Tag Archive for: New

Honda’s new Miimo robot mowers about to hit the market

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Honda’s new Miimo robot mowers about to hit the market: Susan Lindsay reports on Honda’s latest robot mower launch from its facility in Germany.

I’m off to Germany again and this time my destination is the Honda academy in Frankfurt. Having landed at the airport I am whisked along the autobahn. The German autobahn is a federally controlled highway system with no mandatory speed limit. We reach over 150mph and before you can say “Mercedes”, we are at our destination for the day’s events.

Honda’s new Miimo robot mowers about to hit the market

Honda’s new Miimo robot mowers about to hit the market

The Honda academy was built in 2009, amid the global recession. Honda were clear-thinking and freethinking enough to push on with this development when other companies were shrinking in fear of what the future looked like in the light of the financial crisis at that time.

The academy offers product training including new models, systems, maintenance, repairs and diagnosis. Non-technical elements also take place with communication, leadership and management training.

There is a dynamic area of 10,000m2 tarmac of 280m length and a training area for motorcycles and ATVs.

Press gathered from the UK, Italy, France and beyond, all eager to see the new Honda wireless robotic mower, the Miimo range.

The new wireless models Miimo 1500i and Miimo 2200i will eliminate the need for physical boundary wires. The user can map mowing zones and adjust areas to allow for evolving layouts.

The models have antenna-free network RTK systems, combining a high-performance RTK GNSS chip with 4G cloud connectivity.

The app interface is easy to use and allows you to draw a mowing area to fit your cutting needs. Honda’s car parking sensors work to ensure that obstacles are avoided with care, and the model can harmonise with the customers living/ working space.

Honda’s new Miimo robot mowers about to hit the market

Honda’s new Miimo robot mowers about to hit the market

With the massive rise in technology improvement and developments, Honda aims to minimise the feeling of overwhelm that the customer might experience and develop models in a timely fashion to stay in line with current needs and wants.

The autonomous and intelligent mower has capacity for high runability on uneven ground and slopes. The team is working on bringing out new additions in 2027 with all-wheel drive to ensure exceptional slope handling performance and outstanding agility on steep lawns.

Honda promise to service all customer categories, minimise burden and eliminate operating hassle. Their prediction that customers are going to want to spend less time cutting, remains to be seen. While smart technology has its advantages, is there really anything that can replace the human ability to achieve a high, fine tuft result?

I once worked at a world class golf course where for one summer, they cut a tartan pattern into the surrounding lawns within the five-star hotel grounds. Now, while this may be a niche market, can a robotic mower achieve the same results? Having worked alongside the greenkeepers maintaining this design, they would say “let them do it!”.

Some of the key features and functions of the Miimo models include multiple mowing patterns, including a chess-board style layout. So, maybe tartan isn’t as far off as I might have first thought. With high waterproof performance, the new models meet IPX5 standards and maintain high cutting performance in wet conditions.

This is a good thing for the Scottish market also!

Since the original Miimo launch in 2012, over 170’000 units have been sold and 99% were sold to the Europe market. The revenue last year was 144 billion Euros and Shin Yasui, General manager of power products says, “Honda’s robotic lawn mower business is a key pillar for future growth”.

Products will be manufactured at Honda’s dedicated facility in France. This facility celebrates its 40th anniversary this year. It is Honda’s largest production site for engine-powered lawn mowers and supplies Europe as well as Global markets.

The Miimo series is a commitment to Honda’s global vision for creating carbon neutrality by 2050 and contributing to a more sustainable future.

The Miimo wireless models will be available in Europe from spring 2026.

Why Seed Innovation is the New Frontier for Turf Professionals

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Why Seed Innovation is the New Frontier for Turf Professionals: In the world of professional turf management, the ground beneath our feet is shifting. What once seemed like a predictable seasonal cycle has been replaced by a volatile cocktail of environmental and operational pressures. From the scorching droughts of record-breaking summers to the relentless intensity of equally record-breaking rainfall, the demands placed on a sward have never been higher.

At DSV Eurograss, they recognise that the “business as usual” approach to seed selection is no longer an option. As we navigate 2026, the research into seed and turf development has transcended simple aesthetics; it is now the critical foundation for the industry’s survival and sustainability.

