SmartStart™ takes robot mower efficiency to the next level by eliminating the need for precise positioning before mowing. Instead of driving AMP to the exact beginning of a path, operators can simply drop the machine anywhere within the designated operating area. From there, the mower automatically navigates to the correct starting point and begins mowing.
This feature saves valuable time, especially on large fairways, by reducing manual driving and setup. With SmartStart, operators can focus on higher-value tasks while the mower handles the routine positioning.
Why it matters for robotic mowing
- Less manual driving – No more guiding the mower to its exact start point.
- Streamlined operations – Drop it off, and the mower takes care of the rest.
- Greater flexibility – Works anywhere within the mapped operating area, not just in the mow area.
SmartStart makes every mow more efficient and every operator’s job easier, keeping operations moving smoothly with less downtime.
How SmartStart works with your AMP robot mower in FireLink
With the robot within the operating area and the mow path selected, the machine’s status and distance to the start of the path will be displayed in the bottom left corner of FireLink™.
Once the autonomy (AMS) key on the operator panel of the robot is switched on, the play button will appear in the bottom right corner of the screen in FireLink.
On the map, you’ll see the machine’s current location marked by a blue triangle icon and the start of the mow path marked by a green circle. A yellow dashed line leading from the machine to the start of the mow path will generate. This represents the dynamically planned path the machine will take to get to the start of the mow path.
Once you’re ready to send the machine on its way, press and hold the play button for three seconds, like you would on any mow start, and the robot will take it from there.
Take advantage of SmartStart when performing a Resume from Waypoint
While uncommon, there may be instances where there are parts of your mow path that need to be skipped by the robot on a specific day. There’s always the option to create a keep-out zone and plan a path that elegantly removes that portion from the path. However, for a quick, less elegant workaround, you can do the following:
Step 1
Click the Pause icon to stop the machine prior to it reaching the area that needs to be skipped.
Step 2
Click the Resume from Waypoint icon.
Step 3
Select a spot on the path on the other side of the area that needs to be skipped, and watch as SmartStart dynamically plans a path from the paused location to the new start location.
Step 4
Press and hold the Play icon for 3 seconds; let the machine take care of the rest.
This process eliminates the need to manually operate the machine to skip a section of a mow path.
The next step toward full robot mower autonomy
SmartStart isn’t just about saving time today; it’s part of FireFly’s ongoing path toward fully autonomous robot mowers. By allowing the mower to dynamically plan a path and navigate to its starting point, this feature lays the groundwork for future advancements where paths can be linked seamlessly. As autonomy continues to evolve, operators will spend less time intervening and more time focusing on higher-value work.
The vision is clear: robot mowers that can plan, navigate, and complete entire mowing operations from start to finish with little or no manual input. SmartStart is a key milestone on that journey.