Xpanner's X1 Kit retrofit adds Physical AI to a pile driver during solar site construction.
Indianapolis, United States, August 27, 2025
Xpanner introduced the X1 Kit, a field-ready retrofit that adds Physical AI and software-defined controls to existing construction machines, with initial deployments on pile drivers. The company claims more than 50% efficiency gains, an example 80% labor reduction in piling, and a 50% cut in operation time, though figures are company-reported and should be independently validated. Xpanner says the kit supports task-specific automation and on-job learning via its Mango and Mangosteen systems, operates under a Technology-as-a-Service model, and has named Indianapolis-based NoBull Energy as the inaugural partner in its XBoost program.
What’s new: A construction-technology company has launched a retrofit kit called the X1 Kit that the company says can add Physical AI capabilities to existing jobsite equipment. The company also announced an industry partnership program and named an inaugural partner focused on solar and battery storage construction. The kit is being promoted for immediate field use and for deployment on high-precision tasks such as pile driving.
The X1 Kit is presented as the next step in a line of automation-ready offerings the company has delivered since its founding. Instead of asking contractors to buy new machines, the kit attaches to existing equipment to add features such as remote control, smart attachments, precision guidance, and on-site learning behavior that the company groups under Physical AI. The product is described as especially useful for tasks that require precision and repeatability, with pile driving in solar projects highlighted as a key early application.
The company asserts that retrofitting machinery with the X1 Kit can sharply reduce costs and increase efficiency by more than 50% without buying new equipment. In one reported piling deployment, the kit reportedly reduced labor needs by 80% and cut operation time in half. These figures are presented as company claims and have not been independently validated in this report.
The approach focuses on automating discrete, high-value tasks rather than simply turning machines into remote-control devices. This task-specific automation strategy aims to let several automated tasks combine to streamline whole workflows on a project. The kit is also described as an evolving system that learns from on-site operations, forming a foundation for continuous improvement over the life of a project.
The company emphasizes a bottom-up adoption method developed with direct input from field crews. The stated method moves workers from initial exposure to curious skepticism and, ultimately, to technology advocates who help refine tools. The firm highlights earlier modules named Mango and Mangosteen, which link different brands’ machines and attachments to improve precision and flexibility on site. The stated goal is to augment worker skills, not replace them.
The launch is framed within a broader industry backdrop of staffing shortfalls and an aging workforce. The company points to wide gaps between job openings and filled positions and projects a substantial share of the workforce retiring within the decade, positioning automation and smart tools as a way to keep projects running despite labor constraints.
Alongside the X1 announcement, the company introduced a partnership initiative aimed at increasing collaboration and visibility in renewable energy construction. The inaugural partner is a firm with experience in photovoltaic and battery energy storage projects that offers both self-performing and managed construction approaches. The partnership is described as intended to combine automation technology with project execution expertise to improve efficiency and scale renewable projects.
The company operates under a Technology-as-a-Service model, offering automation and robotics as integrated services. The business reported deployments in multiple U.S. states during the prior year and anticipates additional projects in western states in the current year. The company has also cited recognition on industry technology lists and prior competition wins as evidence of traction.
Company and partner websites provide product and corporate information. A press release contact was listed by the company for media and partnership inquiries.
The X1 Kit is a retrofit package designed to add automated, adaptive capabilities called Physical AI to existing construction machines, enabling task-specific automation and on-site learning.
The company reports the X1 Kit is available to the market and designed for immediate field readiness.
Performance figures such as more than 50% efficiency gains and an 80% labor reduction in a piling case are reported by the company and should be treated as company claims unless independently verified.
The kit is positioned to work across brands and models. Early deployments include pile drivers, and the company plans to extend to additional machinery types.
The stated aim is to augment worker capabilities, enabling less-experienced staff to perform complex tasks with precision while reallocating labor to higher-value and safer work.
The XBoost program is an initiative to build strategic alliances and marketing relationships in the renewable energy construction sector, pairing automation technology with experienced contractors.
Company and partner websites are listed by the firm for additional information, and a press contact was provided in the company’s distribution materials for inquiries.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | X1 Kit — retrofit package to add Physical AI to existing machines |
| Primary use | Task-specific automation for high-precision work such as pile driving |
| Availability | Reported to be market-ready and designed for immediate field deployment |
| Performance claims | Company reports >50% efficiency gains; example claims include 80% reduction in piling labor and 50% shorter operation time |
| Business model | Technology-as-a-Service (TaaS) integrating automation and robotics |
| Partnership program | XBoost Partnership Program — aimed at collaboration with construction and renewable project firms |
| Worker adoption | Bottom-up strategy focused on peer exposure, practical demos, and co-development with crews |
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