Russia Is Testing a Robot Janitor That Mows Grass in Summer and Clears Snow in Winter
In the Moscow region, a tracked robot is being tested as a year-round maintenance worker — trimming lawns, plowing sidewalks, and never taking a day off.
In Balashikha, just outside Moscow, engineers are testing a transformer-style robot designed to handle two of the toughest public maintenance jobs: mowing grass and clearing snow. The project is being piloted by the local management company ZhILKOMInzhiring, which says the technology could help cities automate routine outdoor work year-round.
Two of the 140-kilogram tracked robots are already at work in the Olgino district. Each unit can switch between attachments: a mowing blade for summer and a snowplow for winter. What makes the design stand out is its gentle handling of urban infrastructure — the treads are engineered not to damage soft surfaces like playground flooring.
Each robot costs around 300,000 rubles (about $3,300), but officials say it quickly pays for itself. The machines can operate continuously without breaks, sick days, or vacations — maintaining consistent performance and quality throughout the year.
An operator still oversees each unit, monitoring its route and adjusting performance in real time depending on weather conditions. The company is already training additional operators as it prepares to expand its fleet of automated maintenance helpers.
