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Jessica Schwartz
Lishman/Manterra Collaboration Produces Fully Autonomous Unmanned GPS Sprayer
In a world of self-driving mowers, cars, and even snowplows, the call for the precision and reliability of GPS controlled tools is sweeping across all industries, especially the landscape business. For compact sprayer manufacturers Martin Lishman Ltd, their venture into the world of autonomous spraying became a reality when they were approached by UK based precision equipment specialist, Manterra Ltd. The plan was to mount a Martin Lishman Mini-Spray 125 liter demount sprayer with 3.5m boom on their XAG R150 fully autonomous utility vehicle and create a go-anywhere unmanned GPS controlled spraying system. “We were struggling to find a UK based manufacturer who could fill all our requirements for lead time, quality, specification and value,” explains Andrew Manfield, managing director of Manterra Ltd. “Martin Lishman were able to fulfill all our requirements regarding these critical aspects, worked closely with us to meet our needs and were always responsive to our requests.” The XAG and Mini-Spray combo provides a robust and versatile ground-based platform, which offers a variety of spraying capabilities at an affordable level. It utilizes the Trimble control system to deliver a full suite of variable rate application and targeted application solutions using Trimble Weedseeker sensors. The use of the unmanned sprayer vehicle brings many benefits. From a safety perspective, operators have greater separation from chemicals when the sprayer is in use. Additionally, from an environmental stand-point, the battery vehicle is quieter and lighter than typical UTV’s or tractors, minimizing disturbance, and ground pressure. “Field tests have been run ...
Lishman/Manterra Collaboration Produces Fully Autonomous Unmanned GPS Sprayer
In a world of self-driving mowers, cars, and even snowplows, the call for the precision and reliability of GPS controlled tools is sweeping across all industries, especially the landscape business. For compact sprayer manufacturers Martin Lishman Ltd, their venture into the world of autonomous spraying became a reality when they were approached by UK based precision equipment specialist, Manterra Ltd. The plan was to mount a Martin Lishman Mini-Spray 125 liter demount sprayer with 3.5m boom on their XAG R150 fully autonomous utility vehicle and create a go-anywhere unmanned GPS controlled spraying system. “We were struggling to find a UK based manufacturer who could fill all our requirements for lead time, quality, specification and value,” explains Andrew Manfield, managing director of Manterra Ltd. “Martin Lishman were able to fulfill all our requirements regarding these critical aspects, worked closely with us to meet our needs and were always responsive to our requests.” The XAG and Mini-Spray combo provides a robust and versatile ground-based platform, which offers a variety of spraying capabilities at an affordable level. It utilizes the Trimble control system to deliver a full suite of variable rate application and targeted application solutions using Trimble Weedseeker sensors. The use of the unmanned sprayer vehicle brings many benefits. From a safety perspective, operators have greater separation from chemicals when the sprayer is in use. Additionally, from an environmental stand-point, the battery vehicle is quieter and lighter than typical UTV’s or tractors, minimizing disturbance, and ground pressure. “Field tests have been run ...
Autonomous Smart Robot For Snow & Turf Available AT MTE Locations
Left Hand Robotics, manufacturer of the world’s first self-driving smart robot for both commercial turf and snow maintenance, recently added MTE Turf Equipment Solutions (MTE) as one of its first dealers. As a supplier of commercial grounds maintenance equipment in the Northeast, MTE will help expand sales and service for Left Hand Robotics. MTE has four store locations and will represent Left Hand Robotics in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Left Hand Robotics’ self-driving RT-1000 smart robot transforms between an autonomous field mowing robot and a snow clearing robot. It’s designed for anyone who manages commercial or public turf maintenance or snow clearing. The robot can be monitored real-time from a smartphone while RADAR and LIDAR sensors can detect an unexpected person or obstacle for safe operation. The MTE sales team is equipped to demo the RT-1000 and available field attachments so turf and snow professionals can see how the workbot performs. “Our team at MTE is excited to partner with a forward thinking quality brand like Left Hand Robotics in the emerging autonomous grounds care space,” said Ben Mancuso, vice president at MTE. “With our operating footprint in the northeast U.S., our customers cut grass and move snow. We believe the folks at Left Hand Robotics are building a machine that will bring new efficiencies to these tasks and will offer our customers the ability to re-allocate human resources and increase overall productivity.” Terry Olkin, CEO of Left Hand Robotics, commented, ...
Husqvarna + Yeti = Autonomous Grass Cutting & Snow Plowing
Husqvarna Group recently announced an investment in Yeti Snow Technology, a Norwegian company delivering autonomous snow clearance systems to airports. Husqvarna, together with original investors, Semcon and Øveraasen, now hold equal parts in Yeti. The collaboration in Yeti is aimed at further exploring autonomous solutions for airports and more, including robotic grass cutting, in which Husqvarna is an industry leader. Yeti, for its part, is the first in the world to operate autonomous snow clearance systems and trucks in a live airport environment in Norway. Together with solutions from Husqvarna Group, the aim is to provide airport operators with a more comprehensive autonomous solution for all seasons of the year. For Husqvarna Group, the collaboration means entering a brand-new market but evolving its existing solutions. Grass cutting at airports is a key safety issue. Tall grass attracts birds that can potentially be drawn into aircraft engines causing security hazards. Autonomous robotic grass cutters provide a cost efficient and flexible way of always keeping the green spaces surrounding runways and taxiways in great shape, minimizing the risk of bird strikes. Also, manual grass cutting is not only time consuming and costly, but requires a continuous scale-up and down of task force depending on season. Autonomous machines can operates 24/7 enabling high operational efficiency, while digital control decreases human error and enhances safety, a top priority for airports. “Autonomous technology has been a focus for quite some time at Husqvarna Group. By combining our know-how with the knowledge and experience of our ...
