Landscape & Urban Design Issue 74 2025 | Page 75

Initial marking has seen the most significant impact, with the robots removing the need for traditional set-out methods.“ It’ s incredibly accurate,” says Danny.“ You just load the template on the tablet, and it remembers exactly where to mark, even if the lines have disappeared after cutting. Schools appreciate that kind of consistency.”
The robots’ size and weight were a major consideration.“ I looked at Turf Tank, but it was too heavy. I couldn’ t lift it in and out of the van alone. The Tiny robot is light, compact, and fits easily in the back of a small van, which makes life a lot easier.”
Rough and uneven ground is a common challenge across school fields, particularly in the state sector.“ That’ s another reason the TinyLineMarker works so well for us. It’ s robust and can handle bumpy surfaces where other machines might struggle.”
Groundtel uses IMPACT ® Pro paint from Origin Amenity Solutions for both their robotic and two iGO Premier Pedestrian markers. Danny says,“ It’ s a perfect match.”
“ The robot’ s set to moderate speed, and the lines are bright, crisp, and clean. And because the paint’ s readymixed, there’ s no faffing around with water. It saves time and hassle, and we get a consistent finish across every pitch.”
In addition to time and paint efficiency, the robots have helped Groundtel reduce labour demand and improve safety and sustainability, which are key concerns for schools.
“ The schools prefer the robots,” Danny says.“ They’ re small, quiet, and there are no fuel emissions. This ticks a lot of environmental boxes. From a health and safety point of view, especially during the school day, it’ s a win.”
Behind the technology is a strong support system, which is something Danny values.“ The training was excellent, and the support from Origin Amenity Solutions is brilliant. It’ s one thing to buy a product, but having ongoing help makes a huge difference. I can ring Simon or Joe and get an answer immediately without waiting for a call-out, although that’ s also available. A quick answer on the phone saves me so much wasted time.”
Origin Amenity Solutions is the sole UK distributor of TinyMobileRobots and one of the leading providers of GPS line marking. The company offers one of the most comprehensive line marking ranges in the UK and Ireland, including pedestrian and ride-on machines, ready-to-use paints, and advanced robotic technology. All paints and machines are manufactured within
SPORTS & PLAY
the Origin group, ensuring consistent, high-quality performance backed by nationwide support and product expertise.
For Danny and the team at Groundtel, the move to robotic line marking has exceeded every expectation.“ We’ ve saved time, reduced labour, improved accuracy and consistency. I wouldn’ t go back. The robots are a vital part of how we operate now, and they’ ve transformed the service we can offer our schools.” www. groundtel. co. uk
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