Miraikikai,Inc., a start-up originating from Kagawa University, is established in 2004 with a mission to create intelligent mobile robots for professional-use.

Our robots products, designed based on field reseach to provide the high quality and the best cost effective solution, are achieved with mechanical design and control technology backed by the latest research achievements and years of experience.

Robots to meet remote needs

To restore panels to full generating capacity, Dr. Miyake developed a robot cleaner with small wheels that utilize state-of-the-art sensor technology to deftly navigate entire solar arrays using rotating brushes to flick away dust and sand.

Small prototypes, big cost savings

The smaller prototype SMR-640AD model, weighing just 17kg, runs on a Li-ion battery cartridge that provides approximately 1.5 hours of usable time per 3-hour battery charge. The robot changes direction to move to the next line of modules when it reaches the edge of the solar PV array, and signals the end of cleaning when it arrives at the "goal" point. On-site engineers need only replace batteries and monitor the progress of the robot as it cleans. Verification tests in the Middle East have shown that in cases of five robots operated by one person, these robots reduce cleaning costs by 80 percent compared with manual cleaning.

Solar power collaboration opportunities

At the outset, Dr. Miyake envisioned these robots would be used exclusively in countries with high amounts of sunlight and low rainfall. Since the highly successful launch of the prototype model, however, he has received inquires from other nations including Fiji, Chile and also within Japan. Even in regions with heavy rainfall, if panels are flat and not slanted downward, rain cannot provide adequate cleaning. Dr. Miyake predicts that Miraikikai`s technology could potentially be adapted to similar robots for inspecting bridges, cleaning large-scale structures and other field applications.

Miraikikai, Inc. products

Miraikikai - 3D Laser Sensor