Why Seed Innovation is the New Frontier for Turf Professionals

Why Seed Innovation is the New Frontier for Turf Professionals

The Climate Challenge: Breeding for the “New Normal”

Climate change is no longer a distant threat – it is an everyday operational hurdle. For turf managers, this manifests as extreme temperature fluctuations and increasingly restrictive water usage regulations. The traditional “cool-season” grasses that have long been the backbone of UK and European sports turf are being pushed to their physiological limits.

The research at DSV focuses on genotypic variation – the genetic “blueprint” that allows certain cultivars to thrive where others fail. Their breeding programs are specifically targeting drought tolerance, not just through surface-level survival, but through deep-rooting characteristics. By selecting for “smart roots”, plants that can strategically adjust their water uptake from deeper soil profiles during dry spells, they are helping groundstaff maintain high-quality surfaces with significantly fewer irrigation inputs.

Resilience Against Emerging Diseases

Warmer, more humid autumns and winters have invited a new guest list of pathogens to our pitches and fairways. Diseases like Dollar Spot and Gray Leaf Spot, once considered “continental” problems, are now common in more temperate climates.

The traditional reliance on chemical interventions is under pressure from both a regulatory and environmental standpoint. The DSV development pipeline prioritises genetic disease resistance.

Varieties like the newly ranked Flanell and Euromagic aren’t just chosen for their wear tolerance; they are bred to be naturally robust against the fungi that thrive in these changing weather patterns. By building resistance directly into the seed’s DNA, DSV provide the first line of defence, reducing the need for costly and carbon-heavy fungicide applications.

Performance Under Pressure: The Usage Factor

While the climate changes, the expectations of players and spectators remain at an all-time high. Modern multi-use stadia and academic facilities require turf that can withstand “increased usage” from the relentless pounding of feet and equipment, often under low-light conditions or beneath retractable roofs.

DSV’s PRO range is a testament to this research. It features diploid perennial ryegrasses that offer:

  • Rapid Germination: Vital for the tight windows of summer renovations.
  • Exceptional Sward Density: Providing the stability required for high-speed play.
  • Genetic Colour: Cultivars like Flanell and Eurogala provide a naturally deep green hue that looks exceptional on camera without the need for excessive nitrogen fertilization.

A Data-Driven Future

The importance of independent testing has never been greater. DSV are proud that their varieties now occupy top positions on the BSPB Turfgrass Seed rankings. However, their work doesn’t stop at the trial plots. The company is moving toward a more predictive framework in breeding, using genomic selection to identify the next generation of resilient varieties years faster than traditional methods.

“The rankings table is the one everyone wants to top. Our recent results prove that our breeding material is now the best in these trials, but the real victory is seeing these grasses perform in the face of a changing environment,” commented Sam Horner, DSV Seeds.

Conclusion: The Seed is the Solution

As water becomes more precious and the weather more unpredictable, the turfcare industry must look to the science of the seed. At DSV Eurograss, they are committed to providing the professional community with the tools to stay ahead of the curve. Investing in advanced seed technology is not just about a better-looking pitch today; it’s about ensuring we have a surface to play on tomorrow.

Please visit www.dsv-uk.co.uk/products/amenity for more information and follow on social media @EuroGrassUKSeed.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

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Tom Curry’s New Game with STIGA

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Tom Curry’s New Game with STIGA: Tom Curry has been enjoying swapping the scrum for stripes as the new brand ambassador for STIGA, one of Europe’s leading garden machinery brands. The partnership has brought together one of rugby’s most respected and powerful players with a brand renowned for performance, reliability and innovation.

Known for his relentless work rate on the pitch, Tom is now applying that same precision and dedication to creating his own “pitch-perfect lawn” at home.

Tom Curry’s New Game with STIGA

Tom Curry’s New Game with STIGA

Through the collaboration, he has been exploring STIGA’s range of advanced battery-powered and robotic mowing solutions, combining smart technology with sustainability to deliver professional-level results in the garden.

The partnership also forms part of STIGA’s wider collaboration with England Rugby, reflecting a shared commitment to supporting the game at every level, from grassroots clubs to the international stage.

Supporting Local Rugby Clubs

Great games start with great grounds. Across the country, thousands of volunteers give their time week in, week out to maintain rugby clubs. STIGA and England Rugby are working together to support these vital community hubs with time-saving, cost-effective mowing solutions that help keep pitches in peak condition.

