The City of Calgary is piloting autonomous grass-trimming technology at two athletic fields this summer, testing robot mowers that operate along preprogrammed routes to handle routine cutting.
Pilot Locations and Goals
The pilot, led by the city’s recreation and social programs department, is taking place at Glenmore Athletic Park and Frank McCool Athletic Park. According to a city news release, the goal is to better understand how the autonomous technology performs in real-world conditions and where it may be appropriate to use in the future.
“This is a small, controlled trial that allows us to explore how new technology can support our crews and day-to-day operations,” said Marc Sackman, the city’s team lead in the department. “We’re focused on learning what works well and where it makes sense to use tools like this.”
Technology and Operations
The autonomous mowers are designed to handle routine grass cutting in open areas and will follow preprogrammed routes. The city says that by taking on some of this routine work, the pilot allows staff to focus more time on detailed maintenance and site upkeep. The technology can also support more consistent mowing throughout the week, helping to maintain healthier and more evenly cut grass surfaces.
“In addition, flexible scheduling allows mowing to take place overnight or between bookings, which can be difficult to achieve with traditional equipment and competing site demands,” the release states. The units operate at a low noise level of up to 52 decibels, comparable to a quiet conversation.
Impact on Maintenance
Calgarians exercising at these fields may see the lawn-mowing equivalent of a Roomba cutting grass beside them. The pilot aims to explore how new technology can support crews and day-to-day operations, potentially leading to more efficient park maintenance in the future.
