MACH has introduced an autonomous mowing solution for vegetation management at utility-scale solar plants
The system combines radar, satellite positioning, and obstacle detection for autonomous navigation
The company’s Ops software supports remote monitoring and management of multiple mowing machines
Vegetation management is part of routine operations and maintenance (O&M) at utility-scale solar power plants. US-based autonomous technology company MACH has introduced a solution that enables commercial mowing machines to operate without an onboard driver.
The company supplies autonomous driving technology for integration into commercial mowing equipment manufactured by original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). The platform connects directly with the machines’ drive-by-wire systems to support autonomous operation. The solution targets independent power producers (IPPs), solar asset owners, and O&M contractors.
The navigation system combines real-time kinematic global navigation satellite system (RTK-GNSS) positioning, MACH Perception, and the company’s RadX phased-array radar. The system can detect and avoid obstacles such as solar tracker posts, support wires, inverter pads, and hanging electrical cables. The company says it can also operate in conditions involving dust, tall grass, and sun glare.
Commenting on the challenges of autonomous mowing at solar installations, Colin Hurd, CEO of MACH, said, “Utility-scale solar sites present one of the most demanding operational environments in off-road autonomy—narrow clearances, dense panel shadows, GPS-degraded zones, and zero tolerance for infrastructure strikes.”
The platform also includes MACH Ops, a centralized fleet management system that enables remote operators to dispatch, monitor, and set geographical operating boundaries for multiple machines. According to MACH, a single operator can manage machines across different solar sites.
As autonomous technology is integrated into commercial mowing equipment, routine mechanical maintenance, including blades and hydraulics, can be handled through existing equipment dealer networks.
MACH plans to showcase the solution at RE+ 2026 in Las Vegas, scheduled for November 16 to 19.