Autonomous Mowers: Efficiency Meets Sustainability in Turf Management
Lulli, F., et al. 2023. Monitoring Autonomous Mowers Operative Parameters on Low-Maintenance Warm-Season Turfgrass. Applied Sciences, 13(14), 7852. https://doi.org/10.3390/app13147852
The study “Monitoring Autonomous Mowers Operative Parameters on Low-Maintenance Warm-Season Turfgrass” highlights the transformative potential of autonomous mowers in managing residential lawns. Conducted by researchers from the University of Pisa, the trial assessed the performance of two autonomous mowers on a low-maintenance warm-season turfgrass, focusing on operational efficiency, turf quality, and environmental impact.
Key findings include:
- Efficiency and Precision: The mowers used advanced RTK GPS and random trajectory algorithms to achieve consistent coverage. Despite some limitations in work efficiency due to overlapping paths, both models demonstrated reliable performance in maintaining turf height and quality.
- Impact on Turf Quality: Continuous mowing improved turf density and weed control, even under varying trampling levels. The autonomous approach proved especially beneficial in enhancing species tolerant to frequent cutting and high traffic.
- Sustainability: The study confirmed low energy consumption, averaging 0.0047 to 0.048 kWh per session, making these mowers eco-friendly alternatives to traditional methods.
Autonomous mowers represent a sustainable and efficient solution for residential turf management, offering consistent results while reducing labor and environmental impact.