics models)
- Use of drones in the utility industry leveraging overhead networks for drone wireless charging
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Enel launched its first Innovation Hub in August, 2016 in Tel Aviv.
According to the company, their work with Israeli startups covers joint projects across operations, including cybersecurity, fintech, predictive maintenance, automation, green power generation and e-mobility.