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WALL-E. Johnny Five. Optimus Prime. And R2-D2.
Those all are famous robots seen in the motion pictures.
Now, Pipestone Area Schools has a robot of its own with Turf Tank Two, affectionately named “Betsy,” which could be seen lining the main football field at Paulsen Field Thursday, Sept. 18.
PAS groundskeeper Cody Heidebrink said the robot has provided instant relief in many aspects.
“There’s a cost savings with paint,” Heidebrink said. “It uses 7-1/2 gallons of paint every time it lines the (football) field.”
Turf Tank Two, affectionately known as “Betsy,” has greatly reduced the amount of paint needed for the main football field. Manpower hours also have been reduced. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
Painting the field by hand used as many as 35 gallons each time, he reported.
What’s more, lining the field now takes roughly 75 minutes — whereas before the process took about seven hours, Heidebrink said. During previous summers, an employee had been hired to paint seemingly every single day.
Heidebrink said he still paints the yardages in 10-yard increments (G, 10, 20, etc.) because he prefers larger numbers.
Pipestone Area Schools’ groundskeeper Cody Heidebrink said he prefers to paint the numbers so they are large enough to read. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
The robot takes care of the rest, each line including the back of the end zone as well as every single hash mark.
“It’s a life saver,” Heidebrink said. “We’ve had to go down on help this year, and now it’s just a one-person job.”
Heidebrink said the robot has allowed him time for other maintenance along school grounds, including general mowing and weeding.
PAS took inventory of Turf Tank Two in late March, and it came with power cords, including European ones since its assembled in Denmark. The company also has an American-based office in the Atlanta suburb of Marietta, Ga.
According to the manufacturer’s website, Turf Tank Two is an “improved” model with a better sprayer (allowing easy and ergonomic nozzle change), room for a 5-1/2 gallon jug, quicker access to the battery, and new wheels for superior grip and traction.
As part of the process, Heidebrink said the robot is equipped with a global-positioning system (GPS). He programs the robot with the help of satellites and other technology including a 24-hour help center and in-application mobile guides.
Turf Tank Two reportedly can work in offline mode should there be a poor Internet connection.
Heidebrink said he only needs to set the point just once during lining.
The spray nodule is adjustable, ensuring clean, crisp lines. The robot’s panel also features pause and resume buttons.
“There’s not a sport this thing can’t do,” Heidebrink noted. “It can do anything.”
“Betsy” paints the goal line in preparation for the Sept. 19 game versus Jackson County Central. (Star photo by Eric Viccaro)
The Pipestone County Star shot a video of the robot in action last week. “Betsy” showed she could handle bumps in the field. Her only enemy seems to be mud, Heidebrink reported.
In addition to the football field, the robot has lined soccer fields at the JBS SportsPlex (including the difficult corner kick areas) plus the main baseball and softball fields.
The robot paints boxes for both the batter and catcher, running lanes, pitching circle and on-deck circle.
Turf Tank Two paints the main soccer field in about one hour, and the baseball and softball fields are done in a zippy 12 minutes. Heidebrink said the robot can line an impromptu soccer field for elementary school games in eight minutes. Amazing.
The robot can even paint logos, including PAS intricate design.
Turf Tank Two’s sticker shock might be difficult on the eyes; however, Heidebrink said the unit “pays for itself fast.”
The cost is $11,000 per year, which includes $2,000 in paint and 24-hour technical assistance.
And the name “Betsy?”
“Well, it kind of fit her,” Heidebrink said.