Telit testing environmental sensors on robotic lawnmowers

Internet of things (IoT) specialist Telit Communications announced on Tuesday that outdoor power products manufacturer Husqvarna is now using Telit's end-to-end IoT solutions to enable real-time sensor data from its robotic lawnmowers, offering insight into green-space environmental conditions.

The AIM-traded company explained that the solution involved a wireless sensor device co-developed by Telit and Sweden-based design house Wireless System Integration, in their city robotic mower pilot program.

Cities were reportedly using the Husqvarna mowers to collect data about the environment, quality of air, water and levels of light and sound, while maintaining green spaces, which reportedly saved time and money, reducing emission and noise pollution.

The mowers cut the grass and collect data 24 hours a day from the sensors, which collect real-time data on UV radiation, air quality, ambient noise, luminosity and vibration.

Telit said the sensor box, which it designed, was a first for the industry and was mounted on top of the mowers.

It used the robot’s main battery for power supply, thereby recharging whenever the robot returns to its base.

The box transmits the data using Telit's HE910 cellular module and its global IoT connectivity data plans, enabled by local mobile operators through mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) agreements.

Telit said its IoT platform “seamlessly” connects, manages and delivers the environmental data in a ready-to-use format.

It added that in cooperation with Husqvarna, innovation and science organisation Quantified Planet receives the data and publishes it for citizens to review.

The cities could then analyze the environmental data sent by the robots and potentially implement programmes to improve the health of its citizens, based on the insights.

“According to the United Nations, 66% of the world's population will be living in urban areas by 2050, creating sustainability challenges for cities to manage,” said Telit’s interim CEO Yosi Fait.

“Cities that are already using IoT are building the infrastructure to manage their assets and relationships with their citizens - Husqvarna's city mower program is an example of how cities are using IoT to become more sustainable and efficient.

“Through this collaboration, we have been demonstrating again our unique sensor to cloud capabilities, cutting our customers time to market through our integrated lines of products and services as well through our professional services team's significant IoT knowhow.”

Maja Brisvall, CEO of Quantified Planet, said collecting the city data gave researchers the opportunity to explore and research the health of urban public spaces in a way that had never been done before.

“By using the Quantified Planet data exploration platform, this new data can provide insights and innovation on how to develop and improve sustainable open green spaces which impact the citizens living nearby. We are excited to be part of the project.”

Pavel Hajman, president of the Husqvarna division, added that the need for green spaces was growing “more and more” in urban areas, and he thought it “inspiring” to think about how parks in cities would be maintained in the future.

“I am excited about the pilot program, learning more about the possibility to increase sustainability and productivity in professional landscaping for urban areas.”