In context
In September 2023, the landscaping industry was facing labor shortages and tight margins, prompting early adopters to explore autonomous equipment. Sebert Landscape, a commercial contractor in the Chicago area, became one of the first U.S. companies to deploy RC Mowers' new Autonomous Mowing Robots (AMRs), signaling a shift toward robotics in outdoor services.
What was reported
Sebert Landscape, based in Bartlett, Illinois, added the AMRs to its fleet for the 2023 season. Developed by RC Mowers of Green Bay, Wisconsin, the autonomous mowers were announced in fall 2022 and began delivery in May 2023. The company conducted training and certification programs for customer staff to ensure safe operation.
According to RC Mowers CEO Michael Brandt, one operator using an AMR can generate revenue equivalent to a crew of three, reducing labor dependence and improving profitability. The AMRs were designed by a team with backgrounds in military, aviation, and robotics, and are distributed through dealers in the U.S., Canada, and Australia.
Sebert Landscape deployed the mowers for select clients, informing them of what to expect. Founder Jeff Sebert emphasized the company's commitment to sustainability and innovation, noting that early adopters of autonomous technology would gain a competitive edge in a tight labor market.
Why it mattered
This deployment illustrated how autonomous mobile robots were moving beyond factory floors into service industries like landscaping, offering a solution to chronic labor shortages and thin profit margins. It highlighted a trend where robotics could transform traditional manual labor sectors, enabling companies to scale operations while reallocating skilled workers to higher-value tasks.
“We believe that landscaping companies that are early adopters of autonomous technology will have a competitive advantage over those who are struggling to hire enough workers.”
Source: Robotics & Automation News (roboticsandautomationnews.com) · Published 2023-09-05 · “Chicago area landscaping company deploys its first autonomous mowing robots this season”