I don't have many Twitter turf followers (yet), and could use some help retweeting these questions: What is the best way you folks have found for seasonal irrigation head trimming? And is there any maintaining advice aside from usual manpower once the head is trimmed?

The price for playability just came down. Get 50% off your first case of Aquaritin Sparc - offer ends May 31st, 2025, US customers only. aquaritinturf.com/product/aq…

Phased implementation of robotic mowing is the roadmap to success. Whether that is months, years, or decades down the road -- planning is key! Some thoughts on developing a phased site specific plan which will be included in the full Superintendent's Guide to Robotic Mowing.

A popular phrase with robotic and autonomous mowing during this busy conference season: "The future is here!" I think a better phrase would be "real conversations about the very near-future are here"... though it may not be as catchy. The rocket-speed adoption curve that manufacturers and brands often tout faces some real-world challenges. While the past few years have proven that robotic mowers can and will mow grass on a golf course (with proper buy-in—but that’s another discussion), it doesn’t mean every property is ready to jump in feet first. In no particular order, even if robotic mowers are a perfect fit at a golf course in regards to terrain, these real-world considerations are at the forefront of decision making when it comes to full-course adoption of autonomous mowing. Equipment and Budgeting Cycles: Dependent on current budgets and replacement schedules. Return on Investment (ROI): Weigh long-term savings against initial costs. Infrastructure Changes: May require significant property layout adjustments. Staff Training: Teams need time to learn new tech and maintenance. Operational Adjustments: Shifts in daily operations and routines are required. Customer Awareness: Owners need time to see beyond the "future tech" hype. All this and more coming in the Superintendent's Guide to Robotic Mowing (3.6.25 version located here - flipsnack.com/75EFF588B7A/3f…) Subscribe to my new Newsletter for more updates to the guide at turf2050.com

SUPERINTENDENT'S GUIDE TO ROBOTIC MOWING First two chapters availablee now!

By the time a textbook on robotic mowing would be published, it would be out of date by years. Hoping to create a living document that will update as the technology evolves. First two chapters -- history & common barriers -- available now! Check it out: flipsnack.com/75EFF588B7A/b8…

I'm hearing rumblings of an autonomous bunker rake coming to the US by late summer. While it's not made for every bunker design, this could be a real operational game changer for some courses. Robots in bunkers - yay or nay?

"Not gonna work" edges the win by a single vote. Maybe we'll see the real life results sooner than we think. Any of the "perfect spot for robots" voters want to find out? Check it out -- BAS-Turf is bringing the Turftroniq SmartRake to the US: bas-turf.us/smartrake

Understanding autonomy levels as it pertains to mowing is critical in navigating today's overwhelming robotic/autonomous mower market. I'm trying to break down previously established "levels of autonomous driving" to fit the mowers we are seeing arise on the market. What are your thoughts? What would you change/add?

We now have in-ground soil sensors, drones, and equipment-mounted technologies delivering more turf & soil data than ever before. But the real question is: how do we turn that data into action without adding extra steps that make adoption clunky? The key isn’t just collecting information, but integrating it seamlessly into existing workflows so superintendents can make informed decisions without extra hassle. The real power comes when these systems are integrated with irrigation scheduling and central control software. Sounds great, right? The challenge: irrigation companies need to work with third-party companies—and that’s not always easy. Different platforms, proprietary software, and limited integrations can create roadblocks. For this to succeed, open collaboration between tech providers and irrigation manufacturers going forward will be crucial. The future of turf management isn’t just about collecting data—it’s about seamless, automated...or maybe assisted decision-making that optimizes water use, improves playability, and saves time/money. That’s why it has been exciting to see @TerraRadTech and @ToroGolf working together to integrate sensing technology directly into irrigation controls. Partnerships like this show the industry is moving toward smarter, more efficient turf management—where data doesn’t just sit in separate silos but actively drives better decisions, and more seamless execution of those decisions.

Robotic Mower Servicing: Who Will Support This New Technology? 🤖🛠️ As robotic mowers gain traction in golf and sports turf, a question remains: Who will service and support them? 🔹 Robotics Dealers w/ RaaS Models – Automation-focused companies are offering Robots as a Service (RaaS), where they handle monitoring, diagnostics, and servicing entirely for the customer. With a simple monthly payment, courses can access robotic mowing without upfront costs—often with the dealer retaining ownership of the machine. This is a great option in the early years of adoption, allowing facilities to test automation with minimal risk. 🔹 In-House Robot Experts – Operations deploying a fleet of robots will benefit from training on-site staff to handle troubleshooting, repairs, and software updates. This role is a perfect fit for the next generation of turf professionals—those already comfortable with technology and mobile interfaces. 🔹 Traditional Equipment Dealers – Many major robotic brands are courting golf and sports turf dealers to handle sales and service. However, dealers thus far have been cautious not to disrupt their existing business models and risk creating an unsustainable service network. --- For robotic mowers to succeed, a strong, sustainable service network is critical. Before investing, consider: ✅ Who will handle troubleshooting and repairs? ✅ Will parts and updates be easily accessible? ✅ How will this fit into your current equipment maintenance workflow?

