Robotic lawnmowers pose a significant risk to hedgehogs, particularly at night when these nocturnal animals are stationary and vulnerable. In response, researchers at the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW), in collaboration with crash test specialists CTS and c’t magazine, are developing hedgehog dummies to improve mower safety.
These dummies, designed to mimic hedgehog behavior during collisions, allow for standardized tests across robotic mower models. Equipped with 3D-printed skeletons and the ability to simulate hedgehog body temperature, the dummies replicate real-world injury patterns. The goal is to establish a safety certification that ensures robotic mowers can detect and avoid hedgehogs.
Previous studies have shown that robotic mowers are responsible for a growing number of hedgehog injuries, with many incidents going unreported. To mitigate this, experts are also advocating for nighttime bans on robotic mowers, which have already been implemented in some areas. The findings from these safety tests will be presented at conferences in Berlin in January 2025, with hopes to establish standardized safety protocols for all robotic mower models.
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