Husqvarna is taking another step forward in the world of autonomy and connectivity with 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 (Exact Positioning Operating System) technology. Three pilots are being set up in 2019 to refine the system, before an official launch in 2021.

The Husqvarna Autonomous Operation was 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, such as 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,” said 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.

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.

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,” said 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.

Read: Husqvarna adds new technology for robotic mowing