839: BREAKING: Nextracker Just Bought This AI Robotics Company: OnSight Technology - (here’s why)

Jul 30, 2025

Derek Chase, the Founder and CEO of OnSight Technology, shares groundbreaking insights into the AI and robotics revolutionizing utility-scale solar farm maintenance. He discusses the capabilities of the Bulldog robot that uses 3D vision and thermal imaging to preemptively detect failures and prevent costly downtime. In addition, Derek highlights the OwlCam's real-time fire detection functionality, emphasizing the significance of predictive maintenance and how these innovations can save millions for solar asset owners. Tune in for an inside look at the future of solar performance!

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ANECDOTE

Bulldog Robot Evolution

The Bulldog robot evolved from off-the-shelf parts to custom in-house designs over four versions.
It features thermal, optical zoom, and 3D cameras to inspect solar sites remotely and autonomously.

INSIGHT

Future Autonomous Robots

OnSight aims for robots with "consciousness" to analyze data and prioritize inspections autonomously.
Robots will receive operator commands via natural language to inspect defined areas and report findings automatically.

ADVICE

Wireless Charging And Starlink

Use wireless charging for robots to avoid fire risks and improve autonomy on solar sites.
Employ Starlink satellite internet for reliable, low-latency connectivity even in remote areas.

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Nextracker just made yet another bold move…

What if a robot could detect a solar failure before it happens—and build the repair plan to deploy the right resources to the precise location, in real time?

That’s not science fiction. It’s what OnSight Technology is already doing on numerous utility-scale solar farms across the US. And Nextracker have officially acquired OnSight Technology! So, if you’re here because you’re asking yourself “What the heck? Why did NXT Buy this company, and what do they actually do?!” then you’re in luck!

In this exclusive episode—recorded before the news dropped—we sat down with Derek Chase, Founder & CEO of OnSight, at their HQ in Sacramento, CA for an inside peek at the autonomous robotics platform that just made headlines.

From the Bulldog robot that scans sites with 3D vision and thermal imaging to the OwlCam that detects smoke and fire in real-time, OnSight is setting the standard for predictive, AI-powered solar O&M. But I believe that Derek and his team of NASA Scientists are up to much more than just optimizing solar.

It’s not just impressive tech—it’s a full-stack solution that saves developers, EPCs, and asset owners millions in avoidable losses.

If you care about the future of solar performance (Or are just curious about the tech behind Nextracker’s latest acquisition), this is a must-listen.

Expect to hear:

🔹 What makes OnSight such a valuable acquisition

🔹 How AI + robotics are revolutionizing fault detection and fire prevention

🔹 The ROI of predictive maintenance—and how it’s deployed at scale

🔹 How OnSight built a robotics ops team using Xbox controllers and Starlink

This is one of the most forward-looking conversations we’ve had on SunCast—and now, it’s breaking news.

🎧 Hit play and learn how the future of asset management has arrived.

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