Roving robots

As the technology advances, there are plenty of autonomous mowers hitting the landscape market.

Photo courtesy of Sheep Robotics

Electric Sheep’s The Ram

The pitch: The Ram is a machine-learning powered robot mower that stripes and can reason about its environment on its own, determining what is grass and what is not — no boundary wires or pre-mapping needed.

  • Enabled with Electric Sheep’s AI-model called ES1, set the Ram down and start mowing in 30 seconds with no setup needed.
  • No engineer is required on site, as the robots are shipped directly to the site and begin tasks alongside the landscape crew.
  • Set it down, point and go, the robot will move around trees and adjust its mowing pattern to whatever boundaries encompass that turf area.

For more info: sheeprobotics.ai

Photo courtesy of Echo Robotics

Echo Robotics WiseNav

The pitch: Real-time kinematic (RTK) precision control of the mower and picker operation allows for pattern mowing and picking within schedulable virtual zones without traditional boundary wire.

  • Allows for controlled pattern mowing and picking, increasing production area to 12 acres for TM-2050 and RP-1250 and six acres for TM-1050.
  • Adjust zones and schedule from the web and phone portals for enhanced monitoring and control.
  • 4G correction allows for effective RTK coverage area to include a 5-mile radius for multi robot control.

For more info: echorobotics.com

Photo courtesy of Firefly Automatix

Firefly Automatix — M100-AV autonomous electric mower

The pitch: The electric M100-AV is fully autonomous and mows 25 acres on a single charge, solving labor constraints and optimizing efficiencies for large-scale turf management.

  • The autonomous M100-AV operates without onsite supervision, utilizing RTK/NTRIP GPS and intelligent path planning for maximum efficiency, a suite of LiDAR and smart cameras for active collision avoidance, and optimized frequency of clip for cut quality consistency.
  • Powered by an advanced LiFePO4 lithium battery, the electric M100-AV eliminates fuel and emissions, reduces maintenance and quickly recharges in two hours.
  • Built in the U.S., the M100-AV quietly mows a 100-inch width with five reel decks, SyncLift position-based lift technology to reduce the need for a cleanup pass, low-impact AWD traction, synchronized steering and RoloRocker design for stability at speeds up to 7 mph.

For more info: fireflyautomatix.com

Photo courtesy of Nexmow

Nexmow M1S

The pitch: Nexmow M1S robot mower is designed for mowing sports fields, turf farms and premium lawns.

  • The M1S can mow between 0.75- 3.5-inch with twice the drive motor torque and cutting blades.
  • Nexmow semi-autonomous bots operate using 4G cellular and real-time kinematic technologies to map and navigate.
  • You can operate a swarm of one to 10 robots to maximize efficiency.

For more info: nexmow.com

Photo courtesy of Graze Mowing

Graze Mower M1

The pitch: Graze’s next-generation mower merges precision automation and silent electric power to redefine efficiency and safety with every blade turn.

  • Boasting a 60-inch deck, this next-gen mower is capable of mowing 1.6 acres/hour with an 8-hour battery life.
  • Experience safety and convenience with its 360-degree optical suite, avoiding obstacles and ensuring the well-being of those around.
  • The mower’s Tweel airless tires not only promise durability across all terrains but also deliver a smoother, more even cut. Stay connected and in control with the app, allowing real-time monitoring and adjustments.
  • The M1 is available for direct purchase and pre-order. Beyond the product, Graze offers warranties, training and a support team.

For more info: grazemowing.com

Photo courtesy of Husqvarna

Husqvarna Automower 550H EPOS

The pitch: Landscaping companies can focus on the details (hedge, edge, trim or blow off surfaces) while their customers enjoy precisely manicured grass — rain or shine, day and night.

  • Husqvarna EPOS (Exact Positioning Operating System) satellite-based technology enables the mower to work within virtual boundaries.
  • Map work areas, stay-out zones and designate cut patterns — right from the app — to ensure a consistent aesthetic.
  • Cut up to 2.5 acres with a cutting height of up to 3.6 inches on all types of lawns as well as navigate narrow passages and manage slopes up to 45% (24°).
  • New reference station repeaters are now available and give landscapers the ability to create service areas further from the main reference station as well as cover areas that might have obstructions like trees and sheds.

For more info: Husqvarna.com

Photo courtesy of Kress

Kress Mission RTKn Robotic Mowers

The pitch: The Kress Robotic Mower with RTKn and Mowing Action Plan (MAP) Technology mows like you, without you.

  • With no boundary wire or on-site antenna installation required, Kress’ new line of autonomous robot lawn mowers uses real-time kinematic (RTK) technology. It navigates large multi-zone turfgrass properties with centimeter-level accuracy.
  • With five models to choose from and mowing ranges from three-quarters of an acre to nine acres, Kress robotic mowers fit almost any need. The entire line of Kress robotic mowers uses a Regenerative Brake System (RBS) which converts kinetic energy into stored power for increased battery life and longer runtimes and features an IPX5-rated washable underbody and an advanced Obstacle Avoidance System (OAS) designed to ensure accurate and worry-free mowing.
  • The mower crosses driveways and walkways to mow multiple zones and continually learns the most efficient routes for better, quicker cuts. Kress Mission autonomous mowers are available at Kress dealers across North America.

