Do you know the power of an industrial excavator? Now try to imagine concentrating it in a much smaller device, that works like a… worm. The Swiss startup Borobotics (see the team in the cover photo) has attempted the feat with the concept of an autonomous robot that aims to democratize access to geothermal energy.
When they say “the revolution starts from below”: today’s story begins right underground.
The Birth of Grabowski
The robotic excavator nicknamed Grabowski (in honor of the character of a mole made famous by the Slovenian writer Louis Murschetz) could be a welcome development in the geothermal energy field. Measuring 13,5 centimeters wide and 2,8 meters long, this tiny but mighty digging robot can drill (fairly) silently almost anywhere. As it explains Moritz Pill, co-founder of Borobotics:
Drilling will become possible in properties where it would be unthinkable today: small gardens, parking lots and potentially even basements.
A burrowing brain that “thinks” and acts underground
What makes this excavator truly special is its autonomy. According to the startup, It is the world's first fully autonomous geothermal drilling device. Sensors in Grabowski’s “head” allow him to detect the type of material he’s drilling. If he encounters an aquifer or gas deposit on his descent, the robot automatically seals the hole. I hope.
A not insignificant detail: unlike traditional diesel-powered excavators, this machine plugs into a standard electrical outlet. An approach that perfectly reflects the project’s sustainability mission.
Small is (not) always (beautiful)
The compact size of the Grabowski does come with some compromises. The device is less powerful than larger drilling rigs, is slower, and can only dig to a maximum depth of 500 meters. It is also true that for the target market of Borobotics, these features would be more than enough.
Pill explains the reasoning behind this choice:
In many European countries, at a depth of 250 metres, the average temperature is 14 degrees Celsius. An ideal temperature for efficient heating in winter, while remaining cool enough to cool the building in summer.
A solution for sustainable heating
Borobotics aims to capitalize on the growing demand for geothermal heat pumps. These devices use a network of underground pipes to transfer heat from underground to a building above ground. In the right conditions, they can also function as air conditioners.
Heating and cooling buildings accounts for half of global energy consumption, most of which comes from burning fossil fuels such as natural gas.
Unlike natural gas and coal, geothermal energy It is fossil-free. Unlike wind and solar, it is always available. And unlike nuclear power, it is geopolitically neutral.
The European commitment
The EU has committed to installing 43 million new heat pumps between 2023 and 2030, as part of the €300 billion REPowerEU plan. As noted Torsten Kolind, managing partner of Underground Ventures:
The potential for geothermal heat pumps to decarbonise Europe is substantial, provided that costs come down. When that happens, the market will be open.
Robot digger, is the future under our feet?
Despite the potential, Borobotics is still in its infancy. Founded in 2023, the company is currently developing its first working prototype. With a first major round of funding of 1,3 million Swiss francs (1,38 million euros), it aims to test the robot in real-world conditions as early as this year.
The International Energy Agency provides that geothermal energy could meet 15% of global energy demand by 2050, compared to 1% today. With innovations like Grabowski, this ambitious goal could become increasingly achievable.