Golf courses and driving ranges are increasingly looking at automation to reduce repetitive labor and keep their facilities operating more efficiently. One of the biggest opportunities is autonomous golf ball collection, and the Pik'r autonomous range picker is designed specifically for this job.
At Automation Hub, we work with golf facilities across the country to evaluate, map, install and support Pik'r systems. Here are some of the most common questions we hear.
What is the Pik'r autonomous range picker?
The Pik'r is an autonomous golf ball range picker designed to collect golf balls throughout the driving range without requiring an employee to continuously drive a traditional range-picking vehicle.
Pik'r navigates a professionally mapped range while pulling traditional ball-picking reels behind it, allowing facilities to automate one of the most repetitive jobs on the range.
How many golf balls can the Pik'r collect?
Pik'r can be configured with multiple picking reels depending on the size and ball volume of the range. As a general benchmark, each reel can collect approximately 1,200 golf balls per cycle, meaning a five-reel configuration can collect approximately 6,000 balls per cycle.
For busy ranges, Pik'r can operate multiple picking cycles throughout the day.
Can Pik'r pick golf balls while the driving range is open?
Yes. One of the biggest advantages of the Pik'r autonomous range picker is its ability to collect golf balls throughout the day while the range is operating.
Instead of waiting for dedicated picking periods or sending an employee onto the range in a traditional vehicle, Pik'r can continuously help manage ball collection.
How does Pik'r navigate the driving range?
Pik'r uses autonomous navigation technology combined with a mapped operating area. During installation, the range is mapped to establish operating boundaries, travel paths, charging locations and areas the robot should avoid.
Good mapping is extremely important. Every driving range has different slopes, bunkers, trees, drainage areas and other obstacles that need to be considered.
Can Pik'r handle hills and difficult terrain?
Pik'r is designed for outdoor range environments, but every property needs to be evaluated individually. Slope, terrain, drainage, obstacles and travel routes can all affect how an autonomous range picker should be deployed.
Automation Hub performs a property analysis before installation to determine the best operating areas, routes and charging locations.
Can Pik'r work with my existing ball collection system?
In many cases, yes. Pik'r can pull traditional ball-picking reels, and the overall system can be designed around the facility's existing range operation.
For facilities with automated ball-return infrastructure, Pik'r can also become part of a larger system designed to reduce manual handling from collection through washing and redistribution.
Can I automate both mowing and ball picking?
Yes, and this is where driving-range automation becomes especially valuable.
Automation Hub can design a system where Pik'r handles autonomous golf ball collection while robotic mowers maintain the turf. This allows facilities to automate two of the most repetitive jobs associated with maintaining a driving range.
How much labor can Pik'r save?
The answer depends on how many hours your team currently spends picking balls.
Rather than having an employee repeatedly drive the range picker, Pik'r can perform much of that routine collection autonomously. That allows your staff to spend more time on turf management, maintenance, setup and other higher-value responsibilities.
How much maintenance does a Pik'r require?
Like any piece of golf course equipment, Pik'r requires routine preventative maintenance. Tires, caster wheels, picking reels, batteries and other wear components should be inspected regularly.
Automation Hub provides installation, training and ongoing support so your team understands how to operate and maintain the system properly.
Is Pik'r right for my driving range?
The best way to determine that is through a driving range property assessment and demo.
Automation Hub can evaluate your acreage, terrain, slopes, ball volume, current picking process, charging locations and existing equipment to determine how a Pik'r system could fit into your operation.
Interested in Seeing Pik'r at Your Golf Course?
Automation Hub specializes in Pik'r autonomous range picker installations and golf course automation. Our team helps with everything from initial property analysis and system design to professional mapping, installation, team training and ongoing support.
We don't simply sell a Pik'r and leave you to figure it out. Our goal is to make sure the system is properly designed around your range and becomes a reliable part of your daily operation.
Contact Automation Hub to schedule a Pik'r demo or property assessment and see how autonomous golf ball picking could work at your facility.
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