TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Tainan's Water Resources Bureau teamed up with the Industrial Technology Research Institute and local firms to begin testing smart grass-cutting robots at the city’s Rende detention basin.

According to the Tainan City Government, the testing is part of a national program to roll out smart robots and boost AI technology development. Mayor Huang Wei-che (黃偉哲) said the city has been asked to work with the central government to build a smart robotics hub in southern Taiwan.

CNA reported Sunday that Tainan manages 26 detention basins, and many are now popular places for walks and outdoor activities. That means, the Water Resources Bureau said, grass must be cut frequently to keep the sites safe and clean.

The bureau said manual cutting is slow and can be risky because workers face heat and water hazards. It said using robots can speed up the work and reduce the risk of injuries.

During on-site tests, staff checked how the robots climbed slopes, handled rough ground, and cut grass of different heights. They also tested remote controls and said the machines were easy to learn and quick to operate.

The bureau plans to bring the robots into regular use for basin maintenance in 2026. Officials said the move shows how water management can pair with smart technology to improve results.