For more info: kress.com

Photo courtesy of Mean Green

Mean Green Autonomous Vanquish

The pitch: Save on fuel and labor with all day runtime on the Vanquish — a commercial electric mower driven by Greenzie, an installable autonomous upfit.

  • Precise operation via a directly integrated system with rugged on-board computer using AI for maneuverability and efficiency.
  • LiDAR, GNSS and real-time kinematic sensors offer 360 degree, 100-foot range with inch level precision for obstacle detection in all lighting conditions.
  • Dual functionality allows switching between manual mode to autonomous mode to add an efficient and productive worker to your crew.
  • Easy ownership with over-the-air automatic software updates and web-based owner interface to manage equipment settings and job data in real-time.

For more info: meangreenproducts.com

Photo © Jan Nechvíle, courtesy of Raymo Electric Mowers

Raymo Electric Mowers

The pitch: Revolutionize your facility’s maintenance routine with Raymo electric mowers, known for their ability to mow down brush with ease, while also offering value with low operating costs, and the added versatility of remote-control operation for navigation on slopes and challenging terrain.

  • Raymo remote controlled mowers, with their modular construction, feature the opportunity to switch between four unique mowing decks. They not only contribute to environmental protection through their emission-free operation but also offer the added benefits of being nearly maintenance-free and featuring a low-profile design for getting into compact spaces.
  • • Raymo electric mowers feature a battery swap system for uninterrupted mowing, a four-wheel-drive capability for tackling any terrain, zero-turn steering for precision maneuverability and an advanced Raylink telemetry system.
  • Take advantage of the Sourcewell government procurement contract and individual state-based incentives designed to promote the adoption of environmentally friendly, cost-effective and sustainable electric-powered equipment.

For more info: raymousa.com

Photo courtesy of Scythe

Scythe M.52 (2024 model)

The pitch: Multiply what your crew can do with the next generation of Scythe’s autonomous commercial mower.

  • Mow all day with a 25% larger battery than the previous generation.
  • Operate with ease using its updated, more intuitive touchscreen display and redesigned hand controls.
  • Create laser-straight stripes and a great cut quality enhanced by upgraded high precision deck motors.

For more info: GetScythe.com

Photo courtesy of Sensori

Sensori Robot Mower

The pitch: The easiest to use autonomous lawn mower for landscapers, crews drop off at a customer’s site and press play.

  • Define a boundary quickly for a site without installing ground wires, charging stations or a real-time kinematic base station.
  • Deploy a fleet of mowers to work as a team on larger lawns, aligning to crew time on site.
  • Start jobs, receive alerts and monitor mowers through a mobile app. Restart a job with a new mower if needed.

For more info: SensoriRobotics.com

Photo courtesy of Sunseeker Tools

Sunseeker Platform X

The pitch: The Sunseeker Platform X is an all-scenario robot redefining yard maintenance.

  • Enjoy boundary wire-free operation and intelligent mapping for multi-zone setup, making installation and customization effortless.
  • It offers real-time kinematic (RTK), visual simultaneous localization and mapping (V SLAM) and artificial intelligent sense system (AISS).
  • The mowers also have advanced obstacle avoidance, and all-wheel drive, the Platform X works on complex terrains, slopes up to 35 degrees and rugged landscapes.

For more info: sunseekertools.com

Photo courtesy of Wright Manufacturing

Wright Autonomous Stander ZK

The pitch: The ultimate in productivity — a self-driving Stander ZK, in production and available now.

  • Wright Manufacturing partnered with Greenzie to build, deploy and produce at scale a safe and affordable commercial autonomous mower to help landscapers get more done in less time.
  • Based on the Stander ZK with a 40HP EFI engine, Smartec Drive-by-Wire hydraulics, depth-sensing cameras for obstacle avoidance, and a machine learning camera for safety.
  • Increasing productivity, efficiency and safety for landscapers mowing large acreage. Seamlessly switch between manual and autonomous to get the job done.
  • Dealer supported and now available for fleet pricing.

For more info: wrightmfg.com

Photo courtesy of ZAPT

“Nomad” ZAPT’s Fully Autonomous Commercial Mower

The pitch: ZAPT’s Nomad increases clients’ productivity and reduces labor costs by operating where other autonomous mowers cannot.

  • Operates in GNSS (GPS) denied areas and environments with limited visibility for extended periods, such as under dense tree cover and in high dust.
  • Navigates safely and reliably through its custom, fully integrated sensor suite, eliminating the need for boundary wires and can detect objects out to 250 feet away.
  • Designed for commercial landscaping projects, Nomad has all-wheel drive and steering, a 60” mowing deck, and is powered by a 38HP gas engine.

For more info: zaptllc.com

November 2023
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