Key Takeaways
- Robotic mowers either rely on wireless, advanced navigation and obstacle avoidance systems or a traditional boundary wire.
- To set up any robotic mower, start by making sure the lawn is clear of debris and obstacles that could damage the mower.
- Set up a wireless-boundary mower by installing an antenna, the charging station and using the mower mobile app to map the mowing areas and off-limits areas.
- Set up a boundary-wire mower by installing the charging station and securing the boundary wire around the perimeters of the mowing areas and any off-limits zones.
- Once setup is complete, test your mower and make any necessary adjustments to the mapping or the boundary wire.
Robotic Mower Navigation Systems
We discuss setting up two types of robotic mowers, a traditional one that uses boundary wire and a modern type that doesn’t require boundary wire. Use these general steps as a planning guide only and follow the instructions for your specific mower.
Wireless-Boundary Mower Systems
Several different systems allow a mower to operate without a boundary wire. Our guide covers:
- RTK (Real-Time Kinematics): A system that uses satellite-based positioning to monitor the mower’s location.
- LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging): Lasers detect obstacles and map the mowing area.
- AI Vision (Artificial Intelligence Vision): Artificial intelligence processes images from high-resolution cameras to map the mowing area and obstacles.
If your mower doesn’t use a traditional boundary wire, it might have one of these systems, a combination, or a similar system.
Traditional Wired Boundary Mower Systems
These systems use a wire to guide the mower. Wire types include:
- Boundary Wire: Wire that defines a mowing area and blocks off obstacles.
- Guide Wire: Wire that works with some mowers to return the device to the charging station or navigate narrow pathways.
If you're still considering one of these time-saving mowers, take a look at our guide to robotic mowers and learn about their capabilites, features and more.
Lawn Prep Before Setting Up a Robotic Mower
For any robotic mower, check the lawn before setup. Clear debris and fill in low spots that could trap the mower. If your lawn has exposed tree roots, you might need to plan for off-limits areas. Note slopes and check your manual for slope limits. Finally, mow the lawn. Modern mowers might detect high grass or weeds as obstacles. Installing wire for traditional mowers will be easier if the grass is low.
Keep children and pets away from the area when the mower is running.
How to Set Up a Wireless-Boundary Robotic Mower
The steps below describe basic setup for one type of wireless-boundary mower. Your mower might have different steps you need to follow. You’ll need these tools and materials:
- Level
- Smartphone
- Mower app
Step 1: Set Up the Mower
Steps for initial mower setup vary by model but typically include:
- Charging the mower
- Installing the mobile app for your mower
- Registering your account
- Pairing the mower and the app
Step 2: Install the RTK Antenna, if Equipped
If your mower uses RTK satellite-assisted positioning, install the antenna. The antenna needs a clear view of the sky and needs to be close to a power source — either the charging station or an outdoor-rated ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) outlet. Possible location options typically include:
- On a pole or post set in the ground
- On an exterior wall of your home
- On your roof
You might need to purchase and install a secondary antenna to ensure good coverage across a backyard and front yard or for a large yard.
Some mowers use NRTK (network real-time kinematics) that provide more accurate location detection but don’t require you to install an antenna. Follow the manufacturer’s steps to enable NRTK, if equipped.
Step 3: Install the Charging Station
Assemble and install the charging station. In general, the station should be:
- On a level part of the lawn
- In clear view of the sky (some RTK mowers)
- Near an outdoor-rated GFCI outlet
- In range of a strong Wi-Fi signal or phone data network
- Out of range of sprinklers
Make sure the station won't contact standing water. Plug the station in and turn it on, according to the instructions. If you’re using RTK, connect the antenna to power.
Step 4: Update Your Mower Software and Firmware
Follow the steps in your mower manual to ensure you have the latest operating system, firmware and any other necessary updates.
Step 5: Map the Lawn
Follow the app instructions to map the lawn for the mower. Mapping methods include:
- Automapping: The mower traverses the lawn and records the perimeter itself.
- Manual Mapping: You control the mower through the app, driving it around the perimeter.
If two parts of a lawn are separated, for example by a driveway or sidewalk, you’ll need to set up two mowing zones and create a direct path for the mower to go between the zones. You’ll also need to define paths through tight areas, such as between a shed and a fence.
Some mowers require a mowing area with a clear view of the sky.
Step 6: Add Off-Limits Zones
Add zones where the mower should not go, including:
- Drop-offs
- Garden and shrub beds
- Trees
- Water features
- Playsets
Step 7: Test and Customize the Mower
Set the mower to begin mowing. Follow the mower as it works through your zones. Make any adjustments to the mapping necessary to properly mow the area and avoid obstacles.
Once you’re sure the mower is working correctly in all the zones, you can customize factors such as:
- Mowing direction
- Mowing height
- Mowing schedule
- New obstacles
Remember to keep the app and the mower software and firmware up to date.
How to Set Up a Robot Lawn Mower With a Traditional Boundary Wire
These steps demonstrate in general terms how to set up a lawn for a robotic lawn mower that uses a boundary wire. Steps for your model might differ. You’ll need these tools and materials:
- Rubber mallet
- Wire cutters
- Pliers
- Level
- Boundary wire and pegs (included with the mower)
Step 1: Set Up the Charging Station
Place the charging station in a level location within reach of an outdoor-rated GFCI outlet. Follow the mower instructions for:
- Placement and clearance for the mower to access the station
- Charging the mower or waiting until setup is complete
- Connecting one end of the boundary wire now or after installation
Make sure the station won't contact standing water.
Step 2: Begin Placing the Boundary Wire
Leave a couple feet of extra boundary wire at the charging station and begin laying the wire along the perimeter of the mowing area. Secure it closely to the ground with the included pegs and keep it taut. Create a few loops of extra wire as you go in case you need to adjust the perimeter later and to attach a guide wire, if equipped. Check your manual for specifics on:
- Wire direction
- Distance from the lawn edge
- Peg spacing
- Creating corners
- Connecting areas separated by a fence
If your mower uses a guide wire to return to the charging station for a recharge or navigate narrow passages in the landscape, plan the connection point for the wires and leave a loop to allow wire for the connection.
Some mowers allow shallow burial of the wire.
Step 3: Create Off-Limits Areas
Place boundary wire around areas you want to block off from the mower. Run wire from the perimeter to the area, around it and back to the perimeter. The wire segments running to and from the obstacle must be parallel and touching but must not cross.
Step 4: Complete the Boundary Wire
Once you're back at the charging station, cut the boundary wire, making sure you have enough extra wire to make the connection to the station. Connect it now or leave it unconnected, according to your instructions.
Step 5: Place the Guide Wire, if Equipped
If your mower uses a guide wire to return to the charging station for a recharge or navigate narrow passages in the landscape, connect it to the charging station and run it to the loop you created in the boundary wire. Secure it to the ground like the boundary wire. Connect the wires with the provided connectors.
Step 6: Complete Installation and Test the Mower
Make any final connections for the boundary wire and make sure the charging station is plugged in. Then, program the mower settings, including:
- Mowing height
- Scheduling
- Weather and lawn growth settings
Test the mower at the highest cutting setting. Make any adjustments needed to the boundary wire and guide wire.
Set Up Your Robot Mower to Get Ready for Hands-Free Mowing
Once you know how to set up your robotic mower, you’re ready to hand off your lawn mowing duties. Don’t have a robotic mower yet? Now you know how easy they are to set up. Shop for robotic mowers on Lowes.com by brand, features and price range. Or talk to a Red Vest associate at your local Lowe’s. They can explain the available options and help you find a robotic mower that’s right for your landscape.