Bobcat advances autonomous tech

Bobcat announces a new autonomous mowing system, along with an investment in Greenzie, an autonomous software company for commercial lawn mowers and outdoor power equipment.

“Through this investment with Greenzie, we can accelerate our development of operator-assisted and automated solutions to help our customers be more productive on the jobsite or their backyard,” said Joel Honeyman, vice president of global innovation for Bobcat Company.

The collaboration supports Bobcat’s introduction of its autonomous, zero-turn mower, which offers what the firm called, “game-changing efficiency and productivity by completing repetitive mowing tasks without the need for an onboard operator.”

Designed to operate with software developed by Greenzie, the Bobcat autonomous mower has a ride-and-repeat feature, where operators can plot a course and mark areas for the mower to avoid during autonomous operations.

Able to detect objects, known or unknown, said the company, the mower travels its prescribed path while the operator can take on other tasks and maximize jobsite efficiency.

The machine utilizes mapping to execute an exact route that can be repeated; all of which can be managed or edited on a simple smartphone app. 

Through this investment, Bobcat and Greenzie join forces to accelerate Bobcat’s development of the autonomous capabilities and solutions across its product line-up.

“Our customers are desperate for solutions that help them overcome their biggest challenge: Labor shortages. Our software helps crews be more productive, and will run on reliable, rugged Bobcat equipment they trust,” said Charles Brian Quinn, co-founder and CEO of Greenzie.

“Innovation is part of the Bobcat DNA. We invented the compact equipment industry more than 60 years ago, and we continue to reimagine the future of the industry today,” said Honeyman.

The mower will have a limited launch in late 2023, said Bobcat.