“VUT showcased automated, battery-operated lawn mowers at the Isak Steyl Stadium, underscoring its commitment to smart campus technology, operational efficiency, and sustainability in sports facilities management.”
10 February 2026 | Story by: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture by: Peter Masela
3 minutes read time.
The Vaal University of Technology (VUT) continues to chart a forward-looking path in campus innovation, following a live demonstration of automated, battery-operated lawn mowers at the Isak Steyl Stadium. The initiative signals a decisive move towards modern, technology enabled infrastructure management within the university’s sports facilities.
The demonstration forms part of VUT’s broader drive to modernise campus operations through smart technologies that promote efficiency, sustainability, and skills development. The automated lawn mowers impressed staff and management with their ability to operate independently, navigate sporting fields with precision, and function beyond standard working hours, reducing downtime while maintaining high quality playing surfaces.
Dr Gugulethu Xaba, Executive Director for Student Support Services, described the initiative as a strategic intervention aimed at improving operational efficiency while easing the physical demands placed on staff, particularly in challenging weather conditions and within a constrained staffing environment.
“The introduction of automated machines is aligned with VUT’s Strategy 2033+ vision of building a technology driven university,” said Dr Xaba. “These solutions allow us to enhance efficiency while supporting our workforce, ensuring that campus infrastructure is maintained sustainably and intelligently.”
He further noted that the planned acquisition of automated equipment will address fuel related challenges, optimise staff deployment, and enable specialist management of sports facilities across the institution. By reducing reliance on fuel and lengthy procurement processes, the university can maintain its infrastructure more effectively while supporting environmentally responsible practices.
Speaking at the demonstration, Mr Tladi Mabulelong, Head of Sport at VUT, welcomed the initiative as a significant shift in how higher education institutions approach sports facilities management.
“This is the kind of innovation we need as a pathfinding institution,” he said. “Sport has evolved, and so must the way we manage our infrastructure. These machines will help us
better prepare our athletes, while ensuring that our staff are deployed more efficiently and equipped with new, relevant skills.”
Mr Mabulelong emphasised that managing sporting facilities across multiple campuses requires solutions that balance performance, cost effectiveness, and sustainability.
“For over a decade, we have done things the same way. Now is the moment to embrace change. We are not resisting it, we are preparing ourselves for it,” he added.
The demonstration also highlighted the machines’ ability to operate quietly, autonomously, and safely, even during night hours. This capability allows for continuous maintenance without disrupting daily campus activities, ensuring that fields remain competition ready.
Mr John Komako, Assistant Manager at the Isak Steyl Stadium, explained that the technology is designed for autonomous operation with remote monitoring, delivering consistent results with minimal human intervention.
“These machines can work when people cannot, even after hours,” he said. “They are controlled automatically and engineered to improve safety, reliability, and efficiency.”
The initiative aligns closely with VUT’s strategic focus on innovation, smart campus solutions, and sustainability, while offering valuable exposure to emerging technologies that are reshaping facilities management globally.
As VUT continues to explore technology driven solutions across its campuses, the automated lawn mower demonstration stands as a clear expression of the university’s commitment to remaining at the forefront of innovation, both on and off the field.