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SiMa.ai and STIGA S.p.A. Announce Strategic Partnership

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SiMa.ai and STIGA S.p.A. Announce Strategic Partnership: STIGA S.p.A., the leading European manufacturer and distributor of garden machinery and equipment, and SiMa Technologies Inc., the Physical AI company, today announced a strategic partnership to bring AI-powered solutions to robotic lawnmowers. STIGA will lead the industry with real-time decision-making on an ultra-low latency and power draw platform from SiMa, providing a scalable solution architecture for all robotic lawnmower products – domestic and commercial.

STIGA has established itself as a leader in lawn and garden technology, known for combining engineering excellence with practical, user-friendly design. From classic lawn mowers to state-of-the-art autonomous robotic solutions, STIGA continues to push the boundaries of innovation, delivering products that set the standards for precision, performance, and reliability in the industry. Emerging technologies like Physical AI are transforming the capabilities of autonomous devices. By embedding intelligence directly into machines, Physical AI enables devices to perceive, decide, and act independently in real-world environments. For STIGA’s robotic lawn mowers, this represents the potential for even smarter, more adaptive, and highly efficient operation. SiMa.ai is a leader in this field, providing low-power machine-learning system-on-chip (MLSoC) platforms and software that enable intelligent edge devices to run advanced AI workloads efficiently, without the need for high power consumption — a key requirement in a consumer device.

SiMa.ai and STIGA S.p.A. Announce Strategic Partnership

SiMa.ai and STIGA S.p.A. Announce Strategic Partnership

“This partnership represents a major step forward in delivering real-world AI to edge devices,” said Krishna Rangasayee, Founder and CEO of SiMa.ai. “By joining forces with STIGA, we’re removing the traditional complexity of edge AI and empowering STIGA with solutions that perform effortlessly—without compromise.”

STIGA’s leadership in autonomous garden solutions, combined with the advancements of Physical AI and the sophisticated hardware and software platforms from SiMa.ai, is shaping the next generation of smart outdoor equipment. These technologies demonstrate how autonomous devices can operate with greater precision, responsiveness, and efficiency, setting a new standard for intelligent machinery.

“At STIGA, innovation is at the heart of everything we do,” commented Sean Robinson, CEO of STIGA S.p.A. “Partnering with SiMa.ai allows us to push the boundaries of what autonomous machinery can achieve. By integrating Physical AI into our robotic lawn mowers, we’re delivering a new benchmark of intelligence and performance. How the robot senses, decides, and operates lies firmly within STIGA’s capabilities and expertise. The way these operations are delivered with low power consumption is where SiMa.ai technology truly excels — allowing the robots to achieve much more with the battery power available. This results in lighter, more efficient, and cost-effective intelligence. It’s a great example of what two experts in their fields can achieve through engineering-driven collaboration. And the real winner is the robot owner, who gets significantly more use from their machine”.

About SiMa.ai 

SiMa.ai is a pioneer in edge AI computing, developing innovative platforms that enable intelligent applications at the edge. The company’s Modalix platform delivers exceptional AI performance with industry-leading energy efficiency, making advanced AI capabilities accessible across diverse industries and applications such as robotics, smart vision, autonomous systems, and beyond. Founded by seasoned technology veterans, SiMa.ai is headquartered in San Jose, California. For more information, visit www.sima.ai.

About STIGA S.p.A. 

STIGA Group ranks among the leading European manufacturers and distributors of garden machinery and equipment. The Group consists of five brands, which together represent over 90 years of experience in the industry: in addition to the premium brand STIGA, the Group includes the brands Alpina, Mountfield, Castelgarden, and Atco. STIGA Group sells more than one million gardening machines every year and operates in 87 countries worldwide; with a workforce of more than 1,300 people, STIGA has three production plants in Italy, Slovakia and China. The Group also has 15 sales offices throughout Europe. For more information, visit www.stiga.com.

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How EFI and ETC engines are redefining performance

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How EFI and ETC engines are redefining performance: Across agriculture, forestry and landscaping, equipment performance depends upon an optimal power-to-weight ratio and portability. In addition, high performance in different terrain, easy maintenance and sustainability are crucial factors for all equipment in these industries.

Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) and Electronic Throttle Control (ETC) engines are two distinct technologies that help to deliver these equipment requirements. The EFI engine features a computer-controlled system that delivers fuel into engines rather than a traditional carburettor. The ETC engine uses electronic signals to control the engine’s throttle.

How EFI and ETC engines are redefining performance

How EFI and ETC engines are redefining performance

Engines that feature EFI and ETC technology at the same time, offer an attractive alternative solution thanks to their smart and efficient capabilities that also maintain high performance power.

EFI and ETC – unmatched power to weight ratio 

Landscaping and garden machinery often need to be both lightweight and transportable, especially when navigating uneven terrains in parks and forests. EFI and ETC can be deployed independently or together and deliver more effective power-to-weight ratios.

The Jo Beau® GORILLA™ M600 woodchipper is a perfect example of this, using Briggs & Stratton’s Vanguard® 29.9 kW (40 HP) BIG BLOCK™ V-Twin EFI/ETC engine that deploys both technologies, to process branches up to 18 cm in diameter whilst being small enough to fit through a doorway. The petrol engine ensures that the chipper remains steady and efficient even when processing large irregular branches.

This combination of size and reliability makes this sort of equipment invaluable to workers operating in tight areas, without sacrificing performance.

EFI/ETC reduces the total cost of ownership

Both EFI and ETC technology contribute to increased uptime and reduced total cost of ownership of equipment. This is due to the ability of real-time fuel control provided by EFI technology, which is optimised based on load and conditions. This ensures that fuel isn’t wasted during partial-loading operations, which can be a common theme in the gardening industry.

Stale fuel in seasonal equipment like leaf blowers and woodchippers is also not an issue with EFI due to its tolerance for it. This means it faces fewer problems after being stored for long periods over winter months, whilst ETC helps reduce mechanical wear and reduces long-term maintenance needs.

High performance in every environment 

Outdoor equipment faces some of the most extreme conditions including heat, cold, elevation and humidity. Engines equipped with EFI and ETC technology are designed specifically to operate in conditions like these. EFI provides smooth starting while ETC helps engines adjust to changes in terrain to improve control.

EFI and ETC reduce environmental impact  

Lower emissions are a growing requirement in many industries, especially for those working outdoors with nature. Engines equipped with EFI and ETC technology offer cleaner combustion, which in turn reduces harmful emissions without the need for diesel treatments.

EFI engines meet stringent environmental regulations by precisely controlling fuel delivery, leading to a more efficient combustion and reduced emissions, thereby helping manufacturers and operators to stay compliant with professional performance. This is vital when working in forests and parks, providing cleaner and more efficient solutions.

As mentioned before, the Vanguard BIG BLOCK engine powers the Jo Beau GORILLA M600, deploying electronic fuel injection technology that utilises the Engine Control Module (ECM) to tune every single operating point unique to the engine. It takes in all signals from the engine sensors to make cycle-by-cycle decisions on how much fuel and spark to provide and when. This means improved starting at all temperatures, smooth performance at all elevations, quick load acceptance and reduced fuel consumption, which makes the Vanguard BIG BLOCK the perfect fit for this powerful but compact application.

EFI can integrate  

EFI engines have been designed to integrate both physically and digitally. With CAN-bus capabilities, they seamlessly communicate with the rest of the machine’s systems. This means the operator can see real-time diagnostics and troubleshoot remotely.

Making the smart choice  

The forestry and gardening sector is a turbulent one, due to increasing regulations and demands from the industry. By switching to petrol engines equipped with EFI and ETC, operators can meet these demands, allowing for an increased power-to-weight ratio, reducing the environmental impact, and increasing performance in multiple environments. This is all while integrating easily with equipment and reducing the TCO.

Machines equipped with engines that feature both, EFI and ETC technology are providing not just an alternative solution but a powerful solution.

