Robotic Lawn Mowers Take on Giant Hogweed Along Moscow Rail Lines
Robotic lawn mowers have begun operating on stations and rail corridors of the Moscow Railway's Moscow Central Diameters (MCD) and Moscow Central Circle (MCC) networks, helping clear vegetation, brush, and invasive giant hogweed from railway right-of-way areas, according to the railway operator.
The robots are designed to handle uneven terrain and can operate safely on slopes. Operators control the machines remotely using a handheld console, eliminating the need for direct physical involvement in mowing operations.
Since the start of the season, the machines have treated 24 hectares, including areas around the Solnechnaya, Tsaritsyno, and Lyublino MCD stations, as well as the Andronovka and Likhobory MCC stations. The technology is particularly valuable in the fight against Sosnovsky's hogweed, a toxic invasive plant that can cause severe skin burns and has spread extensively along railway corridors. Using robotic equipment reduces risks for workers who previously had to deal with the hazardous weed manually.
