In a bold leap toward addressing the unique energy challenges of the Gulf region, a team of student researchers at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), a Qatar Foundation partner university, is developing an innovative solution to keep solar panels clean in Qatar’s harsh desert climate — using artificial intelligence and aerial robotics.
The research project is led by Eduardo Vio Flushing, visiting assistant professor of computer science at CMU-Q, and guided by Danup Somasekharan Pillai, a scientist at the Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI), a national research institute under Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU). The initiative explores how drones equipped with AI-powered systems can autonomously inspect and clean solar panels, a crucial step toward enhancing the efficiency and longevity of renewable energy infrastructure in the region.
The project has already received a prestigious research grant from the Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF) through its Research Experience Program for undergraduate students — a testament to its national importance and future potential.
“This important project gives students the opportunity to solve a real problem facing the solar energy sector in Qatar — removing dust and dirt that drastically reduce panel efficiency,” said Michael Trick, Dean of CMU-Q. “I am excited to see our students contributing to Qatar’s renewable energy ambitions with such a tangible and forward-thinking approach.”
The research team includes HBKU student Mohammed Mehdi Hassan, and five CMU-Q students: Abrar Tasneem Abiz, Devang Acharya, Deep Chandra, Diram Taba, and Nourasil Zekinov — representing a new wave of scientific talent committed to environmental innovation.
Dr. Marc Vermeersch, Executive Director of QEERI, emphasized the collaborative ethos behind the project. “We are delighted to welcome CMU-Q students to our outdoor testing facility — an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to a culture of collaboration and knowledge sharing,” he said. “From drone testing over solar panels to experiments near our Solar-powered pool, our scientists are proud to mentor the next generation of researchers and innovators and to offer CMU-Q students the platform to explore their own ideas alongside world-class experts.”
With Qatar pushing forward its sustainability agenda and preparing for a post-hydrocarbon future, this initiative highlights how academic institutions and national research bodies can align to drive practical solutions. The integration of AI and drone technology into solar panel maintenance not only has local implications but could also set a precedent for arid regions globally grappling with similar environmental constraints.
