If you operate a golf course with a traditional gas-powered driving range ball collector, you likely know that collecting all those golf balls can be a real headache. You may even rely on a golf ball diver to manually clear the driving range. It’s a monotonous, dusty job that has to be done frequently to keep the range clear. But if you’ve ever wondered if there’s a better way, you’re in luck.
The robotic range picker is a fully autonomous machine that can patrol your driving range and pick up golf balls on its own. If you’re considering making an upgrade to automation on your golf course, here’s what you need to know about this emerging technology.
What is a Robotic Range Picker and How Does It Work?
A robotic range picker is a self-driving machine that collects golf balls from the driving range field. The device moves methodically across the range, either in predetermined patterns or using random navigation algorithms guided by GPS. As it traverses the turf, it uses a rotating brush or collection drum to lift golf balls off the ground and funnel them into an onboard storage tank or hopper.
All of this happens without an operator. The robot golf ball picker is programmed to do the job automatically, day after day.
Additionally, a robotic golf ball picker upper comes with sensors and cameras to detect obstacles and avoid collisions, so they won’t bump into golfers, range equipment, or wander off beyond the range boundaries. Many are electric and run on rechargeable batteries for quiet, emissions-free operation.
The Echo Robotics RP-1200 range picker is a popular model that can operate 24/7, rain or shine, and quietly roam the range even during the day without disturbing players. It navigates via GPS and onboard software, while covering the entire range and even finding balls in hard-to-see spots.
Some units use a random pattern that, over time, covers the whole field, while others can follow a grid pattern. When the robot’s storage is full or its battery is low, it will typically return to a base station. At the base station, it can unload balls and recharge if needed.
What Happens to the Balls an Automated Golf Ball Picker Collects?
Different systems handle this in various ways. In some setups, the robot may deposit the balls into a bin at its docking station. More advanced integrated systems will link the range picker to an autonomous range picker conveyor or even directly to a washing unit.
For example, there are solutions where the robot golf ball collector brings balls to a designated drop-off point, which feeds into a conveyor or elevator that carries balls into a washer. The balls get cleaned and then fed into dispensing machines for reuse by customers. In such a system, the entire loop from ball collection to washing and ready-to-hit is automated.
Even as a standalone, a robotic range picker typically has a large capacity (hundreds of balls). The Echo RP-1200 can hold about 300 golf balls at a time and collect up to 12,500 balls per day across an area up to 6 acres. That’s a huge workload taken off your staff’s shoulders.
To operate a robotic driving range picker, you usually set up a perimeter (either by GPS coordinates, mapping during installation, or boundary wires) so the robot knows where the range field limits are. Then you program its schedule. For example, it might be set to start picking every evening after the range closes, or periodically throughout the day if it’s safe to do so while golfers practice.
The robot can also be monitored and controlled via a smartphone or computer app. You can see status updates, battery level, and ball collection progress. You can even manually direct it or pause it if needed.
What are the Benefits of a Robotic Range Picker vs. Traditional Methods?
Compared to the old-fashioned way of collecting range balls, a robot golf ball picker offers so much more convenience, including:
Labor Savings and Reallocation
With a robotic range picker handling ball collection, you no longer need staff driving a picker vehicle for hours. This can reduce labor costs or allow you to reassign employees to clubhouse duties, helping golfers, or performing other maintenance. Over time, fewer labor hours spent on range picking means lower wage expenses for the operation.
Continuous Operation
One pain point with traditional ball collection is that you often have to close the driving range (or at least a portion of it) to safely send a picker vehicle out, especially during busy times. Golfers typically can’t hit balls while an employee in a cart is out in the field for fear of someone getting hit. This means collections are either done during off-peak hours or require stopping practice sessions.
A robot golf ball collector can alleviate this issue. Many autonomous range pickers are designed to operate day or night, even during business hours because they are low-profile and have safety sensors. They move slowly and can pause if a golfer or ball comes near. In fact, some ranges let the robot roam while golfers are hitting; the machine’s durable outer shell can handle the occasional direct hit from a golf ball without damage.
