In recent years, technological advancements have revolutionized various aspects of our lives, including the way we maintain our homes and outdoor spaces. The "Roomba" was a gamechanger in the world of home maintenance. With the press of a button your entire home can be vacuumed in a few minutes. A similar innovation that is gaining popularity in the realm of lawn care is the robotic lawn mower. These automated devices are changing the landscape of traditional lawn maintenance, offering convenience, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.
I have personally utilized one of these robotic lawn mowers and can attest that it is quite convenient, but all mowers are not created equal so lets break down some of the differences.
Understanding How A Robotic Lawn Mower Works
Robotic lawn mowers operate on the principle of autonomous navigation, utilizing a combination of advanced technology and intelligent algorithms to mow grass with precision. Here's how robotic lawn mowers work:
Set Boundaries for the Robot
When first installed, robotic lawn mowers typically require boundary wires to be placed around the perimeter of the lawn. These wires create a virtual boundary that guides the mower and prevents it from straying into unwanted areas such as flower beds, driveways, or sidewalks. Some models also use GPS technology to map out the lawn's boundaries and navigate around obstacles. In my experience, mowers that lack this feature and tout "boundaryless" mowing have many issues and it is not worth the hassle. Do yourself a favor bury the wire.
Obstacles Are Detected By Sensors
One of the first questions people ask when it comes to these robotic lawn mowers is "what if it runs over something... or someone!" The easy answer is that these mowers are well-equipped with a variety of sensors, including ultrasonic sensors, infrared sensors, and bump sensors, which detect obstacles in the mower's path. These sensors help the mower navigate around trees, flower beds, rocks, and other obstacles while ensuring safe and efficient operation. Think of Tesla's self-driving, lane-correction, blind-spot detection technology. If it is safe enough for a vehicle driving 70 MPH, it is safe enough for a lawn mower.
"Autonomous Navigation": A Self-Driving Mower
The main selling-feature of these robotic lawn mowers is "autonomous navigation" which is just a fancy way of saying "self-driving". Once the boundaries are set and obstacles are detected, the robotic lawn mower uses an onboard computer and navigation system to autonomously navigate the lawn. The mower follows a random or systematic mowing pattern, covering the entire lawn in a methodical manner to ensure even and consistent cutting.
Be Kind, Please Rewind
When the robotic lawn mower's battery reaches a low level, the mower automatically returns to its charging dock to recharge. The charging dock is connected to a power source, and the mower docks itself using sensors and guide wires. Once fully charged, the mower resumes mowing according to its programmed schedule.
Robotic lawn mowers can be programmed with a variety of settings, including mowing schedule, cutting height, and sensitivity to weather conditions. Some models offer smartphone connectivity, allowing users to control and monitor the mower remotely via a mobile app.
What Is The Best Robot Lawn Mower on the Market?
If you're ready to try one of these mowers out for yourself, it is vital to understand your options and make an informed decision. Since the market is relatively new, there are all kinds of prototype-level products that have not undergone extensive testing and therefore do not perform well. While the market for robot lawn mowers is growing every day there are still a few brands & models that stand out above the rest.
The "ACFARM Robot Lawn Mower"
This is the one I will be purchasing. At the time of writing it is $600 on Amazon. With great reviews, it is a solid bang-for-your-buck.
Reviewers reported that it is "easy to install" the border, quick and efficient, and saves time and energy. At the affordable price point of $600 though it may struggle to cut larger lawns on a single charge.
The Husqvarna Automower
With one of the most well-known names in small engines, you can count on Husqvarna to release a product that holds up to scrutiny. At $2,500 and a 4.5 stars on 100+ reviews you can be sure that this mower is front-runner in the robotic lawn mowing market.
WORX's Landroid
WORX offers the Landroid series of robotic lawn mowers, which are known for their affordability and user-friendly features. Landroid mowers are designed to handle complex lawn shapes, slopes, and obstacles, and they offer customizable mowing schedules and Wi-Fi connectivity.
The WR155 can be picked up for just south of $900 but the reviews are a little more mixed than our previous two candidates.
These are just a few of the top robot lawn mowers available on the market. Each brand offers a range of models with different features, capabilities, and price points, allowing homeowners to choose the robotic lawn mower that best suits their specific needs and preferences.
Is Now the Time To Buy a Robot Mower?
There is no doubt in my mind that robotic lawn mowers represent the future of lawn care. They are such a convenient, efficient, and sustainable solution for maintaining your lawn. My biggest complaint is that they are still quite expensive. However, increased attention to the industry has led to innovation and production optimization, which has already led to decreased prices on reliable mowers, like ACFARM's Robot Lawn Mower. As the demand for smart home solutions continues to grow, robotic lawn mowers are poised to become an integral part of modern outdoor living, redefining the way we interact with and enjoy our outdoor environments.