Abstract: A method is provided for operating an autonomous ball collection vehicle over a work area. Initially, information relating to the distribution of balls in the work area is determined. Then, the vehicle is guided around the work area to collect balls in response to the determined information.

Abstract: A method of operating an automated land maintenance vehicle over a work area includes (a) determining a work regime by dividing the work area into regions; selecting at least one instruction for the vehicle to follow with respect to each region; providing data relating to the regions and to the associated instructions to a processor; computing, by the processor, the work regime for the vehicle from the data; and (b) providing data relating to the work regime to a controller of the vehicle, whereby the vehicle is operated to follow the work regime.

Abstract: An autonomous ground maintenance vehicle is provided with maintenance equipment for performing a ground maintenance operation, such as mowing and storing grass, a marking device that includes a delivery structure for applying a marking material to the ground, a guidance mechanism for guiding the ground maintenance vehicle, and a position sensor for determining the position of the vehicle. The marking device is controlled in response to the position of the vehicle according to the position sensor.

Abstract: Autonomous land maintenance equipment is provided that includes an obstacle detection device, having a predetermined detecting range, a receiver receiving for collecting waste material and a structure for emptying the waste material from the receiver, such that the waste material is deposited outside of the range of the obstacle detection device.

Abstract: A method of operating an automated land maintenance vehicle over a work area includes (a) determining a work regime by dividing the work area into regions; selecting at least one instruction for the vehicle to follow with respect to each region; providing data relating to the regions and to the associated instructions to a processor; computing, by the processor, the work regime for the vehicle from the data; and (b) providing data relating to the work regime to a controller of the vehicle, whereby the vehicle is operated to follow the work regime.

Abstract: An autonomous ground maintenance vehicle is capable of varying its operating parameters in response to environmental conditions. These operating parameters include maximum permitted acceleration, deceleration, velocity, rate of change of direction and rate of change of steering values. A rain sensor 50 and moisture sensor 51 may be mounted to the vehicle or be positioned on the ground. An inclinometer may also be provided such that the operating parameters may be varied according to the inclination of the ground to be maintained. If guidance means is provided to guide the vehicle along a specified path a variable operating parameter may be a minimum allowable specified path length.