Mitie and Kress have announced a strategic partnership that will see 24 autonomous Kress Voyager ‘mowbots’ deployed across customer sites throughout the UK, representing one of the largest investments of its kind within the facilities management and landscaping sector.
The rollout combines Mitie’s landscaping expertise with Kress’ advanced autonomous mowing technology, creating a new model for grounds maintenance that blends intelligent automation with skilled human oversight.
Mitie colleagues are developing new digital capabilities as ‘Robot Pilots’, programming and managing the Kress ‘mowbots’ using digital tools to map sites, monitor performance and optimise operations in real time. Working alongside landscaping teams, the autonomous Kress Voyager units safely navigate sites using advanced AI and positioning technology, undertaking routine grass cutting operations throughout the day.
As fully electric machines, the Kress Voyager fleet supports both Mitie’s and Kress’ shared sustainability ambitions by producing zero direct emissions during operation. Unlike conventional petrol-powered mowing equipment, the Kress ‘mowbots’ operate entirely on battery power, helping improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions across customer estates. Battery-powered operation also eliminates the risk of fuel and oil spills, supporting cleaner and safer site management.
The autonomous Kress Voyager units are significantly quieter than traditional petrol machinery, making them particularly well suited to sensitive environments such as schools, healthcare facilities, corporate campuses and public spaces where noise reduction is important.
Beyond operational benefits, the ‘mowbots’ contribute to healthier and more sustainable grounds management. Through a process known as ‘grass cycling’, the robots mow little and often, naturally returning fine grass clippings back into the soil. This improves soil health, reduces reliance on fertilisers and helps create stronger, more resilient lawns.
The deployment of the Kress Voyager fleet is the latest innovation within Mitie’s growing robotics programme, joining its successful cleaning robot (‘cobot’) initiatives, including the deployment of 32 autonomous cleaning robots at Heathrow Airport. Together, these technologies are supporting frontline colleagues, enhancing service delivery and helping customers achieve their sustainability goals:
Tim Howell, Managing Director, Landscaping, Mitie, said: "This rollout marks an important step forward in how we deliver grounds maintenance services. Through our partnership with Kress, we are bringing innovative autonomous technology into our landscaping operations while creating new opportunities for colleagues to develop valuable digital skills as Robot Pilots. The Kress Voyager platform supports our commitment to sustainability through quieter, zero-emission operation, while allowing our teams to focus on higher-value landscaping activities."
Spencer Funnell, Managing Director,Kress, said: "We are delighted to partner with Mitie on this landmark deployment of Kress Voyager autonomous mowing technology. This collaboration demonstrates how robotics and AI can work alongside skilled landscaping professionals to transform grounds maintenance. By combining Mitie's operational expertise with Kress' autonomous technology, we are delivering a safer, more sustainable and highly efficient solution that benefits customers, colleagues and the environment alike."
The Kress Voyager is a fully autonomous commercial mowing platform designed for large-scale grounds maintenance applications. Combining advanced AI navigation, electric power and autonomous operation, Voyager helps organisations reduce operating costs, lower emissions and improve productivity while maintaining exceptional turf quality.
