This VW Golf GTI Doesn't Drive On Roads – It Cuts Grass
A German YouTuber built an autonomous robot mower inspired by the VW Golf MK2 GTI.
Key Takeaways
- The VW Golf GTI robot mower is an autonomous robot that cuts grass.
- It has a 3D-printed body inspired by the VW Golf MK2 GTI.
- The mower has a thermal camera to detect small animals and prevent harm.
- It can be managed remotely via a smartphone application.
- The project caught the eye of Volkswagen, which sent an authentic GTI grille emblem to the creator.
What Is the VW Golf GTI Robot Mower?
The VW Golf GTI robot mower is an autonomous robot that cuts grass, built by German YouTuber Nils from Project Hunter. The mower has a 3D-printed body inspired by the VW Golf MK2 GTI, complete with functional LEDs and a thermal camera to detect small animals.
The mower’s bodywork took over 100 hours to print and is made of aluminum. It has a brushless drone motor driving a threaded rod through dual bearings to power a height-adjustable cutting disc.
How Does the Autonomous Function Work?
The robot mower is fitted with four ultrasonic sensors and contact switches on the bumpers, allowing it to detect obstacles and prevent damage. It also has an onboard current sensor that detects electrical spikes triggering an emergency shutoff.
The mower can detect small animals like hedgehogs thanks to a thermal imaging sensor coupled with an LED matrix, hitting the brakes before any harm is done.
Can the Mower Be Managed Remotely?
Yes, the mower can be managed remotely via a smartphone application, offering live camera feed, speed controls, battery monitoring, and switches for the lighting units and the horn.
Nils has revealed that despite early software bugs, his GTI has already logged over 70 hours of operation, covering 60 km (37 miles) of autonomous lawn maintenance.
How Did Volkswagen React to the Project?
The project caught the eye of Volkswagen, which sent an authentic GTI grille emblem to Nils for completing the build. The YouTuber even added a TUV inspection sticker on the license plate for fun’s sake.
The automaker shared the build on its official Facebook page, praising the project and calling it “the coolest lawn mower you will ever see.”
Is This the First Hot-Hatch-Inspired Lawn Mower?
No, this is not the first hot-hatch-inspired lawn mower. A few years back, Honda unveiled a Civic Type R robot with grass-cutting abilities as part of its Miimo lineup in the UK market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What inspired the design of the VW Golf GTI robot mower?
The design of the VW Golf GTI robot mower was inspired by the VW Golf MK2 GTI.
Q: How does the mower detect small animals?
The mower detects small animals like hedgehogs thanks to a thermal imaging sensor coupled with an LED matrix.
Q: Can the mower be managed remotely?
Yes, the mower can be managed remotely via a smartphone application, offering live camera feed, speed controls, battery monitoring, and switches for the lighting units and the horn.
