Introducing the AMP-L100 autonomous mower
At Del Mar Country Club, Steve Aposhian, the CTO of FireFly Automatix, and Mark LeBlanc showcase the AMP-L100, an innovative 100-inch five gang reel autonomous mowing platform. This machine is specifically designed to address the challenges faced by golf course superintendents and agronomists. Unlike traditional mowers that rely on operators and engines, the AMP-L100 eliminates these components, offering a fresh perspective on turfgrass maintenance.
The benefits of the AMP-L100 being an all electric mower
The AMP-L100 is a fully electric and autonomous mower powered by a long-lasting 35 kWh lithium iron phosphate battery, capable of sustaining around 5,000 charge cycles. This battery life translates to over 100,000 acres of mowing and can last 20 to 25 years, making it ideal for golf courses. The machine is designed for 10,000 hours of operation, featuring durable materials that minimize wear and enhance performance. With lower energy costs compared to diesel, customers can save significantly on operational expenses, while the charging process remains simple and mess-free.
Innovative 4-wheel steering benefits
The video showcases a revolutionary machine that is completely battery-powered, utilizes electric servo motors for steering, eliminating the need for a traditional radiator or engine. This design allows for independent control of each wheel, enhancing maneuverability and minimizing turf disturbance. The machine's front wheels create a differential steering system, enabling precise speed control and maintaining traction even on varying terrains. By adapting to changes in moisture levels, it ensures a smooth and controlled operation. Overall, this innovative approach to steering significantly improves performance and efficiency.
Innovative cutting unit design advantages
The video showcases the unique manufacturing and design of cutting units, highlighting various blade variations tailored for different conditions. It emphasizes improvements that enhance cut quality and maintenance, including precise gap adjustments and stable reel adjustments. The design allows for easy height adjustments without affecting bedknife alignment, ensuring level cuts across the swath. Additionally, the machine operates efficiently at six miles per hour, covering approximately six acres per hour, while electric motors minimize vibrations for optimal performance.
Monitoring machines with FireLink
The video showcases how FireLink enables users to monitor electric autonomous machines effectively, providing insights into temperature, torque, and power usage. It highlights the machine's ability to detect issues automatically, sending alerts for problems like excessive power usage. FireFly, the company behind the technology, offers remote assistance to operators, enhancing support and reducing the need for technician visits. This advanced monitoring system has been successfully deployed in turf harvesting machines globally.
Teaching machines for autonomous mowing
The video explains the process of teaching a machine to mow and turn in designated areas by defining and surveying the operating space. Users can drive paths to establish mowing boundaries, which the machine remembers for future use, making it easy to repeat mow paths. The teaching process is straightforward and allows for customization of mowing patterns, including unique designs and adjustments for precision, using FireFly’s QuickPlan softwareThe SmartStart feature enables autonomous navigation to the beginning of the path from anywhere in the fairway.
GPS System
Understand how the RTK-corrected GPS system works and the necessary requirements.
Cutting unit lift system for AMP-L100
The AMP introduces a cutting-edge lift system designed for both front and rear decks, utilizing high precision servo motors in place of traditional hydraulic cylinders. This innovative approach eliminates hydraulic components, simplifying the design. Controlled by just two motors, the system boasts an impressive lifespan of over twenty thousand hours. It guarantees exceptional accuracy in lifting and lowering cutting units, enhancing overall performance.
How we build the lowest maintenance machines for the golf industry
FireFly is dedicated to creating low maintenance machines, particularly in the golf industry, leveraging their experience in building durable sod harvesting machines. Their turfgrass harvesters are designed for longevity, featuring components like stainless steel shafts and polymer bearings that require no maintenance. The AMP model exemplifies this commitment, with a chassis that has no regular maintenance needs, aside from annual gear oil changes for the drive motors. FireFly emphasizes the importance of quality in their joints, which perform well in rugged conditions, even if it means higher production costs. Ultimately, their focus is on enhancing the quality of cut while minimizing routine maintenance tasks.
Innovation of the AMP-L100 Cutting Units
The AMP-L100 is a state-of-the-art five gang reel mower with a 100-inch cutting width, designed for precision mowing with independently controlled front and rear lift. Its high-precision CNC machined components ensure tight tolerances and quality manufacturing, allowing for easy adjustments to the height of cut without misalignment. The mower features a user-friendly design with notched front height adjustments and a simple knob for setting the bedknife gap, crucial for effective grass cutting. With a powerful motor that exceeds competitors’ in torque and power, the AMP-L00 operates quietly, enabling users to detect cutting inconsistencies. Overall, this mower represents extensive engineering aimed at delivering the best mowing experience on the market.
How The AMP-L100 Works
The video showcases the ease of installing and using the AMP mowing technology, which simplifies complex processes for users, including those with minimal technical skills. It highlights how the machine learns the mowing area and can operate autonomously, allowing for efficient navigation and monitoring. Users can customize the mowing plan to mimic manual operations while benefiting from significant energy savings by using electric power instead of diesel. The emphasis is on investing in high-quality, low-maintenance machines that enhance operational efficiency.
Feature update overview for FireLink
In a recent update, the team introduced significant enhancements to the FireLink and autonomy systems, focusing on user control over machine operations. Key features include the ability to record various areas, such as mow areas and keep outs, along with visual and navigation improvements. New functionalities like SmartStart and battery protection aim to optimize energy use and machine efficiency. The update also emphasizes a more reliable teaching process for setting boundaries and paths, with an open invitation for user questions and feedback.
Understanding reel mower mechanics
In this video, the speaker explains the mechanics of reel mowers, focusing on how the blades cut grass by shearing rather than slicing. He discusses the importance of adjusting the frequency of clip in relation to the height of cut, emphasizing that different blade counts are suited for various cutting heights. The speaker also highlights the significance of maintaining a small gap between the reel and the bed knife for optimal performance and addresses common issues like reel wear and the effects of grass type on cutting quality. Regular maintenance practices, such as backlapping and proper adjustments, are crucial for ensuring effective mowing and preventing damage.
Glenwild Demo - Mark
The video provides an in-depth look at a sophisticated machine equipped with electric motors for ground drive, lift, and steering, eliminating the need for hydraulics. It highlights the unique speed mode of the machine, which allows for precise control of wheel speeds and prevents wheel slip in challenging conditions. The discussion also covers the importance of proper maintenance, including gear oil changes and adjustments for optimal cutting performance.
Understanding electric and autonomous mowing technology
In a recent presentation, the speaker discussed the revolutionary shift towards electric and autonomous mowing systems, highlighting their numerous benefits over traditional hydraulic systems. Electric machines boast fewer moving parts, zero maintenance, and significant cost savings, making them an attractive option for golf courses aiming for sustainability. The presentation emphasized the importance of user experience and the integration of various sensors, such as LIDAR, for effective autonomous operation. Additionally, the speaker outlined the financial advantages of switching to electric and autonomous mowing, including substantial savings per acre and reduced labor costs. Overall, the discussion underscored the potential of electric machines to enhance turf management while promoting environmental stewardship.