For more information on Vanguard, visit https://www.vanguardpower.com/emea/en_gb/home.html

And for more information on Jo Beau, visit https://www.jobeau.eu/en/

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Increase in Number of Tree Shelters Collected and Recycled

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Increase in Number of Tree Shelters Collected and Recycled: Tubex®, a Magnera brand, has announced a significant growth in the use of its Tree Shelter Collection & Recycling Programme. The first of its kind scheme saw a 39 percent increase in the number of shelters returned and recycled in 2025 compared to previous year, with the Programme now close to a milestone of two million shelters collected and recycled.

At the end of the 2025, 1,982 dumpy sacks of collected tree guards had been returned to Tubex®, up from 1,421 in 2024.

Increase in Number of Tree Shelters Collected and Recycled

Increase in Number of Tree Shelters Collected and Recycled

Once collected, the tree shelters are sorted, washed and reprocessed back into raw material, at an impressive yield of 95.6 percent – meaning that 95.6 percent of the collected shelter material can be used to manufacture new product.

For Pete Stevens, Business Development Manager at Tubex®, the 2025 figures reinforce the long-term success of the Programme and its national hub network.

“Last year, we announced that since the start of the Collection & Recycling Programme in 2022, we had recycled more than 1 million tree shelters.  With these figures, we are now approaching the 2 million milestone – a testament to the collective endeavour of the forestry sector to collect used shelters at end of life.”

Polypropylene (PP) shelters containing recycled material that are recycled at end of use are still the lowest environmental impact option (Independent LCA study here: https://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/id/eprint/10130156/) and represent a circular use of materials which is a key pillar of sustainability.

With a growing network of 24 recycling hubs nationwide, Tubex® has collaborated with its distributors and various forestry organisations to create accessible and convenient free drop-off points for legacy tree shelters.

Hub partners include Yorkshire Dales Millenium Trust, Forest Working Plastics Group, Tilhill, Maydencroft, British Hardwood Tree Nursery, Ashlea Landscaping and Green-Tech among others.

For more information visit – https://tubex.com/sustainability/tree-shelter-collection-recycling-programme/

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ICL and Syngenta reopen Turf Rewards for 2026

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ICL and Syngenta reopen Turf Rewards for 2026: ICL and Syngenta have confirmed the reopening of the Turf Rewards Scheme for 2026, continuing their joint support for turf professionals across the UK and Ireland through a structured rewards scheme designed to add value to everyday purchasing decisions.

The Turf Rewards Scheme allows clubs and contracting businesses to earn reward points when purchasing selected ICL and Syngenta turf products. These points can then be redeemed against a wide range of rewards that support day-to-day operations, help improve efficiency, and add value to planned purchasing throughout the year.

ICL and Syngenta reopen Turf Rewards for 2026

ICL and Syngenta reopen Turf Rewards for 2026

New rewards for 2026 include the LightScout Quantum (PAR) Meter, a professional tool that allows turf managers to measure usable light for photosynthesis, rather than relying on visual assessments. This provides clearer insight when managing turf in shaded, low-light, or restricted environments.

For 2026, the scheme has been expanded to include Greenmaster Liquid Advance. Designed for professional turf managers, the range combines proven liquid nutrition with a biostimulant package containing MTU®, a patented molecule now available in turf for the first time. The inclusion reflects the growing role of liquid nutrition in modern turf management, particularly where flexibility, precision, and response under pressure are critical.

Two new Syngenta products, Comprevo and Vyplenza will also be added to the scheme in the coming weeks, further expanding the range of qualifying products available to turf professionals.

Turf managers across golf, sports, and amenity sectors are encouraged to sign up or resume using Turf Rewards in 2026 and make the most of the benefits available.

For full details and to register, visit www.turfrewards.com for the UK scheme or www.turfrewards.ie for the Republic of Ireland scheme.

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MM Seed: New and Improved for 2026

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MM Seed: New and Improved for 2026: MM Seed enters 2026 with a refined and strengthened range, building on its reputation for quality, performance and reliability across golf, winter sports, cricket and tennis.

