Autonomous Mowing Equipment

The Minnesota Department of Transportation is issuing a Request for Information on commercially available autonomous mowing equipment from Minnesota-based suppliers, with responses due July 27, 2026. This is an information-gathering exercise that does not constitute a solicitation and will not result in direct contract award; information gathered may inform subsequent procurement processes.

Respondents must be registered as bidders or suppliers with the state. The scope seeks detailed technical and operational information on autonomous mower technologies applicable to roadway, rest area, traffic management, and vegetation management needs, including make, model, specifications, battery life, charging requirements, operational limitations, sensor constraints, terrain restrictions, licensing agreements, service and maintenance plans, warranties, and product life expectancy.

Participating suppliers must demonstrate adequate insurance coverage: Commercial General Liability with minimum $2 million per occurrence and $2 million annual aggregate; Commercial Automobile Liability with minimum combined single limits of $2 million per occurrence; and Workers' Compensation Insurance meeting Minnesota statutory requirements including $100,000 per employee for bodily injury by disease and $100,000 for bodily injury by accident. All policies must name the State of Minnesota as an additional insured, and insurers must waive right to assert state immunity as a defense. Suppliers exempt from Workers' Compensation under Minnesota Statute 176.041 must provide written documentation of the exemption.

The autonomous mower demonstration is scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, 2026, at the MnROAD Research Facility in Otsego, Minnesota, with alternate dates of August 19–20 for weather contingencies. A preliminary site access period is available Monday, August 10 for mapping and boundary establishment. Selected suppliers will present classroom demonstrations of no more than 20 minutes followed by field demonstrations in a controlled environment. Questions and clarifications are due July 22, 2026, directed to Brandon Jones at brandon.k.jones@state.mn.us. No pricing information is requested.