"World's first" self-driving golf trolley follows players around the course

Technology firm Botronics has developed an autonomous AI-powered golf trolley that acts like a personal caddie, trailing players from hole to hole, providing tips on club selection and recording data to help improve their game.

The iXi trolley currently exists as a functioning prototype, created with support from product design studio Futurewave.

Belgium-based Botronics set out to eliminate the struggle of manually pushing or pulling heavy trolleys around the golf course so golfers can focus entirely on their game.

Co-founder Eric Piraux said he was inspired to create the product after driving home from the golf course in his self-driving Tesla car.

"I wondered, why can't my golf trolley do the same?" he said. "So I assembled a team of top engineers to turn this dream into a reality."

Billed as the "world's first smart self-driving golf trolley", iXi utilises artificial intelligence software to navigate the course on its own and incorporates cameras and microphones so it can be controlled using gestures and voice commands.

The device uses GPS and pre-loaded maps of more than 40,000 golf courses to plot its way around, either following the player or travelling ahead to clear the path.

When the player shows iXi their hand, the trolley follows them along paths or across fairways, stopping to allow them to play their next shot.

A camera mounted on the front of the device recognises when the player takes their putter from the bag, prompting iXi to move automatically towards the next tee.

The trolley also functions like a human caddie, providing advice on what club to use based on customised insights about the player's style and typical distances.

The integrated display provides data including hole distances, a par score for each hole and green details, along with a digital scorecard that tracks and analyses performance.

An AI-powered stereoscopic camera can record the player's swing and provide instant feedback, or share the video with a coach for analysis using the iXi app.

Users can relive their round on a virtual map included in the app, which can also be used to analyse footage of their swing and track performance stats.

"The goal was to create a self-driving golf trolley that mimicked the experience of having a personal caddie, offering seamless mobility and intelligent positioning on the course," said Futurewave co-founder and creative director Joachim Froment.

"For the user, the key benefits are hands-free mobility, real-time tracking of performance and easy transport thanks to the trolley's lightweight, robust aluminium frame and patented folding system."

This one-click folding system features colour-coded latches and hinges, designed to ensure the process of folding and unfolding the device is as simple as possible.

iXi's battery is integrated within its frame, creating a low centre of gravity for enhanced stability. A wide wheelbase helps to improve the machine's balance and enables it to navigate slopes up to 25 degrees in gradient.

The concept was presented at the CES electronics show in Las Vegas and the PGA golf show in early 2025. Following a successful crowdfunding campaign, the project team is now working on transforming functioning prototypes into a production model, which it plans to deliver to customers in 2026.

iXi is one of a slew of new experimental AI gadgets that are promising to transform how we leisure. Elsewhere, Marc Newson and Swarovski Optik have teamed up to create smart binoculars for birdwatchers, while the Terra AI "compass" would allow users to go on phone-free walks.

The renders and photos are courtesy of Botronics and Futurewave.

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