By reducing maintenance time and lowering running costs, clubs can focus their energy on developing players, growing participation and strengthening their local communities.

15% Off for Members + Cashback for Clubs

As part of the initiative, every RFU club has its own unique STIGA discount code*. When members use their club’s code online, they receive 15% off STIGA products, and their club earns cashback from every purchase.

Funds raised can be reinvested into facilities, whether that’s improved pitch lighting, upgraded clubhouses, kitchen refurbishments or essential structural improvements. It’s a simple way for members to invest in their own gardens while giving back to the club they love.

This partnership is rooted in performance, community and long-term impact, ensuring both home lawns and rugby grounds are always match-ready.

To read more about the partnership got to: STIGA & England Rugby

Shared Values, Shared Impact

At their core, rugby and STIGA are built on the same foundations. teamwork, reliability, performance, and community. It’s this shared spirit that helps both players and gardeners grow, thrive, and make a lasting impact.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

Why Seed Innovation is the New Frontier for Turf Professionals

/in , /by

Why Seed Innovation is the New Frontier for Turf Professionals: In the world of professional turf management, the ground beneath our feet is shifting. What once seemed like a predictable seasonal cycle has been replaced by a volatile cocktail of environmental and operational pressures. From the scorching droughts of record-breaking summers to the relentless intensity of equally record-breaking rainfall, the demands placed on a sward have never been higher.

At DSV Eurograss, they recognise that the “business as usual” approach to seed selection is no longer an option. As we navigate 2026, the research into seed and turf development has transcended simple aesthetics; it is now the critical foundation for the industry’s survival and sustainability.

Why Seed Innovation is the New Frontier for Turf Professionals

Why Seed Innovation is the New Frontier for Turf Professionals

The Climate Challenge: Breeding for the “New Normal”

Climate change is no longer a distant threat – it is an everyday operational hurdle. For turf managers, this manifests as extreme temperature fluctuations and increasingly restrictive water usage regulations. The traditional “cool-season” grasses that have long been the backbone of UK and European sports turf are being pushed to their physiological limits.

The research at DSV focuses on genotypic variation – the genetic “blueprint” that allows certain cultivars to thrive where others fail. Their breeding programs are specifically targeting drought tolerance, not just through surface-level survival, but through deep-rooting characteristics. By selecting for “smart roots”, plants that can strategically adjust their water uptake from deeper soil profiles during dry spells, they are helping groundstaff maintain high-quality surfaces with significantly fewer irrigation inputs.

Why Seed Innovation is the New Frontier for Turf Professionals

Why Seed Innovation is the New Frontier for Turf Professionals

Resilience Against Emerging Diseases

Warmer, more humid autumns and winters have invited a new guest list of pathogens to our pitches and fairways. Diseases like Dollar Spot and Gray Leaf Spot, once considered “continental” problems, are now common in more temperate climates.

The traditional reliance on chemical interventions is under pressure from both a regulatory and environmental standpoint. The DSV development pipeline prioritises genetic disease resistance.

Varieties like the newly ranked Flanell and Euromagic aren’t just chosen for their wear tolerance; they are bred to be naturally robust against the fungi that thrive in these changing weather patterns. By building resistance directly into the seed’s DNA, DSV provide the first line of defence, reducing the need for costly and carbon-heavy fungicide applications.

Performance Under Pressure: The Usage Factor

While the climate changes, the expectations of players and spectators remain at an all-time high. Modern multi-use stadia and academic facilities require turf that can withstand “increased usage” from the relentless pounding of feet and equipment, often under low-light conditions or beneath retractable roofs.

DSV’s PRO range is a testament to this research. It features diploid perennial ryegrasses that offer:

  • Rapid Germination: Vital for the tight windows of summer renovations.
  • Exceptional Sward Density: Providing the stability required for high-speed play.
  • Genetic Colour: Cultivars like Flanell and Eurogala provide a naturally deep green hue that looks exceptional on camera without the need for excessive nitrogen fertilization.

A Data-Driven Future

The importance of independent testing has never been greater. DSV are proud that their varieties now occupy top positions on the BSPB Turfgrass Seed rankings. However, their work doesn’t stop at the trial plots. The company is moving toward a more predictive framework in breeding, using genomic selection to identify the next generation of resilient varieties years faster than traditional methods.

