Transforming football pitch maintenance at the Henri Guérin Technical Centre thanks to robotic mowers

The ECHO Robotics® Solution

In 2022, Amsterdam Schiphol Airport began using two ECHO Robotics® mowers powered by solar panels to evaluate their efficiency and adaptability. These robots, parked at solar charging hubs, were tasked with automated mowing maintenance to see how effectively they would meet the airport's needs. Following the success of the initial trial, Schiphol introduced a third robot in 2024.

The challenges of football pitch maintenance

With three football pitches at the Henri Guérin Training Centre, each with its own specific maintenance requirements, the workload was considerable. The Plaine de Jeux, a natural grass pitch, requires regular and meticulous mowing to keep it in perfect condition. However, traditional mowing methods were both time-consuming and labour-intensive, placing a major demand on the resources and time of the maintenance team. This situation called for a more efficient solution, capable of guaranteeing consistent results without compromising the quality of the playing surface.

The solution: ECHO Robotics® robotic mowers

In response to these challenges, the centre installed ECHO Robotics® robotic lawnmowers at La Plaine de Jeux. Designed specifically for sports fields and large green spaces, these mowers offer high precision, with cutting heights adjustable up to 25 mm and fast mowing cycles in just four hours. This technology is perfectly suited to the centre's objectives, ensuring uniform, regular maintenance without the need for heavy, conventional equipment.

Key features of ECHO Robotics® robotic mowers:

• Precise cutting: can be adjusted up to 25 mm for a customised lawn height.
• Efficient mowing cycles: a complete mowing cycle is achieved in four (for RTK models) or six hours, allowing frequent, regular mowing.

Impressive results: efficiency, durability and playability

ECHO Robotics® robotic mowers have considerably improved the grounds maintenance strategy at the Henri Guérin Training Centre. Here are the main benefits:

1. Increased maintenance frequency: with mowing cycles of just four hours, the centre can carry out frequent, regular mowing without overloading the maintenance team. This frees up resources for other essential tasks and maximises operational efficiency.
2. Reduced use of fertiliser: thanks to uniform cutting, natural grass fields require around 20% less fertiliser. This reduction enhances the health of the lawn, while at the same time being environmentally friendly, limiting the use of chemicals and supporting a healthier ecosystem.
3. Improved soil quality: heavy conventional machines can compact the soil, damaging the health of the grass. ECHO Robotics® robotic mowers avoid this problem, promoting better soil aeration and a denser, healthier lawn.
4. Optimal playing conditions: the athletes noted an improvement in the quality of the game, thanks to a carefully maintained pitch, allowing for smoother ball movement and an even playing surface, which enhances their experience on the pitch.

Conclusion: a new standard for grounds maintenance

The adoption of ECHO Robotics® robotic mowers by the Henri Guérin Training Centre sets a new standard in football pitch maintenance. By implementing this advanced technology, the centre has optimised the efficiency of its maintenance, reduced its environmental footprint and provided athletes with an impeccable playing surface. While robotic mowers continue to make headway, sports centres such as Henri Guérin are paving the way for more sustainable, player-focused pitch maintenance. For sports facility managers looking to improve the quality and sustainability of their pitches, ECHO Robotics® robotic mowers are the ideal solution, combining precision, efficiency and environmental responsibility.