Xpanner launches X1 Kit to add Physical AI to construction machines; NoBull Energy named first XBoost partner

Xpanner unveils X1 retrofit kit to add “physical AI” to existing machines

In a move aimed at bringing cutting-edge automation to the field, Xpanner introduced the flagship X1 Kit, a retrofit option designed to convert existing construction site equipment into intelligent software-defined machinery through a concept described as Physical AI. The kit is currently available and has been deployed on pile drivers, with plans to expand to additional equipment across brands and models.

The company positions X1 as a continuation of its mission to turn advanced technology into practical tools that operators can use directly on the ground. The approach centers on task-specific automation that automates distinct construction tasks, enabling a more automated workflow while avoiding the need for replacing existing machinery.

Xpanner’s business model blends technology and services through a Technology as a Service (TaaS) framework, delivering automation and robotics as an integrated solution. The X1 retrofit is intended to lay a foundation for continuous learning on the jobsite, with products such as Mango and Mangosteen designed to connect various brands’ products and attachments for greater precision and flexibility.

Current field applications include pile driving for solar installations, a high-precision area where consistent performance matters. The kit is described as field-ready and designed to integrate with existing fleets without requiring new machinery purchases. Company plans call for widening X1’s scope to additional equipment as the technology matures.

Leadership notes that the X1 kit can deliver productivity gains and cost reductions in excess of 50 percent, a figure supported by recent demonstrations that reported dramatic reductions in labor needs and cycle times on automated piling tasks. The X1 concept is framed as a foundational physical AI infrastructure capable of learning and improving over time to adapt to different site conditions and brands.

Alongside the X1 launch, Xpanner announced the Xpanner XBoost Partnership Program, naming NoBull Energy as its inaugural partner. The program seeks to deepen collaboration with solar developers and EPCs by pairing X1’s automation capabilities with NoBull’s project execution expertise to advance renewable-energy projects. NoBull Energy, based in Indianapolis, specializes in PV and battery energy storage system projects and offers flexible contracting options to suit client needs. The partnership aims to boost efficiency and deliver value across solar farm builds.

Xpanner describes a three-stage path to workforce adoption: initial exposure, where peers demonstrate automation in simple terms; a curious-skeptic phase, as workers observe problem-solving with automation; and a technology-advocate phase, in which workers actively contribute to refining tools. This bottom-up approach emerged from direct collaboration with frontline workers and led to new interoperability systems that connect different brands’ products and attachments, expanding the set of tasks that can be automated on site.

From a market perspective, the company notes strong momentum since entering the U.S. market in 2023, with prior activity in other regions and ongoing expectations for further developments in 2025. In 2024, Xpanner supported solar-farm construction across several states and anticipates additional activity in 2025 in several western states. The broader construction sector faces well-documented labor shortages and skill gaps, and the company frames smart construction solutions as a way to sustain projects and improve outcomes even when experienced workers are scarce.

Xpanner argues that automation should augment rather than replace workers, enabling less-experienced crew members to perform high-precision tasks under supervision. Examples include cameras and GPS-based systems for spotting and measuring, which can free up helpers for higher-value work. The company emphasizes that its competitive edge lies in making technology practical and accessible within existing workflows, with a continuous focus on improving field results and reducing site risk.

FAQ

What is the Xpanner X1 retrofit kit?

The X1 Kit is a retrofit option that adds Physical AI and task-specific automation to existing construction equipment, creating a cross-brand, field-ready smart system without replacing machinery.

What does Physical AI mean in this context?

Physical AI refers to an integrated approach where artificial intelligence is embedded into on-site hardware and workflows to automate tasks, learn from field conditions, and improve operational efficiency over time.

What is the Xpanner XBoost Partnership Program?

The XBoost program is a collaboration initiative aimed at deepening partnerships with solar energy companies to enhance visibility and joint execution of automated solutions for renewable projects.

Who is NoBull Energy and why are they partnering with Xpanner?

NoBull Energy is an Indianapolis-based firm specializing in PV and BESS projects. The partnership combines Xpanner’s automation tech with NoBull’s project execution experience to drive efficiency on solar projects.

What are Mango and Mangosteen in Xpanner’s ecosystem?

Mango and Mangosteen are interoperability systems designed to connect various brands’ products and attachments, increasing precision and flexibility on the job site.

What are the claimed benefits of adopting X1?

Xpanner claims significant productivity gains and cost reductions, with examples of reduced labor needs and shorter operation times on automated tasks, all without new machinery investments.

How does Xpanner view the role of workers with X1?

The approach is to augment workers’ skills, enabling less-experienced personnel to perform tasks more efficiently and accurately under supervision, rather than replacing them.

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