[Topics] Associate Professor Muneshi Mitsuoka's research group will conduct a demonstration experiment of a fully electric, remotely operated grass-cutting robot

An environmentally friendly, safe, and comfortable remotely operated electric grass-cutting machine

Following the demonstration experiment conducted at the Kyushu University Faculty of Agriculture's affiliated farm in FY2024*, a refined version of the electric radio-controlled grass-cutting robot, "UNiMOWERS Model-S," will undergo a new demonstration experiment focusing on its remote operation capabilities at Kyushu University's Ito Campus in FY2025.

The "UNiMOWERS Model-S" is an electric grass-cutting machine equipped with crawler drive, enabling safe and quiet radio-controlled operation on steep slopes (up to 45 degrees) and uneven terrain with numerous obstacles. In this experiment, we aim to evaluate the operability and efficiency of grass-cutting tasks performed via remote control.

*May 20, 2024 Press Release Article

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Background

Grass-cutting is an essential task in agriculture and green space management; however, due to its hazardous and physically demanding nature, the development of robotic solutions is highly anticipated. Currently, the majority of grass-cutting machines are powered by gasoline engines, but efforts toward decarbonization are advancing even in the field of agricultural machinery. In the United States, regulations on gasoline-powered grass-cutting machines are becoming increasingly stringent. The electric radio-controlled grass-cutting robot developed by Unic Co., Ltd. is fully electric, making it lightweight and easy to operate safely via remote control. Moreover, it contributes to the decarbonization of grass-cutting operations. Based on the demonstration experiment conducted at Kyushu University in FY2024, the improved "UNiMOWERS Model-S" has achieved significant performance enhancements, including quiet operation (70 dB), 4 to 7 hours of continuous work per charge, and adaptive speed control in response to grass density.

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Significance

Due to global warming, grass-cutting operations--even when radio-controlled--have become increasingly difficult to perform outdoors. In response, the ability to safely and comfortably conduct grass-cutting tasks from within a vehicle or building, by remotely operating the "UNiMOWERS Model-S" while viewing live footage from an onboard camera, represents a significant improvement in the working environment for such operations.

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Demonstration

We are pleased to invite you to attend the upcoming information exchange session and demonstration, which will be held as outlined below. We encourage your active participation.

Date and Time	Monday, August 4, 2025, from 13:30 to 16:00
Venue	Lecture Room, West zone 5 (Room 222, 2nd Floor), Kyushu University Ito Campus, and adjacent slopes and embankments
Details	A demonstration experiment of a fully electric, remotely operated grass-cutting robot will be conducted at Kyushu University's Ito Campus

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Researcher's Comment

Grass-cutting on sloped terrain is both physically demanding and hazardous. In addition, summer operations carry a high risk of heatstroke, highlighting the urgent need for automation. Grass-cutting robots offer a promising solution to these challenges. The present machine is fully electric, lightweight, and low-noise, and can be operated remotely. Through ongoing demonstration experiments, we aim to further enhance its performance.

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Contact Information

Muneshi Mitsuoka, Associate Professor
Tel：092-802-4634
Mail：mitsuoka.muneshi.583★m.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Please replace ★ with @ in the email address.