With carefully selected cultivar updates and the continued inclusion of HEADSTART® GOLD as standard, the latest MM mixtures are designed to deliver stronger establishment, improved durability and consistent presentation in increasingly challenging conditions.

MM Seed: New and Improved for 2026

MM Seed: New and Improved for 2026

Golf: Fairway and Greens Performance You Can Rely On

For fairways and high-wear areas, MM22, MM50 and MM13 remain core options, each offering distinct benefits depending on site requirements.

MM22 continues to be a trusted choice for divotting, repairs and renovation work on tees and fairways subject to heavy traffic. For 2026, MM22 is enhanced with the inclusion of Mumbai perennial ryegrass, a dense, fine-leaved and hard-wearing cultivar. This is complemented by Hastings and Sybille creeping red fescues, further improving density and visual quality.

MM50 also benefits from the addition of Mumbai, strengthening its ability to produce a dense, resilient sward capable of withstanding close mowing and sustained wear. Alongside proven cultivars such as Singapore, MM50 continues to deliver consistency and performance where presentation and durability are equally important.

For lower-input environments, MM13 offers a traditional yet highly effective solution for overseeding and renovation of tees, fairways and roughs. With excellent drought tolerance, good disease resistance and strong recovery, MM13 is particularly suited to sites where ease of management and reliability are key. Its ability to hold colour and performance through winter further enhances its appeal.

On greens, MM8 and MM9 provide specialist solutions for different playing environments. MM8 is a 100% fine fescue blend, ideally suited to links and heathland-style courses. Featuring top-rated cultivars such as Sybille, it delivers a fine, dense sward with low nutrient requirements, good drought tolerance and improved disease resistance, making it ideal for sustainable maintenance programmes and seasonal overseeding.

MM9 remains a premium browntop bent mixture for summer overseeding, autumn renovation and new green construction. Renowned for producing smooth, dense putting surfaces, MM9 offers excellent colour retention, strong disease resistance and tolerance to close mowing, making it a dependable choice for high-performance greens.

Winter Sports: Proven Mixtures and Smart Innovation

MM60, a market-leading winter sports mixture for over 30 years, remains a go-to option thanks to its fast germination, excellent wear tolerance and strong winter recovery. The inclusion of the Lionel cultivar provides enhanced resistance to Fusarium, supporting turf health during high-risk periods.

MM Tetrasport blends 75% tetraploid and 25% diploid perennial ryegrass, delivering the combined benefits of both species. The result is a hard-wearing, disease-resistant sward with excellent colour, deep rooting and improved drought tolerance, making it particularly well suited to stadiums, training grounds and pitches with limited irrigation.

New for 2026, MM Active Shield has been developed to address growing concerns around Grey Leaf Spot. The mix includes Fiesta 4 and Fabian, the most tolerant cultivars identified in DLF GLS trials, alongside other independently trialled varieties. Fast to establish even in cooler temperatures, MM Active Shield delivers greater root mass, improved plant strength, excellent wear tolerance and outstanding year-round colour.

Cricket and Tennis: Trusted at the Highest Level

MM50 continues its long-standing position as the market-leading cricket and tennis mixture, used by numerous county and international venues. The inclusion of Mumbai raises performance further, while Singapore supports rapid recovery from match play and wear. Tolerant of low cutting heights and quick to establish, MM50 remains a proven choice for cricket squares and tennis courts alike.

HEADSTART® GOLD: Performance Built In

All MM seed mixtures come with HEADSTART® GOLD as standard. This second-generation biological seed treatment accelerates germination and supports early root development through a carefully balanced blend of macro and micronutrients, including phosphorus, sulphur, copper and molybdenum. By promoting stronger roots during establishment, HEADSTART® GOLD helps improve stress tolerance, reduce inputs and deliver healthier turf faster.

Combined with MM’s high standards for seed purity and germination, the 2026 range offers professional turf managers dependable solutions designed to perform from day one – and well beyond.

The 2026 MM Seed product catalogue is now available through your local MM Seed distributor.

Visit the new and improved MM Seed website at www.mm-seeds.co.uk

You can also follow the company on X: @MM_Seed.

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