Transformation of soccer pitch maintenance at Centre Technique Henri Guérin thanks to robot mowers
In the heart of Brittany, the Henri Guérin Training Center is a benchmark facility for amateur and professional sports teams of all disciplines. The upkeep of its soccer pitches is a priority, and the center's team is committed to maintaining high standards for athletes. However, the upkeep of the natural turf, particularly that of the main pitch known as La Plaine de Jeux, posed considerable challenges, requiring constant attention and maintenance. The center decided to adopt ECHO Robotics®' innovative robotic mowing technology to transform its approach to pitch maintenance, with significant gains in terms of efficiency, sustainability and player experience.
The ECHO Robotics® Solution
In 2022, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol began using two solar-powered ECHO Robotics® mowers to evaluate their efficiency and adaptability. These robots, parked at solar charging hubs, were tasked with automated mowing maintenance to see how effectively they met the airport's needs. Following the success of the initial trial, Schiphol introduced a third robot in 2024.
The challenges of soccer pitch maintenance
With three soccer pitches at the Henri Guérin Training Center, each with specific maintenance needs, the workload was significant. The Plaine de Jeux, a natural grass pitch, requires regular and meticulous mowing to remain in perfect condition. However, traditional mowing methods were both time-consuming and labor-intensive, placing heavy demands 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
To meet these challenges, the center installed ECHO Robotics® robotic mowers on La Plaine de Jeux. Designed specifically for sports fields and large green spaces, these mowers offer high precision with adjustable cutting heights of up to 25 mm and fast mowing cycles achieved in just four hours. This technology perfectly meets the center's objectives, ensuring uniform, regular maintenance without the need for heavy, traditional equipment.
Key features of ECHO Robotics® robotic mowers:
- Precise cutting: up to 25 mm adjustment possible for customized grass height.
- Efficient mowing cycles: a complete cycle is achieved in four (for RTK models) or six hours, enabling frequent and regular mowing.
Impressive results: efficiency, durability and playability
ECHO Robotics® robotic mowers have significantly improved the grounds maintenance strategy at the Henri Guérin Training Center. Here are the main benefits observed:
- Increased maintenance efficiency: thanks to mowing cycles in just four hours, the center can carry out frequent, regular mowing without overloading the maintenance team. This frees up resources for other essential tasks and maximizes operational efficiency.
- Reduced fertilizer use: thanks to uniform cutting, natural grass fields require around 20% less fertilizer. This reduction reinforces the health of the turf while being part of an ecological approach, limiting the use of chemicals and supporting a healthier ecosystem.
- Improving soil quality: heavy traditional machines can compact the soil, harming the health of the lawn. ECHO Robotics® robotic mowers avoid this problem, promoting better soil aeration and denser, healthier turf.
- Optimal playing conditions: athletes have noted an improvement in the quality of play, thanks to a carefully maintained lawn, enabling smoother ball movement and an even playing surface, enhancing their experience on the field.
Conclusion: a new standard for pitch maintenance
The adoption of ECHO Robotics® robotic mowers by the Henri Guérin Training Centre sets a new standard for soccer pitch maintenance. By implementing this advanced technology, the center has optimized the efficiency of its maintenance, reduced its environmental footprint and offered athletes an impeccable playing surface. As robotic mowers continue to advance, sports centers like Henri Guérin are paving the way for more sustainable, player-centric pitch maintenance. For sports facility managers looking to improve the quality and sustainability of their grounds, ECHO Robotics® robotic mowers are an ideal solution, combining precision, efficiency and environmental responsibility.