Robots Now Mowing Reykjavik's Parks

Reykjavik is embracing a robotic future for its public green spaces. Automated lawnmowers are now a common sight in parks like Klambratún, meticulously cutting grass day and night with minimal human intervention. This initiative, a joint effort between Reykjavik City and the gardening company Gardathjonusta Sigurjons, promises significant efficiency gains.

“

The robots meet all our requirements for precision and more; the robot actually mows better than a human.

Valur Fannar Magnussen, a co-owner of the gardening firm, highlights the robots' superior performance. "The robot mows the grass quickly, and the clippings become fertilizer, reducing moss and making the lawn more beautiful," he explained. For large, open areas, the robotic mowers can cover approximately 36,000 square meters daily, completing the entire Klambratún park in just two days. Magnussen notes that the robots' digital mapping and pre-programmed routes ensure a level of precision that often exceeds human capabilities, resulting in a finish comparable to that of golf courses.

“

This goes by area, but for large, open areas with many square meters, you get much better mowing over the summer; the robot mows the grass quickly, and the clippings become fertilizer, reducing moss and making the lawn more beautiful.

While the robots handle the bulk of the work, human operators are still needed for intricate areas like edges and tight corners. However, the robots' autonomy means they largely operate undisturbed. They return to charging stations independently when finished. Magnussen reports that the public's reaction is typically one of curiosity, with vandalism being rare. "People are often just curious and are amazed when they see the robots," he said, adding that occasional interruptions by pranksters are infrequent, and most people allow the machines to work in peace.

“

The mowing on the plots where we have implemented the robots is so fine that it is comparable to what is found on golf courses.