The Oklahoma State Capitol grounds are undergoing a high-tech transformation with the introduction of robotic lawnmowers, which are not only saving money but also providing efficient grass maintenance. The Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES) has purchased seven of these self-driving mowers for $24,000 to maintain one acre of grass, significantly reducing costs compared to traditional mowing contracts that cost between $350,000 and $600,000 annually.
The initiative is part of the DOGE-Oklahoma program, aimed at cutting unnecessary spending while maintaining essential services. The robotic mowers come equipped with safety features such as automatic blade stoppage and GPS tracking to prevent theft. Additionally, these mowers eliminate the need for herbicides or pesticides on the Capitol grounds, effectively preventing weeds from seeding.
Bonnie Campo, director of outreach at OMES, highlighted that the mowers learn the grounds like a Roomba, with the occasional need for human interaction. The success of the program at the Capitol will determine if the use of auto-mowers will be expanded to other state-owned properties in the future. The program reflects the state government’s commitment to efficiency and cost-effectiveness, ensuring that taxpayer money is utilized effectively.
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