MAJOR DEPLOYMENT

Mitie has partnered with Kress to deploy 24 of their autonomous Voyager robotic mowers across customer sites in what the companies describe as one of the UK's largest autonomous mowing investments within the facilities management and landscaping sector.

The rollout will see the autonomous battery-powered machines undertake routine grass cutting while being overseen by Mitie landscaping teams. Colleagues are being trained as 'Robot Pilots', using digital tools to programme the mowers, map sites, monitor performance and manage operations.

According to the companies, the units use AI and positioning technology to navigate sites autonomously. They also highlight the machines' ability to support grass cycling, with frequent mowing returning fine grass clippings to the soil to help improve soil health and reduce the need for fertilisers.

The deployment forms part of Mitie's wider robotics programme, which already includes autonomous cleaning robots operating at Heathrow Airport.

Tim Howell, managing director of landscaping at Mitie, said the partnership would enable the business to introduce autonomous technology while creating new digital skills for colleagues and allowing landscaping teams to focus on higher-value tasks.

Spencer Funnell, managing director of Kress, said the collaboration demonstrated how autonomous mowing technology could work alongside professional landscaping teams to deliver more efficient and sustainable grounds maintenance.