COLUMBUS, Ohio -  The Ohio Department of Transportation is exploring the use of robotic lawn mowers to maintain highway slopes that are too steep for traditional equipment and human operators. The agency recently conducted a demonstration to evaluate the technology's effectiveness in improving safety and efficiency.

Speaking on the most recent edition of ODOT's "The Loop," Shawn Rostorfer, District 6 Highway Management Administrator, said the diverse topography of Ohio’s highways, which includes significant hills and slopes, makes it challenging for conventional tractor mowers to access certain areas.

"Our right of way that we have out there is very diverse," Rostorfer said. "Some of it's at steeper slopes that our normal tractor mower operator out there can't get to."

The goal of the trial is to find a safer, long-term solution for maintaining these areas. The demo brought together manufacturers with contracts with the state to showcase their slope-mowing robots.

Rostorfer emphasized that the initiative aims to protect both workers and the public. "Not only safety for our folks that are doing the work, but also for the motorists that are out there trying to keep the right of way clear of obstructions. So they can see roadways as they’re moving from one interstate to another."

According to the agency, cleared right-of-way improves visibility for motorists, making signs and road features more visible. ODOT stated this test is an example of how it is using technology to enhance safety and efficiency for employees and drivers.