Fully autonomous combo mower and line marking robot launched in the UK
The world’s first combination robot offers a multi-function turfcare solution.
XDC Autonomous Solutions has been appointed UK distributor of the RM21 Combo robot from FJ Dynamics. With its unique configuration, the RM21 offers a cutting deck and line marker to enable autonomous mowing and marking from the same unit.
Attendees to Groundsfest will be able to get a first look at the RM21 Combo on the XDC stand RB380.
The RM21 is easy to set up and operate, with users able to easily switch between line marking and mowing functions. It can be controlled via the supplied bespoke tablet or screen on the actual robot, with an app also available for remote operation, task scheduling, monitoring, and history log via a mobile device.
Where the RM21 Combo is unmatched is the inclusion of the line marking sprayer in the same robot. The simple and intuitive user interface on the tablet enables fast and simple plotting of pitches, training grids, and other layouts. Even bespoke plans are available as CAD’s can be supplied or layouts created from customer designs that quickly convert into a route plan on the tablet.
The sprayer mechanism can be adjusted to mark line widths of 50-160mm and can accommodate different nozzles and paints to deliver the optimum combination of line quality, longevity, and paint consumption. A 48V ultra-long life lithium battery and large 25L paint container allows the marking of several pitches one after the other, and for those using 5L pre-mixed paint pouches to refill the container, the large capacity can also offer a solution to the environmental issue of disposing of plastic paint tubs.
Designed for multiple scenarios, including sports pitches, golf courses, racecourses, solar farms, estates and orchards, the RM21 mower features an intelligent control system, pure electric drive, and a large-capacity battery to maximise mowing efficiency, saving time and money, and freeing up resources to focus on other tasks.
With a choice of Eco, Normal and Power blade mode, mowing speed and cutting height adjustability from 20 to 127mm (0.8 to 5”) different levels of cut and finish can be achieved from the standard rotary mower, with greater precision mowing available via the optional cylinder deck attachment.
Paused and completed operations are all recorded; with the user able to select an interrupted operation and click Continue to pick up from where it was paused or select a completed operation and tap Restart to perform the operation again in full.
Charging can be carried out manually via mains connection, or the included charging station. The station enables users to benefit from 24/7 operation as the RM21 will return to it for charging when the battery is low, before heading back out and picking up where it left off without manual intervention, significantly improving work efficiency.
Safety is paramount for autonomous operation; 360° real-time object detection is provided by LiDAR to constantly monitor the surrounding area, detecting obstacles and ensuring there are no blind spots. Smart Path Planning uses built-in object avoidance to automatically plan mowing paths, helping prevent collisions and damage to make mowing safer and easier. In addition, the RM21 features collision bumpers, lift protection, and rain monitoring, plus controllable lights to make it more visible in the dark.
Supplied with a Radio RTK station the RM21 Combo produces centimetre-level positioning accuracy for precision mowing and marking, with the LiDAR technology creating a 3D cloud point map of the terrain to allows it to safely mow in complex areas, such as under trees or around objects.
XDC’s Director of Sales, Matt Murray commented “We are delighted to be working in partnership with FJ Dynamics and offering this technologically advanced solution to the UK turfcare industry.” Matt added “Having been involved with autonomous solutions for several years I’ve seen how more customers are now embracing robotic technology to assist with their time consuming, day to day jobs. Having one heavy-duty machine that offers an extremely competitively priced single solution for mowing and marking takes things to the next level. The RM21 Combo is like a Swiss army knife; in addition to the rotary mower and line marker, there’s the optional cylinder mower, plus different attachments available including brushes and rollers for pitch striping, grass collection, and more in the pipeline for even greater flexibility.”
For more information on the RM21 Combo and XDC’s range of autonomous solutions please visit www.xdc-as.co.uk