Robo-mowers on duty in city graveyards

Thursday, 2 July 2026

A commercial-grade autonomous mower used by Hamilton City Council.

Robot mowers could be employed to tend graveyards and carry out work at some of Hamilton’s harder-to-access areas if they ace a new trial.

Hamilton City Council is exploring the use of autonomous mowers and other technologies as part of a longer-term strategy to sustainably fund and resource the city's growing street-scape network.

City parks services manager Duncan MacDougall says the council started a short-term trial of robot lawnmowers in March.

The well-tended Hamilton Park Cemetery on Morrinsville Road.

“The trial is part of our ongoing focus on improving efficiency and service delivery and allows us to assess how robotic mowing can be integrated into our operations, including costs, performance and monitoring requirements.

“The commercial-grade robotic mowers operate within defined areas that are programmed by staff.

“They cut grass frequently in small amounts to maintain a consistent height, using GPS and on-board sensors to navigate and safely avoid obstacles. Staff can also monitor their location and performance remotely.’’

Although still early in the trial, there are already benefits of robotic mowers at sites where access for traditional mowers and staff can be challenging.

Being fully electric, the mowers are also quieter than traditional petrol equipment.

“The trial is providing valuable insights into the technology and will help us identify where robotic mowers may be most effective.

“They have the potential to reduce risks for staff and take on more labour-intensive mowing tasks. However, their suitability for wider use will depend on how they perform during periods of high grass growth.’’

Robotic mowers are not intended to replace staff.

Councillor Mesh Macdonald is happy a trial is taking place but points out the importance of accepting the results.

“Local government should always be looking for smarter ways to deliver core services, but innovation still needs to prove it delivers value for money.

“If the results show robotic mowers improve efficiency and deliver better outcomes at a reasonable cost, that's worth considering. If they don't, the council should stick with the current approach.”