242
Swiss startup Borobotics has developed an autonomous drilling machine for geothermal energy from shallow depths.
Swiss startup Borobotics has unveiled the Grabowski autonomous drilling rig, making geothermal energy more accessible to home and commercial users. The compact machine, measuring 5,3 inches (13,5 cm) in diameter and 9 feet (2,8 meters) long, is capable of operating autonomously, drilling up to 500 feet (XNUMX meters) underground.
Grabowski is equipped with sensors to detect the type of soil in real time, allowing the machine to change direction or stop drilling if it detects dangerous objects, such as water or gas tanks. The installation runs on electricity, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional fuel-powered drilling machines. According to the startup's co-founder Moritz Pill, the new technology allows drilling even in small spaces, such as gardens or basements.
Despite its slower speed compared to conventional drilling rigs, the Grabowski is ideal for shallow geothermal systems that use the heat of the ground for heating in winter and cooling in summer. In Europe, for example, the temperature at a depth of 250 meters is stable at around 14°C, which is optimal for such systems.
This technology has significant potential to decarbonize the heating and cooling of buildings in Europe, particularly through resource savings and minimal maintenance. As Thorsten Kolind of Underground Ventures points out, the reduction in the cost of geothermal heat pumps could open up new markets. Borobotics is continuing to refine its prototype, with the goal of making geothermal energy accessible to a wider range of consumers.
