Autonomous robot clears 6,000-sq-ft NJ driveway during snowstorm

During Winter Storm Fern, a New Jersey homeowner, Tom Moloughney, successfully tested an autonomous robotic snow blower from Yarbo to clear his 6,000-square-foot driveway. The robot, equipped with GPS and sensor-based navigation, methodically cleared snow, including on slopes and curves, while Moloughney stayed indoors. The machine autonomously returned to its charging dock when the battery ran low and resumed work after recharging, completing the task over an extended period without manual intervention. Videos of the robot’s performance went viral, showcasing the potential of emerging autonomous yard-maintenance technology. However, Moloughney emphasized that the system required significant upfront effort to set up. He spent considerable time programming the robot, physically guiding it around the driveway to define boundaries, and optimizing snow-throw angles before the storm. The technology is not yet plug-and-play and demands careful configuration to handle challenges such as dense ice under snow or uneven surfaces. Despite these limitations, the successful deployment during a heavy snowstorm suggests