The initiative aims to verify the technology's effectiveness before a potential expansion to other green areas of the capital. Borja Carabante, Delegate for Urbanism, Environment, and Mobility, presented the project, highlighting its potential to optimize management and free up personnel for other gardening tasks.
These robotic machines are designed to operate on steep slopes, capable of handling inclines up to 40 degrees, which pose a challenge for conventional machinery. They feature all-wheel drive, a wireless positioning system, automatic return to the charging base, and remote control.
The technology includes permanent monitoring, obstacle detection, and GPS geolocation for real-time operational oversight. One of the evaluated models is electrically powered, reducing noise and pollutant emissions.
“"It doesn't collide with any tree or animal, like a dog that crosses its path"
Borja Carabante emphasized the technology's safety, assuring that the machines stop for obstacles such as trees or animals, ensuring the safety of pedestrians and animals in the park. Their operation is confined to areas pre-defined by georeferencing.
Initial tests in Juan Carlos I Park show an average battery life of 6.5 hours per charge, during which each unit has mowed approximately 22,000 square meters. Results may vary based on terrain topography and other operational factors. The machines also have a gyroscope to stop if the maximum permitted incline is exceeded and can be manually controlled via a mobile application.
The City Council will gather data to evaluate the potential rollout of this technology to other parks and gardens in Madrid.
