Key Takeaways
- A robotic lawn mower automatically mows a defined area while avoiding obstacles and features like planting beds.
- Advanced navigation systems use satellites, laser pulses and cameras to map lawns and avoid obstacles, while traditional robot lawn mowers rely on physical boundary wire.
- Lawns with tree cover, multiple obstacles and complex layouts are suited to mowers that use LiDAR.
- Lawns with a few obstacles, simple layouts and multiple mowing zones are suited to mowers that use cameras or AI Vision.
- Large, open lawns are suited to mowers with RTK systems.
- Lawns with hills are suitable for all-wheel drive mowers designed for mowing slopes.
What Is a Robotic Lawn Mower?
A robotic lawn mower automatically cuts an area of lawn you define with a smartphone app or physical boundary wire. This device takes care of your mowing with minimal effort on your part, giving you more time to relax or take on other projects.
How a Robotic Mower Works
Based on the programming and the boundaries you set up, the robot mower charges at a base station, leaving the station to cut the lawn within a defined area. The mower trims the grass until it encounters a boundary or obstacle. It avoids the obstacle or moves in another direction, mowing until it encounters another boundary or obstacle, needs to recharge, or until it completes mowing.
A nearby outdoor-rated power outlet is necessary to set up a robotic mower charging station and some require access to a strong Wi-Fi signal. See our guide to robotic lawn mower setup to learn what you need to do to get a robotic mower ready to work.
Benefits of a Robotic Mower
Depending on the model you choose:
- A robotic mower eliminates most mowing effort
- A robotic mower lets you avoid working in uncomfortably hot weather.
- You can schedule mowing ahead of time.
While robotic mowers handle most mowing chores, it’s usually necessary to trim some areas the mower can’t reach.
Robot Lawn Mower Navigation
Understanding how different robot mowers recognize lawn boundaries and avoid obstacles helps you find the best robotic mower for your lawn. Boundary wire systems are a traditional setup, but some newer navigation and detection systems offer easier setup.
Real-Time Kinematics (RTK)
Mowers with RTK systems work well in large, open lawns with minimal tree cover and minimal obstacles.
- Satellite-based positioning and an antenna track the mower location in the mowing area.
- Setup is easier and faster than boundary wire systems.
- An app lets you create mowing areas and off-limits zones.
- RTK mowers typically use sensors such as cameras to avoid obstacles.
- Trees and buildings can affect operation.
Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR)
Mowers with LiDAR navigation are often best for small to medium lawns with many obstacles and lots of tree cover.
- LiDAR systems use laser pulses to map the mowing area and detect obstacles.
- A smartphone app allows automatic mapping and nearly effortless setup of the mowing area.
- The system works well for complex lawns with many obstacles.
- The system is less effective if there are few defined features in the lawn.
Artificial Intelligence Vision (AI Vision)
Vision AI navigation is best for lawns with moderate obstacles and limited shade.
- AI Vision systems use high-resolution cameras and artificial intelligence to map the mowing area.
- AI Vision mowers typically offer simple, automatic mapping and obstacle detection.
- The system can efficiently navigate complex areas and avoid some temporary obstacles like toys.
- AI Vision is less effective in low light conditions and might misinterpret shadows as obstacles.
Boundary Wire: Traditional Navigation
Mowers that rely on boundary wire are suited for small to medium yards, as well as areas without a strong wireless signal.
- Wire outlines the mowing area and any off-limits zones.
- Boundary wire mowers are often less expensive than other models.
- The system allows precise, reliable mowing.
- Installation of the boundary wire is time-consuming.
Keep children and pets out of an area where a robotic mower is working.
Choose a Lawn Mower Robot for Your Lawn Type
Get familiar with the features of your landscape to ensure you’re making a smart investment in a robotic mower.
Make Sure the Robotic Mower Fits Your Lawn Size
Note the total size of the mowing area and make sure the mower is designed for the space. You might want to look for a mower with up to 20 percent additional mowing capacity to help ensure the mower cuts efficiently and doesn’t completely drain the battery.
Match the Robotic Mower to Your Lawn
Match your lawn features to the navigation systems and mower capabilities:
- Tree Cover: Look for a mower that includes LiDAR navigation or a traditional boundary wire model.
- Many Obstacles: Consider a mower with LiDAR.
- Moderate Obstacles: Consider a mower that uses AI Vision.
- Large, Open Lawns: Look for a mower with RTK navigation.
- Complex Layouts: Look for a mower that uses LiDAR.
- Simple Layouts: Consider a mower with AI Vision or one that relies on a boundary wire.
- Multiple Mowing Areas: Look for a mower that combines RTK navigation with AI Vision.
- Hills and Slopes: All-wheel-drive robotic mowers are often best for slopes, but measure the greatest slope angle and make sure the mower is rated for that angle.
If there are areas that aren’t suitable for a robotic mower, such as an extreme slope, make the area an off-limits zone.
Other Key Robotic Mower Features
- Rain Sensor: While some mowers work in light rain, some models use rain sensors to return the mower to the charging station, avoiding the risk of creating ruts in a wet landscape.
- Tilt Sensor: A tilt sensor can stop the blades when the mower encounters a slope that’s too steep, reducing the risk of injury or damage if the mower tips over.
- Customizable Mowing Pattern: A model with a customizable mowing pattern can ensure good coverage and let you vary the pattern to reduce ruts in the lawn.
- Edge Cutting: Some mowers offer features that cut closely to the perimeter of the mowing area to reduce the need for cleanup with a string trimmer.
- Security: Security features, such as lift detection, help you keep track of your mower.
Find a Lawn Mower Robot for Your Yard
Save time and make mowing easy by shopping Lowes.com for a robotic lawn mower. Narrow your selection by price range, lawn size, brand and more to match a mower to your landscape. Or bring your lawn measurements to your local Lowe’s. A Red Vest associate can discuss your options and help you find a robot mower with the capabilities and features to make mowing nearly effortless.