Renu Robotics

Renu Robotics is developing a line of autonomous tractors for solar-powered farms.

Its first product, the RenuBot, is a fully autonomous, self-driving tractor that helps farmers save on maintenance and energy costs.

Renu Robotics has two pending patents on the RenuBot’s self-driving technology, and the company recently sold three of its tractors to a major solar energy provider. Furthermore, Renu has secured seven Letters of Intent with solar energy providers to provide them with robotic mowers.

The company is raising capital to continue mass production of its RenuBot, and develop new products including specialized maintenance systems and agricultural industry-specific autonomous machines.

The use of solar power is increasing at rapidly. In 2010, solar energy accounted for just 0.1% of U.S. electricity generated. Today, it accounts for more than 2% — a 1,900% jump.

As the production of large-scale solar farms increases, so do the costs of developing and maintaining the facilities. For example, in order to begin generating solar-derived electricity, a utility company must incur initial costs of buying or renting land, purchasing solar panel modules, and variable costs like labor, design, and engineering.

Renu Robotics’ mowers can help these companies scale back costs. In addition to providing autonomous labor, these mowers require minimal maintenance. This enables companies to increase their farms’ efficiency, reduce expenses, and lower carbon emissions.

As mentioned, the company’s first product is a fully autonomous tractor called the RenuBot. This robot has been designed specifically for use on utility-scale solar farms.

The low-profile mower is built to fit underneath obstacles, including solar panels. It’s equipped with a lithium ion battery and battery storage techniques that reduce weight, increase storage capacity, and decrease charge time. The RenuBot charges its battery using solar power during the day and operates at night.

Each RenuBot is given a stored map of the area it’s servicing and uses machine learning to make corrections on the route to reduce time and increase efficiency. To ensure the bot accurately follows the designated route, RenuBot leverages real-time kinematic GPS, which provides horizontal accuracy within two centimeters.

To detect its surroundings, the RenuBot has multiple sensors, which enable it to navigate around obstacles without an operator. Once mowing is complete, the bot returns to its docking bay for charging.

To support the RenuBot, Renu Robotics has created fleet management software. Each RenuBot unit is connected to this software, which enables clients to track each device, and monitor each vehicle’s status. Through the software, clients also have access to dashboards to receive metrics on vehicle performance and efficiency. Each robot collects data regarding locations, environments, vegetation, performance, and operations. This data is exported to the software platform to provide further information to clients.

Renu Robotics sells each unit to solar power providers for use at their solar farms. Each unit sells for $50,000, and costs the company $30,000 to manufacture. In addition to the cost of each unit, customers can purchase monitoring services for $800 per month.

In the future, Renu Robotics aims to transition to a leasing model. Clients will pay a monthly or annual fee to use a fleet of RenuBot units, while the company will retain ownership. The company also aims to begin outsourcing the assembly of its products' components, while keeping the design, development, and final assembly in-house.

Starting in 2021, Renu Robotics intends to expand its product line by pairing its tractor base with task-specific systems. These systems will include:

• SprayBot: This spraying system will include a moveable arm that will release natural pesticides to limit waste and over-spraying.

• Panel Inspector: This device will detect defective solar panels, loose wiring, loose bolts, and failed trackers. The device will be able to document the location of the issue, capture the serial number of the defective panel or part, and report the issue to the client.

• Security Bot: This will provide roving security services throughout a solar site. The bot will look for intruders using on-board cameras that can also take and send videos.

• Solar Panel CleanBot: This cleaning bot will feature a 10-foot articulating arm and rotating brush to clean solar panels.

• AT MowBot: This will act as a more advanced version of the RenuBot. Specifically, it will be able to cut grass both on flat ground and rocky terrain.

• Mechanical Weeder: This 4-wheel drive “AgBot” will analyze plants and pull unwanted vegetation from crops, fields, and grassy areas. Renu Robotics plans to license the visual learning software that will be used in this device.

• Harvest Robot: This harvesting system will pick and gather low-hanging fruits and vegetables.

• Omni SprayBot: This spray system will reduce pests, fungus, and bacteria on fruits and vegetables. The company plans to use a combination of steam and ultraviolet light to minimize the use of chemicals.

Renu Robotics began generating revenue in late 2019 with initial sales of its RenuBot. In December 2019, the company was accepted into Capital Factory’s VIP Accelerator, an incubator for technology-related startups.

Team Background

Michael Eyman - Co-Founder

Like his co-founder, Michael has experience in the energy industry.

In addition to his role with Renu Robotics, he is Managing Director of Origis Services, a solar energy company based in Austin, Texas.

Prior to that, he was a director at Sunpower Corporation, and Vice President at MaxGen Energy Services.

Early in his career, Michael was a Commander in the U.S. Navy Reserves. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Marine Sciences from Texas A&M University, a Master’s in Military and Foreign Affairs from the U.S. Air Force Air Command, and an MBA from the University of Texas.

Tim Matus - Co-Founder & CEO

Tim has served as Renu Robtics’ CEO since August 2018.

He has extensive experience in the energy industry, serving as Director of Product Development at Electrolab, a company focused on the oil and gas markets, and Chief Operating Officer of Itsa Energy.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from South Dakota State University and an MBA from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.

Tony Paggett - Chief Operating Officer

Tony worked with Renu Robotics’ co-founder Michael Eyman while serving as Vice President of Operations at MaxGen Energy Services. Before that, he was Director of Operations and Maintenance at First Solar.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix, and a Master’s level certificate from the Solar Engineering and Commercialization Program at Arizona State.

Todd Sanders - Chief Technology Officer

Todd has experience working for tech-related startups.

Before joining the team at Renu Robotics, he worked for GridMonitor, a company providing data analytics for the power industry. He also worked for DSI Energy and PointStream, a computer software company.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Texas A&M.

Jeff Dayov - Chief Financial Officer

In addition to his role with Renu Robotics, Jeff is Director of Financial Planning and Analysis for Glenmount Global Solutions, a company providing engineering and technology services.

Before that, he held the same role for Sunpower Corporation, an energy company.

He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from La Sierra University and an MBA from the University of Southern California.

Co-Investors