UPDATE: As Winter Storm Fern unleashes chaos across the U.S., tech enthusiast Tom Moloughney has taken snow clearing to the next level, using a $4,999 autonomous snow blower to clear his New Jersey driveway—all while enjoying a warm cup of coffee inside.
Over the weekend, more than 250 million Americans faced heavy snowfall and freezing temperatures, but Moloughney stayed cozy as his Yarbo Snow Blower went to work on his expansive driveway. The storm dropped around six inches of snow in his area over 24 hours, according to the National Weather Service.
Moloughney, who operates the State of Charge YouTube channel and serves as a senior editor at InsideEVs, documented the impressive performance of the 230-pound robot on his social media. He tweeted, “Winter Storm Fern has descended upon NJ… my @yarboglobal autonomous snow blower went into action. This is going to be a great test to see if this robot can handle a 6,000 sq.ft. driveway during a major winter storm.”
With the ability to throw snow over 40 feet and operate in temperatures as low as -13 degrees Fahrenheit, the Yarbo Snow Blower is designed for extreme conditions. As the machine worked, it automatically returned to its charging dock when its battery ran low, recharging in just 90 minutes before resuming its task.
Videos shared by Moloughney show the robot effectively clearing snow from driveways, walkways, and even the area in front of his garage. “I’ll then send it out again and continue to do so until the snow stops,” he reported, highlighting the autonomous machine’s capabilities.
However, the journey hasn’t been entirely smooth. Moloughney noted that the robot required extensive digital setup prior to the storm and faced challenges with GPS connectivity in certain areas. In a prior storm, hail created an icy surface that the robot struggled to clear.
Despite these setbacks, Moloughney praised the robot’s performance, stating it was “kicking ass” as it worked throughout the night. “The @yarboglobal completed the first pass of the driveway and went back to the charging dock. After about 1.25 hours, it will be 80% charged and will automatically return and continue to clear the driveway,” he shared.
As Americans battle the aftermath of Winter Storm Fern, Moloughney’s experience showcases how technology is transforming everyday tasks, even in extreme weather. The Yarbo Snow Blower is generating buzz not only for its efficiency but also for the convenience it provides to homeowners during harsh winter conditions.
With the storm still impacting many regions, all eyes will be on how autonomous technology continues to evolve and assist in our daily lives. For now, Moloughney’s innovative solution is a testament to how modern technology can change our approach to even the most challenging winter tasks.
Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops and the impacts of Winter Storm Fern continue to unfold.
