Sign MOU to Develop Golf Course Divot Repair Robot Ahead of CES
Daedong Robotics, HL D&I Halla, and HL Mando
Sign MOU to Develop Golf Course Divot Repair Robot Ahead of CES
-. To develop a robot that autonomously repairs divots, currently managed manually, with the goal of unveiling it at next year’s CES and moving toward commercialization
-. Daedong will lead the robot’s design and hardware development, while HL will develop the AI technology for automated divot repair
-. Expected to strengthen product portfolio for entry into non-agricultural markets and contribute to expanding the group’s golf equipment business
Daedong Robotics, the AI robotics subsidiary of Daedong Group (Co-CEOs: Won Yu-hyun and Yeo Jun-gu), announced on August 7 that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with HL D&I Halla and HL Mando to jointly develop an AI-based robot that autonomously repairs divots on golf courses.
Under the agreement, Daedong Robotics will lead the exterior design and hardware development of the divot repair robot, building on its proven agricultural transport robot platform and tailoring the model specifically for golf course applications, whereas HL Mando will develop the software and algorithms that enable the robot to autonomously detect and repair divots, leveraging its expertise in autonomous driving and AI recognition technologies. HL D&I Halla will be in charge of designing and operating a web-based AI platform that identifies divot locations through drone mapping and links this data to the robot in real time, enabling fully automated repairs. The divot repair robot is scheduled to debut at CES 2026. By the second half of next year, the development of core technologies and prototype units is expected to be completed, followed by pilot projects at major golf courses in Korea. The goal is to commercialize the robot in the second half of 2027.
Divots - patches of turf torn out when a golf club strikes the ground - are an unavoidable part of the game and a major maintenance challenge for golf courses. Although they require regular repair, the process relies heavily on manual labor and comes with high costs. To tackle this issue, the three companies will combine their respective strengths in technology, expertise, and field experience to develop a differentiated AI-powered robot that automates divot repair and greatly improves maintenance efficiency.
Daedong Robotics views this MOU as a turning point for expanding its robotics portfolio beyond agriculture into new sectors. Having advanced its autonomous transport robots and delivered practical solutions for farming operations, the company is now positioning itself to enter broader outdoor service markets, including leisure, sports, and public infrastructure.
This collaboration is particularly noteworthy as both Daedong Mobility, the parent company of Daedong Robotics, and HL D&I Halla are already active in golf course–related businesses. Daedong Mobility has accumulated infrastructure and expertise by supplying golf carts, an essential element of golf course operations, while HL D&I Halla has been expanding into golf course maintenance as a new business, deepening its understanding of field requirements. With their established sales networks in the golf course sector, the partners are well-positioned to achieve a smooth market entry once the divot repair robot is commercialized.