Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture-based Miraikikai Inc. on Tuesday unveiled a prototype of what it claims to be the world's first solar panel-cleaning robot that does not use water and runs automatically.

Miraikikai aims to market it from next year, with a focus on the Middle East and Africa, where solar power demand is rising and water is scarce.

Solar panels need to be cleaned on a regular basis to prevent sand and dust from lowering their electricity output.

The prototype that has been developed with the cooperation of Kagawa University measures 72 cm wide, 43 cm deep and 22 cm high and weighs 11 kg.