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ECHO Robotics TM-850 robotic mower: feedback from a model aircraft airfield

Model Airplane

Autonomous, sustainable mowing for large areas

 

Maintaining and mowing large areas is a challenge for clubs, communities, and managers of sports facilities. Pressure on teams, rising energy costs, and environmental constraints make conventional mowing methods less and less suitable.

 

The ECHO Robotics TM-850 professional robotic mower is earning its reputation as a reliable, sustainable alternative. With its GPS RTK navigation and compatibility with a solar power supply, this robot operating without boundary wires provides high-quality autonomous mowing, even on isolated sites without a connection to the electrical power grid.

 

Case study: solar mowing under real conditions

 

In Germany, the TM-850 was tested on a 6500 m² model aircraft airfield that had absolutely no fixed electrical power supply. The aim was simple: to confirm the feasibility of robotic mowing operating exclusively on solar power without compromising the regularity or quality of the grass.

 

Energy configuration installed

The system demonstrated remarkable stability. Even with variable spring sunshine, the system's operation remained continuous, without interruptions or human intervention.

 

A robotic mower designed for professional applications

 

The TM-850 is a professional robotic mower with GPS RTK navigation, designed for demanding environments. It mows in perfectly straight strips, without boundary wires, providing a visually perfect finish.

 

Essential technical specifications

With the RTK station installed on the site, the trajectories are precise, repeatable, and programmable, guaranteeing uniform mowing quality over the entire grounds.

Smart management of mowing areas

 

Our professional robot allows fine adjustment of multizone mowing, to adapt the mowing to the specific requirements of each area. The robot automatically adjusts its speed according to the density of the grass, and after charging it resumes mowing exactly where it left off.

 

This model aircraft airfield has 4300 m² of main runway, which is fully mown in 7 to 8.5 hours, including recharging, without any human intervention.

 

Confirmed energy autonomy

 

Even under unfavourable conditions such as cold nights, rain, or lack of sunshine, the robot's battery never went below 15% charge. For daytime mowing, solar energy is usually enough to power the TM-850 professional robotic mower directly.

 

Over the observation period, the energy production (127.4 kWh) remained higher than the robot's consumption (105.7 kWh). The battery charge level never fell below 80%, even during very busy events.

 

Safety and long-term reliability

 

The TM-850 incorporates advanced safety features: obstacle detection by sonar sensors, immediate stopping on contact or lifting, remote supervision via app and web interface. The reversible blades and automatic reversal of the direction of rotation limit wear.

 

After more than 1200 km covered, there were no technical incidents and no repairs required.

 

Why choose ECHO Robotics for your autonomous mowing needs?

 

Key advantages

✔️ Much lower labour costs
✔️ Silent, emission-free operation
✔️ Perfect compatibility with photovoltaic systems
✔️ Consistent professional mowing quality

 

Because of its compatibility with photovoltaic systems, it is an especially suitable solution for sports grounds, aerodromes, model aircraft airfields, communities, and sites that are not connected to the power grid.

 

Good sizing practice

  1. Do not use more than 60% of the nominal maximum capacity.
  2. Aim for 30 to 35% of the theoretical surface area to operate exclusively on solar charging
  3. Plan for ample battery storage
  4. Consider a multi-robot fleet for very large areas

 

Conclusion

 

When combined with an appropriately sized photovoltaic system, the ECHO Robotics TM-850 robotic mower stands as a reliable, sustainable, and economically advantageous solution for the maintenance of large green spaces. It lets managers guarantee an impeccable lawn, whilst sustainably reducing their operating costs and carbon footprint.

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