National Taiwan University deploys robotic mowers for campus upkeep

國立台灣大學（NTU）部署智慧割草機器人進行校園維護

TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — National Taiwan University has introduced robotic lawn mowers from Ursrobot to support campus landscaping and is working with the company to develop a fleet of patrol robots for campus safety.

The university’s Mechanical Engineering Department and Ursrobot held a press conference on Monday to showcase the new technology, per CNA.

Ursrobot has provided three robotic mowers, which will also serve as experimental platforms for the department’s smart vehicle design program. Students and faculty will enhance their performance through hardware and software modifications.

The Nexmow M1 robotic mower weighs 25 kilograms and is equipped with positioning technology, AI-powered computing, autonomous navigation, and intelligent obstacle avoidance. It can generate optimal mowing paths and has already been introduced in overseas markets including the US, Japan, and Singapore.

The machines can be operated via smartphone through an AI system that coordinates multiple units. They also capture turf images while removing weeds, with the data processed into reports on pests, soil moisture, and other conditions.

Ursrobot President Stephen Chen (陳招成) said Taiwan’s climate causes rapid weed growth, a challenge the company’s products are designed to address. He noted the mowers are more efficient than heavy landscaping equipment, which often leaves uneven ground.

As an NTU alumnus, Chen said he was pleased to support the university. He added that the patrol robots under development will feature AI detection, sensors, panoramic cameras, lighting, and emergency alerts.

NTU Vice President Ding Shih-torng (丁詩同) said adopting robotic mowers is part of the university’s broader effort to integrate more technology into campus operations.