Trampling Analysis of Autonomous Mowers: Implications on Garden Designs

Several trials have been carried out by various authors concerning autonomous mowers, which are battery-powered machines. The effects of these machines on turfgrass quality and energy consumption thoroughly investigated. However, there still some aspects that not studied. Among these, random trajectory overlapping is one the most important. To investigate aspects, two RTK-GPS devices along with custom-built software used for previous has upgraded in order to precisely calculate how many times mower drives over same spot using trajectories. This parameter, number passages position, was hypothesized explain mower’s trampling action. trial testing a commercial three areas different levels complexity assess its performances. following variables were examined: percentage mowed area, distance travelled, intersections, passages, work efficiency. average area mown (average value areas) 54.64% after hour 80.15% hours work. Percentage 15% higher no obstacles slightly among garden designs. obtained highest an 37 passages. working efficiency intermediate 0.40 estimated resulted 0.31 Wh m−2 0.42 working. These results highlight correct settings cutting time may be crucial consistently save during long period useful complete automation maintenance green areas.