Create Energy Enters Robotics via Asset Acquisition
Create Energy has acquired the assets of the former Graze Robotics, marking its entry into the autonomous robotics sector. The company plans to leverage the acquired technology to target the energy industry. This move is an example of a growing trend of asset redeployment and cross-industry spinouts within the maturing robotics ecosystem.
- The acquired technology from Graze Robotics consists of 100% electric, autonomous mowers that utilize machine learning and computer vision to navigate and avoid obstacles. One model was designed to be solar-powered, and the system was built to collect data on grass height and growth for optimizing maintenance schedules. - Prior to ceasing operations in 2025, Graze had raised significant capital, including a $9.2 million Regulation A+ offering and a $15 million Series A round. Despite pilot programs at locations like the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, the company reported net losses of $7.6 million in 2022 and $3.6 million in 2023 with no recorded revenue. - Create Energy intends to integrate the autonomous mowing technology into its proprietary "ON TRACK" ecosystem. This platform serves as a Plant Wide Controller (PWC) network for solar asset management, combining trackers, inverters, battery storage, and now, autonomous vegetation management. - The acquisition is part of Create Energy's stated goal to build the "strongest, most complete robotics and controls platform in the energy sector." The move aims to provide smarter automation and lower operational risk for developers, IPPs, EPCs, and data centers. - The application of robotics in the energy sector is a growing field, with autonomous systems being deployed for inspection, maintenance, and monitoring in hazardous environments like offshore platforms and power substations. Companies like ExxonMobil and Shell are using autonomous robots for tasks ranging from mapping the ocean floor to inspecting infrastructure. - Graze's former CEO was Logan Fahey, and the company had relocated its headquarters from California to Plano, Texas, to be closer to a growing tech and robotics ecosystem. The company had aimed to automate 80% of property maintenance through its "Graze360" platform, which was designed to integrate robotics with human labor.