Cost Savings on Equipment and Fuel
Consider the costs of running a traditional golf range picker cart. There’s fuel for the vehicle, plus maintenance of the engine, tires, and the picker attachment. Those costs add up. A robotic range picker is electric and highly efficient. It recharges from a standard outlet or a charging station, while using far less energy than a gas engine would.
For example, one automatic golf ball picker model consumes only around 500 kWh in an entire year of operation. The energy cost of that is a fraction of what you’d spend on gasoline-powered range picker.
Additionally, with an autonomous golf ball collector, you won’t be buying as many replacement parts such as belts or filters, and there’s no need for oil changes. The robot’s maintenance might just involve sharpening or replacing its collection mechanism occasionally and updating software.
Consistent Performance and Cleanliness
Human workers can have good days and bad days. Maybe one day the staff is short-handed and they don’t pick the range thoroughly. Maybe the person driving missed the far corners of the range. A robotic golf ball picker is very consistent if programmed correctly. It can methodically cover the entire designated area every time and ensure that hardly any balls are left uncollected.
This keeps your range looking tidy and ensures you’re retrieving the maximum number of balls. A clean range means golfers can always find a fresh ball to hit without waiting for staff to collect and wash more.
Safety Improvements
The traditional method puts a person out on the range in a vehicle that could be hit by high-velocity golf balls. It’s a risky job and not exactly beloved by employees. With a robot, you eliminate that hazard. No humans have to brave the firing line to get the balls.
Moreover, the robot’s obstacle sensors mean it’s unlikely to crash into people or property. If a dog runs onto the range or a golfer wanders out to pick their own ball, the robot will detect the obstacle and stop or go around it. It also operates at a slow, controlled speed (often around 1–2 miles per hour), which is much safer on turf than a speeding cart.
Durability in All Conditions
Most robotic range pickers are built to withstand weather and constant outdoor use. They are often weatherproof, which means a bit of rain won’t stop them. Mud or soft ground is usually not an issue because they are relatively lightweight with turf-friendly wheels, so they don’t tear up the grass.
Try comparing that to a heavy cart that can leave ruts or get stuck in muddy conditions, which forces you to postpone picks until the ground firms up. Robots keep on rolling and help maintain that freshly picked look of the range at all times.
What Should I Consider When Choosing a Robotic Range Picker?
Robotic range pickers offer major benefits, but they’re not a one-size-fits-all solution. Here are key factors to consider:
- Range usage and size: Busy or large driving ranges benefit most, since these robots cover multiple acres with ease. Smaller ranges with limited traffic might not see as much return.
- Budget and investment: Expect to invest around $20,000 or more. However, many courses break even in a few years through reduced labor.
- Terrain and layout: Open, gently sloped ranges work best. Avoid water hazards or steep slopes and consider access for split or divided range layouts.
- Operational changes: Assign a staff member to oversee the robot, handle maintenance, and coordinate ball collection with washers or dispensers.
- Golfer communication: Let members know about the upgrade. Most golfers appreciate the added convenience and enjoy watching the robot at work.
- Weather and storage: For seasonal operations, store the robot during harsh winters. Year-round courses should dock it during storms and perform regular maintenance.
Ready to Bring Automation to Your Golf Course?
If you’re ready for a solution that can save you time and money while keeping your golf course neat, consider upgrading to a robotic range picker. Automated Outdoor Solutions are experts in this field, and we can guide you through this shift. Led by Joe Langton, our team has hands-on experience implementing full automation systems and pairing range pickers with ball washers and autonomous mowers for maximum efficiency.
If you’re ready to explore how automation can improve your golf operations, contact AOS online or call us at 815-308-5077 to explore options tailored to your layout, traffic, and maintenance goals.