Driverless Zamboni Resurfaces NHL Ice

The Colorado Avalanche's practice rink has seen a futuristic upgrade with the Mammoth Autopilot 3D, an autonomous ice resurfacer. This Italian-made machine, the first of its kind in North America, recently completed laps around the ice without a driver. Operators program the Mammoth through a website, setting parameters for resurfacing patterns, blade depth, water application, and speed.

While the machine was operating autonomously, a laser-based leveling system managed the ice's consistency. The technology, which began development in 2017, aims to alleviate challenges in finding and training skilled ice technicians. Despite initial social media concerns about job replacement, officials emphasize that the Mammoth is a tool to assist workers and enhance their capabilities, not eliminate them. The cost of a fully equipped Mammoth with Autopilot 3D ranges from $360,000 to $380,000.