Power Briefing recap, week of May 12

The days are getting longer — and so is the list of industry updates. If you blinked this week, you might’ve missed key updates in power tech. Don’t worry — Power Briefing has you covered.

• Rosendin and ULC Technologies developed a hybrid-electric robot to automate the backbreaking work of installing solar panels. The system reduces strain injuries, improves efficiency, and nearly eliminates waste.
• Fersa introduced its Fuel Efficient wheel hub that can boost fuel economy by 3 percent or more — and not just for diesel trucks. By reducing drag, the new hub also helps extend the range of battery-electric vehicles.
• JCB is betting on flexibility as it navigates an uncertain off-highway power landscape. It’s keeping options open by advancing hydrogen IC engines, pursuing electrification, building a U.S. factory and unveiling a new diesel powertrain.
• Mobile air compressors remain a tough challenge for alternative power. Despite OEM efforts, cost, mobility and power demands make ditching diesel difficult, said compressor design and development expert Alex Persyn.

Did you know that this year, Power Progress is shaking things up a bit in celebration of its 90th anniversary? We hope you’ll join us in Louisville, Ky., on Oct. 6 for a first-of-its-kind networking forum. Hotel booking at the historic Galt House Hotel opened just this week.