Automated Mowing
Application



Autonomous mower in action

The Problem
Golf courses require constant maintenance and routinely bear high labor costs for teams of semi-skilled operators to mow fairways, frequently at peak golfing times. Mower operators must avoid golfers, maintain a neat appearance, combat fatigue and operate the mower safely.

The Solution
NREC’s autonomous mower system meets these demands by providing a system that requires a minimal amount of supervision that can be operated at night and during other off-peak hours.

The autonomous mower has a highly reliable obstacle detection and localization system. NREC developed an obstacle detection system that includes a sweeping laser rangefinder, which builds a 3D map of the area in front of the mower. It "learns” and uses this map to detect obstacles along the way. The robotic mower’s localization system combines GPS and inertial data to provide a position estimate that is accurate and robust.