Robotic Lawn Mowers
In spring 2025, CMU is adding an autonomous robotic mower to its campus lawn care management team. The electric mower, nicknamed "Mo", will be quieter and more energy-efficient than traditional gas- and diesel-powered mowers, reducing noise and air pollution.
Read the frequently asked questions below for more information about the robotic mower.
Why did CMU start using robotic lawn mowers?
Robotic mowers offer CMU several benefits:
- Quiet operation, reducing disturbances to nearby work, study and living spaces, as well as those enjoying campus grounds
- Energy efficiency through the use of electric power instead of gasoline or diesel, which reduces emissions often associated with lawn care
- Operational efficiency, as grounds staff will be able to focus on higher service levels and more detailed landscape work across campus
- Continuous lawn maintenance, with the ability to run the machine more often — even at night!
Is the mower replacing any staff on the grounds maintenance team?
No grounds staff are being replaced by the robotic mower. In fact, the mower will allow our grounds staff to focus on increased service levels and more detailed work across campus, as well as project work.
Does CMU need to do anything to the landscape to prepare for the new mower?
Following Spring Carnival, the grounds staff, in collaboration with an outside contractor, began leveling the soil along the walkway edges around The Cut and The Mall. This adjustment repairs turf damage from winter snow removal and creates a smooth transition for the robotic mower to traverse the landscape efficiently.
What type of mower will be used?
After testing several models, CMU chose the Husqvarna CEORA™ autonomous mower due to its safety and operational features. The model is used by many universities, sports teams, country clubs and golf courses to maintain their grounds.
How safe is the robotic mower?
The mower has several safety features, including:
- Virtual boundaries that keep the mower in sanctioned work areas and off of walkways
- Safe speeds, which allow the machine to be efficient while also continuously monitoring its environment
- Sensors to help the machine safely reroute if it encounters an unexpected large object in its path. Smaller objects, such as rocks or golf balls, are “skipped over” and left in the grass instead of becoming dangerous projectiles (as sometimes happens with traditional mowers)
- An auto-shutoff feature that stops the machine if it is picked up during use
- Satellite communication, which allows high-precision positioning of the mower, as well as continuous monitoring and maintenance updates
Does it know how to avoid objects and people?
Sensors help the machine safely reroute if it encounters an unexpected large object in its path. The mower uses touch sensing, meaning it detects objects by “bumping” into them at a very low speed. Smaller objects, such as rocks and golf balls, are “skipped over” and left in the grass.
What should I do if I am on a campus walkway and see the mower approaching?
Virtual boundaries keep the mower in sanctioned work areas and off of walkways. The mower may, however, cross a walkway to enter another work area. Please give the mower space if it approaches you.
What should I do if I am on the lawn and encounter the robotic mower?
Sensors help the machine safely reroute if it encounters an unexpected large object in its path. The mower uses touch sensing, meaning it would detect your presence by “bumping” into you at a very low speed, then choose another path. Even though the mower is designed to be extremely safe, you should give it space if it approaches you or any of your objects or pets. If a mower unexpectedly bumps into you, please do not pick it up or attempt to move it. Simply give it space and it will reroute away from you. Please do not allow your pet to approach or chase the mower.
Where on campus will the mower be used?
The robotic mower will be used mainly in the center of campus, on the CFA Lawn, The Cut and The Mall. Due to slope steepness, it will not be used on the hillsides by the tennis courts.
How often will the mower operate?
The mower will be used frequently – even at night using its headlights! – with breaks to recharge at its charging station. Frequent use will help with campus upkeep and reduce the volume of grass clippings left on CMU’s grass areas, keeping these areas and walkways cleaner.
How and where is it charged?
The electric charging station will be located near the center of campus. You may periodically see Mo entering or leaving its station as it makes its rounds!
Where do the grass clippings go?
The clippings are mulched back into the ground, which reduces yard waste, helps control weeds, conserves water and moderates soil temperature. Frequent mowing will also reduce the volume of grass clippings left on CMU’s grass areas at any given time, keeping these areas and walkways cleaner.
What happens if someone tries to pick up the mower?
Unauthorized individuals should not touch or pick up the mower, but an auto-shutoff safety feature will stop the machine if it is picked up during use. The mower will also stop working if it is removed from its designated work area, and its location is continuously monitored through GPS tracking.
Will CMU be adding more robotic lawn mowers to its fleet?
Over time, the university plans to add more autonomous lawn mowers to help maintain our grounds and meet our campus’ landscaping needs.
The Husqvarna CEORA™ autonomous mower