US Interior Department tests AI lawnmowers at National Mall, six national parks

The National Park Service is currently testing autonomous AI-operated lawnmowers at six national parks, including the National Mall in Washington, D.C., as part of an effort led by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to increase operational efficiency using artificial intelligence. These robotic mowers, likely manufactured by Wright Manufacturing of Frederick, Maryland, are part of a grant project from the National Parks Foundation aiming to modernize public land maintenance by enabling the workforce to accomplish more with the same resources. The initiative aligns with broader goals of embracing AI technology to improve government services and strengthen collaboration with state and tribal partners. A video from Burgum highlighted the technology's deployment, showing the mowers in action and explaining their role in advancing AI use on public lands. This testing comes amid a push by the Trump administration to accelerate AI adoption responsibly within federal agencies to enhance service delivery and operational effectiveness. The project reflects a growing trend toward integrating AI-driven solutions in government operations, aiming to boost efficiency and innovation in managing natural resources.