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Autonomous Mower Management Systems Efficiency Improvement: Analysis of Greenspace Features and Planning Suggestions

Author

Listed:
  • Mino Sportelli

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy)

  • Luisa Martelloni

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy)

  • Aura Orlandi

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy)

  • Michel Pirchio

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy)

  • Marco Fontanelli

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy)

  • Christian Frasconi

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy)

  • Michele Raffaelli

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy)

  • Andrea Peruzzi

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy)

  • Salvatore Brunello Consorti

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy)

  • Paolo Vernieri

    (Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment, University of Pisa, 56124 Pisa, Italy)

Abstract

Autonomous mowers are battery-powered machines designed to mow turfgrass autonomously and continuously improving turfgrass quality and helping the person who takes care of the turf to save time and energy. However, autonomous mowers work in a way that sometimes does not match with the greenspace’s design. The aim of this study was to analyze greenspace features that can be a hindrance for autonomous mowers in order to provide greenspaces design suggestions and management solutions when using an autonomous mowing system. Seven greenspaces managed by autonomous mowers ranging from 200–9000 m 2 were selected and studied. Interviews with the owners and on-site inspections were carried out to understand if manual interventions were required and to identify local plant communities. The results of the interviews showed that manual finishing work such as mowing grass along curbs and walls was needed in all the cases. Some cases needed manual interventions since autonomous mowers got stuck on because of shallow tree roots. Among the seven areas studied, the largest was chosen to be thoroughly analyzed in order to suggest two alternative design and management solutions and to carry out an economical comparison with the current state. When the inspection of this area was carried out, three autonomous mowers were used. Analyzing different management solutions showed that using only two autonomous mowers with specific technological devices was more advantageous. The costs of the current management solution using three autonomous mowers exceeded the costs of the suggested scenarios respectively of 2118.79 € and of 1451.15 €. Moreover, redesigning greenspaces with curbs slightly lower than grass and choosing trees with tap-root systems will help to avoid manual interventions. In this way, the efficiency of autonomous mowers will be enhanced, helping to obtain all the benefits derived from using autonomous mowers.

Suggested Citation

  • Mino Sportelli & Luisa Martelloni & Aura Orlandi & Michel Pirchio & Marco Fontanelli & Christian Frasconi & Michele Raffaelli & Andrea Peruzzi & Salvatore Brunello Consorti & Paolo Vernieri, 2019. "Autonomous Mower Management Systems Efficiency Improvement: Analysis of Greenspace Features and Planning Suggestions," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 9(6), pages 1-13, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:9:y:2019:i:6:p:115-:d:236656
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chengyan Yue & Jingjing Wang & Eric Watkins & Stacy A. Bonos & Kristen C. Nelson & James A. Murphy & William A. Meyer & Brian P. Horgan, 2017. "Heterogeneous Consumer Preferences for Turfgrass Attributes in the United States and Canada," Canadian Journal of Agricultural Economics/Revue canadienne d'agroeconomie, Canadian Agricultural Economics Society/Societe canadienne d'agroeconomie, vol. 65(3), pages 347-383, September.
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