Compatible Ball-Picking Robots
A complete DropPit system begins with an autonomous ball-picking robot working across the driving-range outfield.
The robot collects golf balls throughout the day before returning automatically to the designated DropPit collection point. Once positioned over the drop zone, the balls are released into the system, ready to be washed, transported and returned to the dispenser.
Together, the robot and DropPit create a connected ball-management process that requires significantly less manual handling from your team.
How the Robot Works with DropPit
The ball-picking robot operates autonomously across the driving range, collecting balls while golfers continue to use the facility.
When the robot’s collection compartment reaches capacity, it returns to the DropPit docking area and releases the balls through the specially designed grid. DropPit then takes over the remaining stages of the process, including washing, underground transportation and delivery towards the ball dispenser.
Our Preferred Robot: ECHO RP-1250
For most new DropPit installations, our preferred ball-picking solution is the ECHO RP-1250.
Designed specifically for professional driving ranges, the RP-1250 uses GPS-RTK navigation to operate accurately across large and complex outfields. It works autonomously, can collect throughout the day and produces very little noise or disruption for golfers.
Depending on the range layout and operating conditions, the RP-1250 can collect thousands of golf balls within a 24-hour period, helping maintain a steady supply of balls during busy opening hours.
Key benefits
- Autonomous golf-ball collection
- GPS-RTK navigation
- Quiet, electric operation
- Suitable for large driving ranges
- Designed to work around golfers
- Reduced reliance on manual collection
- Compatible with complete DropPit automation
Robot Supply and Support from GroundTech
DropPit UK works closely with GroundTech, a specialist UK supplier and installer of commercial robotics and automated driving-range equipment.
GroundTech can supply the ECHO ball-picking robot as part of your DropPit project, providing a coordinated solution covering initial consultation, site planning, installation, setup and ongoing support.
This means you do not need to source the robot and ball-management system separately. Our teams can help design the complete installation around your range, dispenser, expected ball volumes and operational requirements. GroundTech currently supplies and supports ECHO robotic ball pickers across the UK.
Additional Compatible Robots
Relox Range Picker
The Relox Range Picker is designed to collect golf balls consistently throughout the day with minimal staff involvement. Using GPS navigation and customisable collection zones, the robot can be configured around the shape and operating requirements of your driving range.
Relox states that the Range Picker can collect up to 60,000 balls per day, making it an option for busy facilities with high daily ball volumes. It is battery-powered for quiet operation and can be remotely monitored through a dedicated app.
When connected to a suitable DropPit unloading point, the robot can form the first stage of a wider automated process, with DropPit taking over the washing, transportation and return of balls towards the dispenser.
Tarracor TarraBot
TarraBot is an all-electric robotic ball picker designed to collect, unload and recharge itself without routine staff involvement.
The robot uses high-precision GPS together with 360-degree obstacle detection to navigate the driving range safely. It does not require buried boundary wires, and Tarracor states that it can operate for up to 12 hours before automatically returning to its charging station.
TarraBot also includes automatic unloading, allowing it to return to a designated drop point when its collection basket is full. This makes it suitable for integration with a DropPit system, creating a connected route from autonomous outfield collection through to ball processing and dispenser delivery.
