The Sconi

Aspirus Langlade Hospital in Antigo, Wisconsin, has started using autonomous lawn mowers as part of its environmental sustainability efforts. The hospital is the eighth location within the Aspirus Health system to implement this technology. The battery-operated, self-propelled mowers are managed via an application and run on electricity instead of gasoline.

The autonomous mowers have been deployed at several locations in Antigo, including the Main Hospital and Clinic Campus, Senior Care Campus, and Childcare facility. Other Aspirus sites using similar technology include Aspirus Wausau Hospital, the Aspirus Inc. Corporate Office, Aspirus Divine Savior Hospital in Portage, Aspirus Merrill Hospital, Aspirus Rhinelander Hospital, Aspirus Tomahawk Hospital, and Aspirus Ontonagon Clinic.

Jason Noskowiak, Manager of Maintenance, Facilities and Environmental Services at Aspirus Langlade, explained the motivation behind the switch: “We are always looking for ways to reduce our carbon footprint and contribute positively to the health of our environment and the communities and patients we serve. Switching from gas-powered mowers to these autonomous mowers was an easy choice. These autonomous mowers help reduce the environmental impact of our lawn maintenance and deliver a higher value to our landscape operations and campuses.”

The new equipment uses navigation technology, sensors, and programming to move across lawns independently. The mowers can cut grass at specified heights and patterns before returning to their docking stations for recharging. They operate under various weather conditions.

“Mower performance has been strong, and we are running them right through all the recent rainstorms,” Noskowiak said. “The mowers are getting a great response from our patients and employees, too.”

These electric mowers produce zero direct emissions during operation and operate quietly compared to traditional gas-powered machines that emit greenhouse gases and noise pollution. Additional benefits cited by Noskowiak include more efficient electric motors requiring less maintenance; lightweight construction that reduces soil compaction; sharp blades that mulch grass clippings back into the ground; and reduced need for fertilizers or chemicals.

“Not only do these autonomous mowers help reduce our carbon footprint, but they are also creating efficiencies for our grounds and landscape teams, making our landscaping maintenance more cost effective, enhancing the look of our campuses, and allowing maintenance staff who also provide grounds services to focus more heavily on critical assets and preventive maintenance programs within our facilities,” Noskowiak said.