MN HF5098

Commissioner of Transportation must conduct an autonomous mowing pilot project along Interstate Highway 35 from the Iowa border to the Interstate Highway 35E-35W interchange in Burnsville, testing robotic devices at multiple locations and times based on traffic volume, weather, vegetation, and terrain.

Commissioner must test different autonomous mower configurations and sensor types to study capability for future statewide deployment along the trunk highway system.

Commissioner must collect data on operational hours, terrain and vegetation types, obstacle navigation success rates, traffic impacts, cost-benefit analysis compared to traditional mowing, environmental impacts, and safety considerations.

Commissioner must use adequate signage to notify road users about autonomous mower operations and may enter agreements with third-party vendors for maintenance and operations.

Commissioner must submit a report by January 15, 2026 to legislative committees detailing pilot project costs, mower specifications, operational hours, vegetation and terrain challenges, accidents or incidents, maintenance costs, staff feedback, and recommendations for statewide implementation.