New Husqvarna autonomous operation – brings self-operated mowing to large areas
Husqvarna presents another step forward in the world of autonomy and connectivity – Husqvarna Autonomous Operation for professionals. The Husqvarna Autonomous Operation, which increases productivity and safety while maintaining large green spaces, consists of multiple self-operated Husqvarna robotic mowers powered by Husqvarna EPOS technology. Three pilots are being set up in 2019 to refine the system before an official launch in 2021.
Husqvarna announces Husqvarna Autonomous Operation, a system developed to improve productivity, work environment and workspace safety for green space professionals maintaining large areas. In many cases these areas are both unsafe and challenging to mow and maintain, for example airports and solar parks.
“Built on our 25-year legacy in robotic lawnmowing - Husqvarna Autonomous Operation emphasizes our determination to consistently lead through innovation. Robotics and autonomous solutions will play a major role in the future of green space management and Husqvarna Autonomous Operation is just one example of how innovations can improve professional lawn care”, says Sascha Menges, President, Husqvarna Division.
Husqvarna Autonomous Operation uses the new Husqvarna EPOS technology, a high-precision satellite navigation system that provides enhanced real time positioning accuracy, delivering location accuracy of 2-3 centimeters. The Husqvarna EPOS technology enables the machine to navigate, within and between work areas, using virtual boundaries. The operational efficiency is increased thanks to the ability to operate the machines at any time.
In its first implementation Husqvarna Autonomous Operation is using Husqvarna’s new hybrid Rider lawnmowers. In Sweden, Husqvarna Autonomous Operation is currently being tested at Jönköping Airport and Örnsköldsvik Airport, and this fall Husqvarna will expand to include Swedavia Vehicle at Bromma Airport.
To further explore and develop autonomous solutions for airports, Husqvarna has recently invested in Norwegian Yeti Snow Technology, a supplier of self-operated snow
removal machines designed specifically for airports. This opens up the possibility for combined field operation offerings to airports around the world.
Husqvarna Autonomous Operation enables improvements in workplace safety as the remote, computerized control of the machines increases operational safety by minimizing the risk of human error. The system also offers object analysis, and collision avoidance based on information from several independent sensors, utilizing cameras, radars and ultrasonic technology. As an additional safety measure, an operator can maneuver and override the system, with a hands-on remote control.
“Satellite technology opens up new possibilities for our industry and gives us the opportunity to offer our customers new solutions. This end-to-end solution will further benefit our professional customers by increasing productivity and enabling safe and more efficient green space management in large, hard to reach, areas. Also, the hybrid propulsion used in the pilots can contribute to a decrease in the overall environmental impact for green space management”, says Adam Tengblad, Director of Autonomous Systems at Husqvarna.
The Husqvarna Autonomous Operation system will be operating in further pilot applications during 2020 and be fully available as an end-to-end solution for selected markets by 2021.
For more information please contact:
Husqvarna Group press department +46 (0)8 738 90 80 or press@husqvarnagroup.com
About Husqvarna
Husqvarna is a brand within Husqvarna Group. Since 1689, Husqvarna has manufactured high performing products and delivered industry-changing innovations such as anti-vibration and automatic chain-break on chainsaws, as well as robotic mowers. Today, Husqvarna offers a broad range of high performing outdoor power products for parks, forest and garden, and represents technological leadership in the key areas; chainsaws, trimmers, ride-on mowers and robotic mowers. Husqvarna products are sold in more than 100 countries, mainly through servicing dealers.
About Husqvarna Group
Husqvarna Group is a global leading producer of outdoor power products and innovative solutions for forest, park and garden care. Products include chainsaws, trimmers, robotic lawn mowers and ride-on lawn mowers. The Group is also the European leader in garden watering products and a global leader in cutting equipment and diamond tools for the construction and stone industries. The Group’s products and solutions are sold under brands including Husqvarna, Gardena, McCulloch, Poulan Pro, Weed Eater, Flymo, Zenoah and Diamant Boart via dealers and retailers to consumers and professionals in more than 100 countries. Net sales in 2018 amounted to SEK 41bn and the Group has around 13,000 employees in 40 countries