Why Seed Innovation is the New Frontier for Turf Professionals

Why Seed Innovation is the New Frontier for Turf Professionals

“The rankings table is the one everyone wants to top. Our recent results prove that our breeding material is now the best in these trials, but the real victory is seeing these grasses perform in the face of a changing environment,” commented Sam Horner, DSV Seeds.

Conclusion: The Seed is the Solution

As water becomes more precious and the weather more unpredictable, the turfcare industry must look to the science of the seed. At DSV Eurograss, they are committed to providing the professional community with the tools to stay ahead of the curve. Investing in advanced seed technology is not just about a better-looking pitch today; it’s about ensuring we have a surface to play on tomorrow.

Please visit www.dsv-uk.co.uk/products/amenity for more information and follow on social media @EuroGrassUKSeed.

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters

RM21 Combo Drives New Levels of Productivity

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RM21 Combo Drives New Levels of Productivity: Managing three separate sites with just four full-time staff would stretch almost any grounds team – but at Leicester Tigers, the introduction of the RM21 Combo robotic marker and mower, supplied by Agrovista Amenity, has transformed efficiency, quality, and day-to-day workflow.

For Head Groundsman Ed Mowe, who oversees the stadium pitch, three pitches and an indoor facility at the training ground, plus the women’s training centre at Oakes Park, the time spent on routine pitch marking alone had become a major pressure point.

RM21 Combo Drives New Levels of Productivity

RM21 Combo Drives New Levels of Productivity

“We were spending around seven hours a week just marking out,” Ed explained. “That’s one person’s full working day gone. With only four of us across three sites, we needed a smarter way of working.”

A trial of several robotic systems followed, but the RM21 Combo, supplied by Agrovista Amenity with full technical support, training, and backup from XDC, stood out immediately.

While Ed initially sought a robotic line marker, the multifunction capability of the RM21 quickly set it apart.

“It gave a really good mark, and the lines were spot on,” he said. “But the added benefit of the mowing deck and the fact we can add attachments like a dew brush made it a no-brainer. Instead of just being a marker, it’s a multi-tool we get far more out of.”

The team now uses the robot to mark four pitches across the men’s and women’s training facilities and to cut surrounds and soil-based training surfaces when staffing is tight.

This has had a dramatic impact on productivity:

“Three or four hours of robotic marking gives us three or four hours back,” Ed said. “That means we can cut a pitch, strim, fertilise – and carry out other pitch management work. It’s also helped us claw back some lieu time for the team, which we couldn’t before.”

One of the biggest challenges for any grounds team is the initial mark after renovations. With three-point data setup and highly accurate RTK navigation, the RM21 has made that process almost instant.

“The initial mark was always the longest,” Ed said. “Now, every mark is as accurate as the first. Even if there are no lines on the ground, the robot puts them in perfectly. It’s massively simplified things.”

The robot’s precision also extends beyond standard pitch layouts.

“We can programme it for grids, lineout areas, whatever we want. If something isn’t on the system, Agrovista and XDC get it mapped and send it straight over to us.”

For a machine expected to work autonomously across multiple sites, reliability and safety were essential. Ed admits he was initially cautious about the RM21’s weight – especially on damp soil-based pitches – but has been impressed.

“I was a bit sceptical at first, but there have been no wheel marks and the quality of cut is brilliant.”

The RM21’s ability to map complex or irregular areas has been another surprise:

“We’ve even mapped banks on site and it cuts them autonomously now. It saves us struggling to walk them.”

Ed is quick to praise the support from Agrovista Amenity and XDC.

“No issues whatsoever. They’re always at the end of the phone or a message. They’ve gone above and beyond.”

With future attachments already in development, Ed sees the RM21 as a long-term asset.

“We’ve got this machine now; why not use it to its full ability? The versatility is one of its biggest features, and the potential for even more is really appealing.”

As Leicester Tigers continue to push standards across all their facilities, the RM21 Combo has become an integral part of how the team works. For Ed and his staff, it’s not just a machine but a smarter, more reliable way of managing an ever-growing workload – and one that promises even more capability in the seasons ahead.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit https://amenity.agrovista.co.uk/

For the latest industry news visit turfmatters.co.uk/news

Get all of the big headlines, pictures, opinions and videos on stories that matter to you.

Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for fun, fresh and engaging content.

You can also find us on Facebook for more of your must-see news, features, videos and pictures from Turf Matters