[Grayson Sigler] rolled out a new version of his robotic mower which he calls TOBY. The previous design added motors to a reel mower but he had trouble with traction. The new design is more of a utility robot platform that is used to tow the reel motor behind it. With better wheels, a much more stable base, and plenty of power this is a significant improvement.
His parts order came since we last checked in and he now has RC fully implemented. Check out the video after the break.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bu5uRE6PLm8]]
Name is kind of racist. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toby third paragraph! Sorry couldnt help it LOVE THE WORK though!!!!!
I’m beginning to think this is pretty racist. everyone remembers the scene from roots “Your name is TOBY” and he does mention on his site that this robot is his “slave”.
if nothing else, this is just going to be evidence against us when the robots are demanding rights too.
I don’t know if I would qualify this as a robot, what I saw closer to an RC car. Decent build, has potiental.
Now they just need to plant some grass & we can see how the mower actually works. Right now I’d call it a weed rover. ;-)
Great build, great idea, horrible landscaping skills. I’d trade some of my lawn care skills for your robot building skills anyday though!!
i wonder if he’s working on a cotton picking attachment?
@joe
Planting grass seed is considered a skill? Interesting.
if it is actually rc, these people have no idea how to mow a lawn, let alone grow one.
if it is a true bot, then cool build.
@TheBadFrog
it is a skill… you have to know about different species of grass and their attributes and soil composition. Then you have to figure out the best blend of seed / ratio for that type of soil. watering is also a skill when trying to grow grass. You have to have great patience, and mist it on for hours, otherwise you’ll spray the seeds and they’ll clump together in small imperfections in the surface leading to uneven surfaces later.
not to mention tilling and working the soil prior to planting for an even surface. making a gradient if that’s what you desire…
your lawn must look like the one in the vid.
There have been a couple of comments about the name, but we should think before accuse. It is a Tow-Bot, Tow-B. Just saying.
YOUR NAME IS TOBY!
Actually, the name means “Totally Owns Back Yard”.
Right on! Let us know when ready -> I can see this as the latest reel mower accessory at http://www.ecomowers.com !!
LOL Love how it can speed down hill. :) BTW the using the name Toby isn’t anymore racist, than using the name James would be, because a slave was named James.