The invention relates to a robotic vehicle (1), in particular a robotic vehicle (1) designed for self-contained operations, with drive means (5) for the movement of the vehicle (1) on the subsurface (11), and with control means (7) for the activation of the drive means (5) in accordance with the measured intensity of the infrared radiation. According to the invention, a light sensor (9) is provided to detect the intensity of light radiation from the visible spectrum reflected from the subsurface (11), and in addition the control means (7) are designed to activate the drive means (5) in accordance with the measured intensity of the light radiation. The invention further relates to a method of activation.
