In the enchanting Pillnitz Castle Park, innovation meets tradition with a state-of-the-art watering companion joining the horticulturists' toolkit. This high-tech bot can refuel itself and saunter amongst plants at a leisurely human pace, lending a hand in watering tasks.
Currently, the bot operates semi-autonomously, with a hose attached to its tank assisting in watering operations. Christain Striefler, Castle Director, is excited about this cutting-edge development, praising Pillnitz Palace Park as the first German palace to employ such a robot in gardening duties.
Principally designed to aid gardeners in strenuous tasks, the robot's control and steering remain in the hands of the skilled staff. The device is operable via a compact, portable control terminal equipped with a screen and input keys. This gadget enables autonomous operations under specific conditions, such as refueling or visiting designated GPS locations to distribute materials or tools.
Designed to endure for extended periods, the robot can operate sustainably for 6 hours straight. Working in collaboration with Barkhausen Institute and Technical University staff from Dresden, the project's budget was carefully conserved, with an estimated 630,000 euros allotted, including 10% from the Free State's allocation. The project is federally funded by the "Climate Change in Historic Gardens" program.
The introduction of this bot forms part of a broader initiative to combat climate change in historical gardens, targeting the unique challenges they encounter. The Saxon State Palaces, Castles, and Gardens joined this project in 2022, a collaboration between the Federal Ministry for Housing, Urban Development, and Building.
Researchers and gardeners work tirelessly to devise practical solutions to mitigate climate change impact on historical monuments, struggling against the loss of trees and potential damage to the structures themselves. A notable example from Pillnitz Park is the deceased blood beech tree, a popular attraction that succumbed to the dry summers in 2021.
Weathering climate change challenges, the horticulturists adopted measures like temporary heat relief and continuous watering to preserve the remaining tree. As climate change continues to evolve, adapting to these circumstances becomes increasingly imperative, both for the benefit of horticulture and the preservation of historical landmarks.
