Autonomous and Connected Equipment: Shaping the Future of Turf Care
Across golf courses and sports complexes, superintendents and turf managers are facing the same realities: tighter labor pools, higher expectations for playability, and pressure to document sustainable practices. That’s why the industry is rapidly adopting autonomousand connectedturf equipment—technologies designed to deliver consistency, reduce inputs, and help grounds teams work smarter.
And while robotic mowers often get the spotlight, some of the most meaningful innovation is happening in precision spraying, where Smithcocontinues to set the standard.
Why Turf Operations Are Turning to Smarter Equipment
Superintendents are embracing automation for three key reasons:
- Labor shortagesmake repetitive tasks ideal for semi-autonomous or autonomous machines.
- Sustainability goalsrequire precise, documented application of water and chemicals.
- Expectations for surface qualitycontinue to rise, regardless of budget or staffing challenges.
Autonomous mowing and sensor-driven turf monitoring are already becoming everyday tools on many courses. But autonomy alone isn’t enough—equipment must also be connected, feeding data back to the superintendent and working with precision across varied terrain.
Connected Turf Equipment: The New Standard for Accuracy
Connected turf machines combine GPS, sensors, data logging, and real-time communication to create a more controlled, measurable maintenance program. Whether it’s drone-based turf analytics, soil moisture sensors, or GPS guidance, these tools support better decision-making and help ensure consistency from one operator to the next.
This is especially important for spraying, where accuracy can mean the difference between optimal performance and wasted product.
How Smithco Is Leading the Precision Spraying Movement
Smithco sprayers are leading the pack of connected, semi-autonomous equipment shaping the future of turf management.
Star Command™ I & II: Intelligence at the Nozzle
- Star Command I(TeeJet® Radion + DynaJet™) delivers consistent droplet size and uniform coverage.
- Star Command II 4.0, powered by Ag Leader’s InCommand™ 1200 and RightSpot™ PWM, adds high-resolution mapping, nozzle-by-nozzle control, turn compensation, and data-rich application records.
These systems reduce overlap, maintain accuracy through turns, automate boom priming and flushing, and give operators the confidence that every pass is precise—no matter who’s in the seat.
Spray Star® Vehicles Built for the Future
Smithco’s Spray Star lineup—1100, 1200, and 1300—pairs these advanced control systems with:
- Smooth hydrostatic traction drive
- High-flow stainless steel centrifugal pumps
- GPS-enabled guidance and mapping
- BoomLoop™ recirculation for faster, cleaner prep
The result is a spray system that operates with exceptional precision and consistency, supporting the long-term shift toward autonomous turf programs.
The Benefits: Smarter Use of Time, Product, and Data
When autonomous practices meet connected systems like Star Command, superintendents gain:
- More consistent playing conditionsthrough accurate, repeatable application.
- Lower input wastethanks to reduced overlap and optimized droplet control.
- Better reporting and transparencywith mapped, logged spray data.
Where Turf Care Is Headed Next
The future isn’t about replacing people—it’s about multiplying their impact. Autonomous mowers will tackle routine tasks, sensors will guide agronomic decisions, and precision sprayers like Smithco’s Spray Starwill ensure every gallon is used responsibly and accurately.
Smithco is committed to supporting superintendentsas they integrate autonomous and connected technologies into their operations—helping them maintain exceptional playing surfaces with confidence and efficiency.
If you’re exploring how connected spray technology fits into your maintenance strategy, your local Smithco dealer can help you get started.
