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Cosmic Robotics secures $4 million in funding to deploy AI-powered mobile robots that assist in utility-scale solar construction. The company’s cobot, Cosmic-1A, reduces labor costs and enhances efficiency by automating physically demanding tasks. Its proprietary AI platform, Particle, enables real-time adaptation to challenging job site conditions.
Why Construction Needs a Robotic Upgrade
Cosmic Robotics, a San Francisco-based construction technology company, is developing AI-powered robots designed to accelerate infrastructure deployment, beginning with utility-scale solar. The company is responding to growing national pressure to expand energy infrastructure rapidly. The U.S. is projected to require $9.1 trillion in infrastructure investment by the end of this decade, including nearly $2 trillion dedicated to energy infrastructure.
Manual labor remains a bottleneck in large-scale solar installations, where the slow pace and physical intensity of module placement are limiting progress. Despite the high demand for solar energy due to its cost-effectiveness and scalability, critical projects are delayed by workforce shortages and outdated processes.
Inside the Brains of Cosmic’s AI-Powered Robots
Cosmic-1A is the company’s first robot built for real-world construction environments. This mobile manipulation robot operates on utility-scale solar sites and focuses on handling the most labor-intensive tasks in the installation process.
The robot is powered by Particle, a domain-specific AI platform designed by Cosmic Robotics. Particle functions as a real-time decision-making engine, automating workflows such as asset tracking, routing, and quality control. The AI platform relies on multi-modal sensors and advanced perception systems to operate consistently in challenging outdoor conditions like dust, rain, heat, and mud.
Cobots Take on the Heavy Lifting
Cosmic-1A is classified as a collaborative robot, or cobot, meaning it works directly alongside human installation crews rather than replacing them. It is engineered to perform physically demanding tasks while enhancing overall team productivity.
The company reports that using Cosmic-1A can reduce labor costs by up to 50% and more than double the daily installation throughput. By handling repetitive and strenuous work, the cobot aims to mitigate safety risks and improve operational efficiency.
Meet the Aerospace Minds Behind the Machines
Cosmic Robotics was founded in 2024 by James Emerick, CEO, and Lewis Jones, CTO. Emerick previously worked on field-deployed construction automation at Built Robotics and Autodesk Research. Jones contributed to the development of 3D-printed rockets at Relativity Space.
The leadership team also includes engineers with backgrounds at Google, Amazon, NASA, and SpaceX. This combination brings together experience in mission-critical systems and real-world construction environments.
Where the $4 Million Comes From—and Why It Matters
The $4 million seed round was led by Giant Ventures and joined by MaC Venture Capital, HCVC, and individual investors including Azeem Azhar, Aarthi Ramamurthy, and Nate Williams.
The company’s momentum has also been recognized by the U.S. Department of Energy, which awarded it through the American-Made Solar Prize program. Additional support came from the JLL Foundation. These backers are enabling Cosmic Robotics to accelerate the rollout of its first systems to large infrastructure sites across the U.S.
AI That Adjusts to Dust, Rain, and Chaos
Cosmic’s approach differs from automation methods that depend on factory-like environments. Particle is designed specifically for outdoor construction scenarios. The system adapts to variable field conditions and unpredictable site challenges by integrating multi-modal sensing and real-time AI interpretation.
Particle currently supports on-site crews by automating repetitive monitoring and routing tasks. These capabilities aim to reduce downtime and maintain consistent progress throughout the build. Each deployment also expands the data collected, feeding back into the system’s learning loop.
Solar Isn’t Just a Trend—It’s a National Priority
Cosmic Robotics focuses on solar energy because it represents one of the fastest paths to expanding domestic energy capacity. The company’s tools are aligned with broader goals to build out clean energy infrastructure at scale and reinforce U.S. energy independence.
By working with construction crews instead of replacing them, Cosmic aims to make existing workers more efficient. With increased automation and AI-driven support, solar installation projects can scale more quickly to meet national targets.
What This Means for the Future of Infrastructure
Cosmic Robotics is expanding its presence in a sector that faces urgent labor and productivity challenges. With funding secured, a tested product in Cosmic-1A, and a specialized AI engine in Particle, the company is preparing to bring its technology to major solar infrastructure projects.
Its focus on combining field-tested robotics with aerospace-level engineering places it among emerging players looking to improve how infrastructure gets built—starting with the U.S. solar energy grid.
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