The latest winter storm sweeping across the United States has provided a real-world test for a new breed of automated technology: the robotic snow blower. While millions of Americans were grappling with flight cancellations and treacherous conditions, one New Jersey homeowner found himself comfortably indoors, watching a $4,999 machine clear his driveway.
Tom Moloughney, host of the State of Charge YouTube channel and a senior editor at InsideEVs, documented the performance of his Yarbo autonomous snow blower during the recent blizzard. Videos posted to his X account showed the Wi-Fi-connected robot navigating his 6,000-square-foot driveway, tackling walkways, and maneuvering around his two-car garage. The machine automatically returned to its charging pad when its battery ran low, recharging for approximately 90 minutes before resuming its work.
The storm, which impacted a vast swath of the country from Maryland to Maine, brought with it significant disruptions. Over 250 million Americans felt the effects of freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall, with more than 69 million under winter alerts and hundreds of flight boards displaying cancellations. However, for Moloughney, the storm presented an opportunity to evaluate the capabilities of the Yarbo snow blower in challenging conditions.
“We’re nice and warm inside; the fireplace is crackling and we’re watching the Olympics closing ceremonies while the driveway is being cleared,” Moloughney wrote on X on . “The @yarboglobal autonomous snow blower is really awesome.”
According to Yarbo’s website, the snow blower is capable of clearing up to 12 inches of snow, throwing it as far as 40 feet, and operating in temperatures as low as minus 13 degrees Fahrenheit. Moloughney’s experience, however, highlighted some of the practical limitations of the technology. His driveway’s steep incline, combined with the heavy, wet snow, required the robot to return to its charger more frequently than it might under ideal circumstances.
“This represents definitely a challenging storm for the Yarbo,” Moloughney noted. “The snow is really wet and heavy, so it’s bunching up in front of the machine as it’s going up the hill a lot. But so far it keeps going.”
This wasn’t the first time Moloughney had put the Yarbo through its paces. In late January, he shared videos of the machine clearing his driveway after a storm dumped six inches of snow on his town. At that time, he remarked, “I’m inside sipping a coffee while it’s doing its job and so far so good!”
The Yarbo’s performance is noteworthy not just for its technological achievement, but also for the broader implications of automation in everyday life. While autonomous vehicles remain largely in the development phase, robotic solutions for tasks like snow removal are already becoming a reality for a select group of consumers. The $4,999 price tag positions the Yarbo as a premium product, accessible to those willing to invest in convenience and automation.
Moloughney’s experience also underscores the challenges of deploying robotic systems in real-world environments. Initial setup required extensive digital configuration, and the robot initially struggled with GPS connectivity in certain areas of his driveway. These issues, while ultimately resolved, highlight the need for robust software and reliable connectivity to ensure seamless operation.
The emergence of autonomous snow blowers represents a small but significant step towards a more automated future. As technology continues to advance and prices potentially fall, these types of robotic solutions could become increasingly common, offering consumers a way to reclaim their time and energy during the winter months. For now, however, the Yarbo remains a high-end option for those seeking to avoid the physical labor of snow removal – and perhaps enjoy a warm beverage while watching the machine work.
