MnRI Colloquium Speaker - Alex Frick

Talk: Building a Robot: A Journey to Production

Abstract: Robots are hard. The journey to create Toro’s Haven robotic lawnmower was no exception. This talk will provide an overview of how Toro developed a robotic lawnmower from conception to production, highlighting key technology differentiators as well as the different product development processes. Learn pitfalls to avoid and what a commercial company looks for in a finished robotic product.

 Alexander Frick, P.E., Sr Engineering Manager, TTC Robotics, The Toro Company

Alex began his career at The Toro Company through the U of MN Mechanical Engineering Co-op in 2005. After earning a BS in Mechanical Engineering in 2006, he worked as a Test Engineer, leading electronics testing and helping create Toro’s hardware-in-the-loop SW test group. In 2012, Alex transitioned to design, launching the Groundsmaster 4000 in 2014. He then joined advanced R&D, where he shifted his focus to hybrid systems and robotics. He completed his MS MOT in 2021, led the launch of Toro’s Haven robotic lawnmower, and now focuses on future robotic technologies for Toro. He holds over ten US patents, with several more pending.