Validating Helical Pile Installation Torque for Solar Farms: NASKU Case Study

The Client
NASKU GmbH is a German technology company specializing in GPS-based automation systems for construction machinery, with a core focus on piling equipment. Their solutions enable automated control and navigation of machines using digitally defined measuring points, replacing manual methods to improve precision, efficiency, and reliability.

By integrating advanced components and software, NASKU helps clients reduce resource usage, minimize errors, and accelerate project timelines across a range of construction applications.

The Challenge
NASKU was developing a custom solution for a client that designs and installs helical pile foundations and solar panel frames for large-scale solar farms across Europe.

The machine, a converted pile driver retrofitted with a Digga PD7 auger drive, required precise torque monitoring to validate installation quality and support operator training.

Traditional pile installation methods lacked reliable torque monitoring, making it difficult to validate rig performance and ensure consistent installation. NASKU needed a solution that could:

• Accurately measure torque during post installation
• Integrate directly with their Linux-based onboard computer
• Support both R&D and operator training applications
• Provide raw data for backend logging and analysis

The Solution
Datum Electronics supplied NASKU with a pair of AH2 Torque Monitors rated for up to 13,560 Nm (10,000 lb·ft). Accurate, wireless, and rugged, these sensors log vital torque and depth data for validating the quality of deep foundation work such as helical screw piling, helical tieback anchors, and ground screws.

With custom firmware and decoding support from the Datum engineering team, the sensors were successfully integrated into NASKU’s rig.

The Impact
With our torque sensors now fully integrated into their PV installation machinery, NASKU now benefitted from:

• Real-time torque data via WLAN
• Direct communication with NASKU’s onboard Linux system
• Backend logging of torque data and other telemetry
• A foundation for future automation and process control

“The collaboration with Datum Electronics has been excellent. The torque monitoring system integrates seamlessly with our onboard platform and provides precise, reliable data — perfectly suited for our application.”

“It’s an outstanding solution to ensure the structural integrity of the posts and validate installation quality in real time.”
Christoph Hainzinger
Managing Director, NASKU