The Hidden Costs of Robotic Mower Infrastructure 🤖💰 Autonomous mowers promise efficiency, but the infrastructure to support them isn’t always plug-and-play. Here are some factors golf courses need to consider before making the leap: ⚡ Charging Station Setup – Where will the power come from? Many courses splice into irrigation controllers, but power availability across the course can be a challenge for many courses. Some locations may require trenching for new electrical lines or installing solar-assisted charging. Beyond power, proper planning and execution are crucial—charging docks need to be strategically placed, and planned to prevent wear pattern from wheel traffic as well as using garages and natural elements to blend into the course. 📡 RTK Antennas & Base Stations – Will you need multiple antennas to ensure full property coverage with Line of Sight? Can you host a single base station for miles of coverage (and possibly get discounts for doing so)? Or will you rely on an existing RTK network for a subscription fee? Do I need good cell coverage at my course? These hidden costs and logistical challenges are key to making fleet-style robotic mowing a long-term success. Thinking ahead can save time, money, and headaches. If you’re exploring automation for your course, let’s talk about what to plan for.

Autonomous machines are great, but GPS/RTK guided and auto-steer assisted machines can improve efficiency while offering increased flexibility and adaptability compared to a fully autonomous solution. We all know the capabilities and benefits of the GPS sprayers in the industry. But have you ever thought about getting perfect swath widths with a Vicon or Lely? Or dialing in seeding applications with centimeter-level accuracy? Retrofit GPS/RTK + autosteer kits are making that possible—and not just for one machine. The real game-changer? Flexibility. Take the aftermarket kits off your sprayer and throw it on a utility cart for granular applications. Move it between tractors depending on the job. Enable technology on your current sprayer, and seamlessly transfer to the next one you buy down the road—using already familiar GPS spray interfaces! It’s not perfect for every machine or application, but the possibilities are exciting when you can start sharing this capability across your fleet. It's not all about pure automation—it’s about making the tools we already have smarter.

The Turf Tech Ecosystem: Where Is It All Going? 🤔 Drones, robotic mowers, soil sensors, & more—the technology driving turf management is evolving fast. But with so many tools comes new challenges: 📡 Do you need a base station on-site for all of them? 📲 How do you manage multiple platforms across your phone and computer? 🔮 Where is this all headed, and how do we make it work together? Superintendents already have enough on their plate. Tech should aim to simplify, not complicate. If you're looking to navigate the turf tech landscape—what to look for in new technologies and how to make them more user-friendly moving forward—reach out for a consultation today!

We’re going to see a flurry of new handheld moisture meter options in the coming years. Here’s the @USGAGrnSection’s go at it. Wanna know about others in the pipeline? Reach out for a turf tech consultation!

Disappointing but not surprising that Toro is “debuting” an autonomous mower that’s simply a branded Belrobotics machine that’s been available in the US for years as Echo.

A small frustration can become a big barrier to adoption—especially in an industry where time is already stretched thin. If charging (or any basic function) is a hassle, that tech quickly turns from a solution into just another headache. For new technology to stick, it has to work—not just in ideal conditions, but in the daily grind of a superintendent’s world. Simple, reliable charging, intuitive interfaces, and seamless operation aren’t just nice-to-haves; they’re must-haves for long-term adoption. If I had to guess, the next version of the GS3 will improve on charging—because at the end of the day, the best #TurfTech is the kind that makes superintendents’ jobs easier, not more complicated.

My Thoughts on Toro "Unveiling" Small Autonomous Mowers Toro Golf just unveiled its autonomous TurfPro mowers and RangePro range picker, but here’s the thing: these machines aren’t exactly new looking. They seem to be rebranded (perhaps newly updated) Belrobotics units—ones that have been sold in the U.S. for years under Echo Robotics. This wouldn't be surprising, as Toro has a history of acquiring rather than developing tech in-house. That said, this move does tell us something important: Toro sees the demand for small, fleet-style autonomous mowing and is making sure they have an offering in that space. One positive takeaway? More courses will now have access to robotic mowing through Toro’s established dealer network, which could accelerate adoption across the industry. Do I think these particular machines are the ultimate solution for full-course automation? No. But for courses looking to dip their toe into robotics, they’re proven robotic mowers with one of the biggest names in golf willing to slap their name on it. That's a good thing for robotic mowers as a whole. Want to hear more on this and other robotic mowers? Reach out for a turf technology consultation!