CBUS Super Stadium has made history by becoming the first stadium in Australia to implement Husqvarna’s state-of-the-art robotic mowing technology, setting a new national benchmark for sustainable turf management.
The fully autonomous, battery-powered mowers represent a major step forward in the future of sports turf care, offering precision, consistency, and environmental benefits that far exceed traditional methods.
Designed to operate quietly and efficiently, the system significantly reduces both fuel consumption and carbon emissions by up to 83% while maintaining the venue’s pristine playing surface to the highest standards.
This innovation positions CBUS Super Stadium alongside some of the world’s most iconic sporting venues, including Liverpool FC’s AXA Training Centre, which has integrated Husqvarna’s robotic technology throughout its non-pitch areas to help maintain elite-level turf quality year-round.
How Robotic Technology Is Transforming Pitch Performance
Pauline Nilsson, Vice President of Sales and Service, Husqvarna Forest and Garden and Pacific Region spoke in detail about the future of turf management with this mower and the environmental benefits of implementing this technology.
Nilsson explained how both the noise and environmental impact play a part in the technology’s beauty.
“The environmental benefits of Husqvarna’s robotic mowing solutions represent a significant advancement for Australian sporting venues. Our commercial robotic mowers produce no direct fumes or CO₂ emissions during operation, which is increasingly important as sporting organisations work toward sustainability targets,” she said to Soccerscene.
“Traditional ride-on mowers consume considerable fuel and require regular refuelling and maintenance. Our robotic mowers are lightweight and battery-driven, significantly reducing the carbon footprint compared to conventional ride-on mowers.
“Beyond direct environmental benefits, the technology is virtually silent, eliminating noise disturbance from traditional landscaping. This allows grounds teams to maintain pitch quality around the clock without disrupting nearby residential areas or training sessions,” she continued.
When asked about how this technology directly affects the fan and player experience at football games, Nilsson explained how important the robotic technology was for a professional sporting environment because of its consistency.
“The technology fundamentally transforms pitch maintenance through precision and consistency. Our robotic mowers use razor-sharp blades that cut almost like scissors, and continuous mowing is crucial for maintaining a healthy pitch,” Nilsson explained.
“Our robotic mowers cut turf daily and automatically recycle the clippings as natural fertiliser, operating rain or shine to ensure fields are always game-day ready.”
For players, this technology delivers several critical advantages:
Safe, consistent playing surfaces – turf is mowed at a consistent height, even in adverse weather conditions, creating an improved playing surface. Important for sports fields where surface consistency affects game play, athlete performance and injury risk.
Improved quality of turf, with denser, healthier grass – the pitch withstands heavy use and recovers more quickly.
Reduced surface compaction – the lightweight mowers cut down on soil compaction that normal mowers create, delivering outstanding cut quality, resulting in better drainage and healthier grass.
Global Success, Big Ambitions for Australian Football
Husqvarna have sizeable ambitions to expand in the Australian sports stadiums market after this CBUS Super Stadium deal, and Nilsson highlighted that their recent partnerships in Europe and the US have ‘proven’ the efficiency of the technology to eventually implement down under.
“Beyond Europe, the technology has proven successful at prestigious venues worldwide. Atlanta Athletic Club utilises both our Automower® and CEORA® systems to maintain their golf course. These are world-class facilities with exacting standards, demonstrating that this technology delivers at the highest level,” Nilsson said.
“Since launching Husqvarna CEORA® in 2021, we’ve experienced double-digit growth in professional robotic lawnmowers annually, and we’re bringing that proven technology and expertise to the Australian market.”
For Australian football venues specifically, the technology addresses several critical challenges:
Climate adaptability – the robotic mowers operate effectively in various weather conditions, crucial for Australia’s diverse climate zones.
Labour efficiency – addressing ongoing skilled groundskeeper shortages by automating routine maintenance.
Sustainability commitments – helping venues meet environmental targets without compromising quality.
Operational cost management – significantly reducing fuel consumption and maintenance expenses.
2032 and Beyond: A Strategic Play for Australian Football
“With the 2032 Olympics approaching and increased focus on football development across Australia, we see significant opportunities across A-League venues, National Premier League grounds, and regional sporting facilities,” she continued.
“We’re in active discussions with several venues, but we’re focused on building genuine partnerships rather than simply deploying equipment. Our goal is to help Australian sporting venues understand that this technology delivers measurable benefits in pitch quality, operational efficiency, and environmental performance backed by proven success at prestigious venues worldwide.”
For CBUS Super Stadium, this move underscores a commitment to sustainability, operational excellence, and player safety which ensures the Gold Coast venue continues to deliver world-class conditions as it attracts a growing list of national and international events.
