TurfRobot automates sustainable disease control at VfB Stuttgart
At VfB Stuttgart’s MHP Arena, innovation is part of everyday pitch management. Head Groundsman Fabian Riesterer, responsible for maintaining one of Germany’s most prestigious playing surfaces, has added a new tool to his maintenance routine: the SGL TurfRobot.
This robotic UVC treatment machine supports Fabian’s long-term mission to maintain a healthy, disease-free pitch without chemical fungicides. By combining advanced automation with proven UVC technology, the TurfRobot is helping Stuttgart stay ahead in the growing challenge of sustainable pitch management.
Chemical-free pitch management
Fabian and his team have not used any chemical fungicides in years. “We’ve been completely chemical-free for about three and a half years now,” he says. “That’s a big step forward, but it also means we need reliable technology to help us stay on top of disease pressure. We first used the UVC180 from SGL, but we’ve now taken the next step with TurfRobot.”
To achieve this, VfB Stuttgart uses the TurfRobot several times a week. The robot applies targeted UVC treatment to the turf, damaging fungal spores on the surface and preventing disease outbreaks before they spread. The UVC dosage is precisely calibrated to eliminate harmful pathogens while leaving the grass cells unharmed.
“I use it in a preventive way,” Fabian explains. “It doesn’t cost extra time or labour, just five minutes to set it up on the pitch. It runs its route completely autonomously, and I know the turf is protected.”
Efficiently using limited time
With the TurfRobot handling disease prevention, Fabian and his team have more time to focus on other essential maintenance tasks. “It’s not about having more free time, but about using our time better,” Fabian explains. “There’s always something to do like divoting, overseeding, adjusting the lighting. Our work is never really done, so having this robot doesn’t mean I can go home earlier.”
The TurfRobot treats a full-sized pitch in about one to one and a half hours, working consistently and safely, even on tight schedules. Its smart mapping system and intuitive controls allow the grounds team to manage the process efficiently. “It’s really simple to operate,” Fabian adds. “The setup takes about an hour to learn, and after that, anyone in the team can run it.”
“I use TurfRobot in a preventive way, it doesn’t cost extra time or labour, just five minutes to set it up on the pitch. It runs its route completely autonomously, and I know the turf is protected.”
Sustainable innovation in practice
The introduction of the TurfRobot fits into Stuttgart’s wider sustainability strategy. As the use of chemical fungicides becomes increasingly restricted across Europe, the club sees automation and data-driven tools as the future of pitch management.
“Pressure on grounds teams is growing,” Fabian explains. “We have to deliver perfect pitches for football and events, but we also have to meet stricter environmental standards. Technology like this helps us find that balance.”
Ready for the future
For Fabian, integrating robotics into pitch maintenance is not just about modernisation, it’s about creating a smarter, safer, and more sustainable way of working. “I trust in the UVC technology,” he says. “It helps us protect the grass naturally and ensures we’re ready for the future.”
VfB Stuttgart’s use of the TurfRobot demonstrates how innovation and tradition can go hand in hand. With every new step, Fabian and his team are shaping the future of sustainable pitch management, one precise pass at a time.
TurfRobot: sustainable, autonomous & efficient disease treatment
TurfRobot is the autonomous solution that sustainably combats grass diseases and keeps your pitch in top condition. Powered by UVC light technology, it operates independently with minimal manual input, eliminating the need for chemicals while supporting grounds teams in maintaining a consistently healthy playing surface. By preventing and reducing grass diseases with maximum efficiency, TurfRobot helps protect turf quality and ensures your pitch is always ready for top-level performance. This is the future of grass disease control: sustainable, autonomous, and efficient.
Recent updates
Check out our latest updates
