Scythe Robotics wants to build automated mowers at a new Longmont factory
Summary
Longmont-based Scythe Robotics needs more space to handle about 7,000 reservations it has received for its automated robotic lawn mowers that landscaping contractors across the country are clamoring to get their hands on.After weighing whether to use offshore production or build a factory in either Florida, Texas or Colorado, the startup decided to stay put in Longmont. Helping seal that decision was an award of $372,000 from the state Strategic Fund that the Colorado Economic Development Commission approved Wednesday morning. The consequences of their failure to recognize obstacles, whether it is a rabbit or a sprinkler head or bike path with heavy traffic, are more severe and potentially catastrophic.Even if the mowers could be built more cheaply overseas, they weigh 1,300 pounds, which makes shipping costs problematic. The numerous supply-chain issues that arose during the pandemic also showed the importance of keeping manufacturing close by, although the company will still need to source key components overseas, such as batteries, chips and sensors. It is about keeping the manufacturing and engineering teams closer together so we can learn together and get better as we scale, Morrison said.The commission also awarded $164,284 in Job Growth Incentive Tax Credits to a Bay Area company that uses data, machine learning and artificial intelligence tools to help manufacturing plants and real estate professionals streamline their operations.