New Jersey Homeowner Tests Robotic Snowblower During Winter Storm Fern

During Winter Storm Fern, which struck New Jersey on January 22, 2026, Tom Moloughney, a homeowner and YouTube content creator, utilized his autonomous Yarbo snowblower to clear his 6,000-square-foot driveway. As the storm brought a mix of snow, sleet, and freezing rain, Moloughney shared videos on X showcasing the snowblower's performance. He noted, “So far, it’s kicking A$$!” while enjoying coffee indoors as the machine worked outside.

NJ man ‘sipping coffee’ as $5K robotic snow blower clears his driveway during Winter Storm Fern

The storm resulted in varying snowfall across the state, with northern regions experiencing accumulations of 4-5 inches, while forecasts indicated that some areas could see totals between 12 to 18 inches. Moloughney's decision to use the robotic snowblower was part of a strategy to manage the ongoing snowfall effectively. He programmed the machine to return to its charging dock after each pass, allowing it to recharge and continue clearing snow without waiting for the storm to end.

NJ man ‘sipping coffee’ as $5K robotic snow blower clears his driveway during Winter Storm Fern

Moloughney's Yarbo snowblower, valued at approximately $5,000, was designed to navigate pre-mapped paths and automatically stop when detecting nearby people. In previous tests, including a New Year’s snowstorm, the machine had shown both capabilities and limitations. For instance, it successfully cleared the lower portion of his driveway on a single charge but faced challenges such as becoming stuck on icy mounds and operating with a malfunctioning auger due to a broken shear pin.

NJ man ‘sipping coffee’ as $5K robotic snow blower clears his driveway during Winter Storm Fern

In assessing the Yarbo's performance during Winter Storm Fern, Moloughney acknowledged the difficult conditions, grading the machine a “C to C-plus.” He cited the combination of an inch of ice from hail topped with additional snowfall as particularly challenging for the robotic unit.

NJ man ‘sipping coffee’ as $5K robotic snow blower clears his driveway during Winter Storm Fern

While Moloughney has not provided a formal statement regarding the overall performance of the Yarbo during the storm, he has shared insights through his social media platforms and YouTube channel. His experiences highlight both the potential and the limitations of robotic snow removal technology in severe weather conditions.

NJ man ‘sipping coffee’ as $5K robotic snow blower clears his driveway during Winter Storm Fern

Some critics have pointed out the reliance on technology for tasks traditionally performed by humans, questioning the effectiveness of robotic solutions in extreme weather. Concerns about the machine's ability to handle unexpected obstacles, such as icy mounds, have also been raised, suggesting that while automation can assist, it may not fully replace manual snow removal efforts.

NJ man ‘sipping coffee’ as $5K robotic snow blower clears his driveway during Winter Storm Fern

As winter continues, Moloughney plans to further test the Yarbo snowblower in varying conditions, sharing updates and performance assessments with his audience. The ongoing development of robotic snow removal technology may lead to improvements and adaptations based on user feedback and real-world challenges encountered during storms like Winter Storm Fern.

NJ man ‘sipping coffee’ as $5K robotic snow blower clears his driveway during Winter Storm Fern