The Upper Arlington Parks and Recreation Department launched an innovative pilot program this year, introducing three autonomous mowers to help maintain the green spaces at Tremont Fountain Park and Fire Station 72. These state-of-the-art mowers represent the future of park maintenance, combining efficiency with cutting-edge technology.

Each mower is equipped with a spinning disk on the underside affixed with three blades the size of a razor blade that are continuously trimming the grass by an 1/8 to 1/16 of an inch. Operating times can be tailored to each mower to accommodate grass growth rate and the season.

Similar to autonomous household vacuums, the mowers are programmed to mow only within specific boundaries set up at each location. Parks staff can monitor and adjust the mowers’ operations through a mobile app, ensuring optimal performance. Each mower is also equipped with sensors that help it navigate around obstacles. While the mowers may bump into objects or people, they are designed to be harmless.

This pilot program reflects Upper Arlington’s commitment to sustainability and innovation, offering a glimpse into the potential future of park maintenance. By integrating these autonomous mowers into their operations, the Parks and Recreation Department aims to maintain the city’s parks more efficiently while reducing the environmental impact of traditional lawn care.