The grass really is greener as BNE deploys robot mowers

Brisbane Airport has become Australia’s first major airport to trial the roll out a fleet of autonomous robot mowers, setting a new benchmark for automation, sustainability and innovation in airside operations. 

The robotic fleet operate with advanced navigation and safety systems. Sensors, geofencing and a physical barrier keep four mowers within prescribed safe areas.

The pilot program is managing a growing portion of Brisbane Airport’s 919 hectares of airside land, equivalent to 54 South Bank Parklands.

Replacing traditional diesel mowers with smart, automated technology will save more than 60,000 litres of diesel fuel per year, delivering a zero-emissions mowing operation powered by solar energy or through Brisbane Airport’s renewables backed electrical network.

Coverage into additional airside areas will be extended over time, as the fleet grows.

Brisbane Airport CEO Gert-Jan de Graaff said the pilot program demonstrates how technology can deliver both operational and environmental benefits.

“We’re always looking for smarter ways to operate, and these autonomous mowers help us improve efficiency while supporting our sustainability goals.

“These robot mowers might be small, but their impact is significant. Unlike conventional mowing, which must be scheduled around air traffic and staff availability, these robotic mowers can operate day and night.

“This reduces disruption to flights and the need for manual mowing, helping to maintain our airfield while keeping safety front and centre.

“And because the grass is being mowed continuously, it’s actually creating greener grass by selectivity encouraging better species and allowing us to reduce the use of herbicides.”

Brisbane Airport Head of Sustainability Jess Rudd said Brisbane Airport is dedicated to minimising its environmental footprint and maintaining its Net Zero (scope 1 and 2) commitment.

“As one of Australia’s most forward-thinking airports, Brisbane Airport continues to invest in technologies that enhance operations, improve sustainability outcomes and support our journey toward a lower-carbon future.

“As a sustainability leader, we take our role in reducing our impact on the environment very seriously.

“By replacing conventional diesel-powered mowing operations with smart, automated technology, Brisbane Airport is helping to lower its environmental footprint while ensuring the safe and reliable maintenance of airside land.”

Benefits and features of new robotic mowers:

• Estimated 70% cost reduction in vegetation management
• Reduces need for 250 hours of sweeper truck operations annually
• Zero direct emissions + solar-powered charging
• Significant reduction in herbicides and pesticides, protecting wetlands and biodiversity
• Encouraging more resilient, drought-tolerant grass, staying greener for longer
• Uses advanced sensors, geofencing, and real-time monitoring to operate safely in a highly regulated environment
• Fully autonomous system that self-manages within defined airside zones.

The system won the Australian Airport’s Association innovation award at its most recent awards and is the result of Brisbane Airport’s innovation push across all its operations.

“Our innovation program is about trialling and scaling technology that delivers real results.  These autonomous mowers show how that approach is already making a difference on the ground,” said Oscar Maan, Brisbane Airport Innovation Lead.

Brisbane Airport’s Sustainability journey so far: 

2010: 285-hectare Biodiversity Zone established

2013: Emissions reduction program commenced

2014: Australia’s first Green Star Communities rating

2016: Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 3: Optimisation

2018: Launched Queensland’s first and Australia’s largest electric bus fleet

2019: Installation of 18,000 solar panels across airport

2021: Trial of artificial intelligence to reduce energy consumption in buildings which achieved a 12% reduction in energy use

2022: Acceleration of Net Zero target by 25 years to 2025

2022: Australia’s first all-electric refueller deployed by Air BP

2022: First Australian airport to introduce Oscar AI bin smart recycling assistant into terminals

2022: Commitment to build another 5-megawatts of solar capacity by 2025

2022: Announcement of renewables-backed energy deal with Stanwell

2023: First Airport in Australia to achieve Airport Carbon Accreditation Level 4: Transformation

2023: Foundation member of Hydrogen Flight Alliance

2023: Representing all Australian airports on Australian Jet Zero Council

2024: First successful on-aircraft test of an electric motor at Brisbane Airport

2024: First Australian airport to install common-use, airside Ground Service Equipment charging system.

2024: Partner of the Year Award – Containers for Change

2024: Transitioned 24 fleet vehicles to electric including the first Ford F150 airside vehicle

2024: 10MW solar onsite

2025: Achieved Net Zero (scope 1 and 2)

2025: First use of low‑carbon concrete in a multistorey car park (P2X)

2026: 250kW battery energy storage systems trial

2026: 3 Green Star 5 Star Certifications for industrial property projects

2026: SAF Trial participation with VIVA Energy