Robot lawn mower setup. 7 Best Robot Lawn Mowers for Hands-Free Lawn Maintenance

Do you enjoy a freshly mown lawn but hate to do the mowing? A robot lawn mower may be the perfect choice for you!

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Buying a Robot Lawn Mower

Most people like a well-maintained lawn, but that doesn’t mean they enjoy doing the actual maintenance. Robotic lawn mowers are battery-powered lawn mowing devices that drive around your lawn, keeping the grass under control.

Robot mowers have been rapidly improving, with each new model featuring improved performance and dependability. Even so, this technology is in its relative infancy, making it a good fit for DIYers who enjoy tinkering with their tech as much as they enjoy using it.

It’s also worth noting several manufacturers have struggled to produce enough robotic lawn mowers to meet demand, and many popular models are currently back-ordered. For this list, we did our best to highlight in stock and available models.

Here are a few factors to consider when buying a robot lawn mower:

Yard Size. Larger yards need a mower with a longer battery life. If the battery is too short-lived, it will need to recharge halfway through mowing, leaving you with a patchy, half-cut lawn. Most robotic mowers have a manufacturer’s recommended yard size, usually around a half acre.

Installation. While the actual mowing is hands-free, robotic mowers do require work to set up. Robot mowers use low-voltage wire to establish a perimeter and mowing zones (much like a dog’s invisible fence). The low-voltage wire is powered by the mower’s charging base, and the mower can emerge on command or at regular intervals to trim the grass. Installing the charging dock and low-voltage wire is a great way to save money, but it can be time-consuming. DIYers should plan on spending about half a day on installation.

Landscaping and Obstacles. Not surprisingly, robotic mowers work best on flat, level lawns. Most robotic mowers can handle gentle slopes, and can traverse flat pavement without incident. If you have gravel, mulch or other irregular surfaces, you’ll want a mower with either multiple start points (so it won’t mow over those materials) or to invest in more low-voltage wiring to define the mowing zones. If you have many trees, bushes, furniture or other obstacles, look for a mower with avoidance detection, and consider one with a narrow wheel base.

Cleaning and Maintenance. Robotic mowers are relatively light, so you can simply flip them over and hose them off to clean away grass clippings. Batteries will probably last three to five years. Blades may need to be sharpened or replaced every year.

Remote Controls. Most mowers have physical controls to start stop, and adjust the mowing height. complex command entry depends on the model; some use an on-board interface while others rely on an app, often through a computer, smartphone or voice assistant.

Rain Sensors. Mowing in the rain can lead to grass clumps or clogs. Some models have rain sensors that direct them to return to the charger if they detect precipitation.

Noise. Robotic mowers are far quieter than a gas-powered mower, but they’re not silent. Most models produce about 60 decibels (dB) while mowing, which is about as loud as a conversation in a restaurant. Some models are even quieter, which makes them a great choice for operating at night.

Clippings. All robotic mowers are mulchers, and tend to make many passes taking just a little off the top of the grass. This enriches the soil and makes for fewer grass clogs.

Theft Prevention. Robotic mowers are expensive pieces of equipment that are stored outside. That makes them very attractive to thieves. Manufacturers have a variety of theft prevention techniques, ranging from PIN codes and loud alarms to geo-fencing.

Price. Expect to pay around 1,000 to 3,000 for a robotic mower. There are models available for as little as 800, and as much as 5,000.

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WORX WR155 Landroid Robot Lawn Mower

WORX is one of the major robotic lawn mower brands, and they offer several models to choose from. The WORX WR155 Robot Lawn Mower features an 8-inch cutting width and and the ability to tackle slopes up to 20 degrees. It has a rain detector to help it avoid moisture, and it’s backed up by a three-year limited warranty.

With both Smart phone and virtual assistant integration, the Landroid has an easy set up and control system. WORX offers optional upgrades, such as the Landroid Anti-Collision System (ACS) to help navigate the unique contours of your yard. We tried the Worx Landroid Robotic Lawnmower to see how it really works in the real world.

Can I install my robotic lawnmower myself?

In order to use the robotic lawnmower in your garden, an installation is required to set mowing times and the like. This might seem complicated, so the question arises whether you can install the robotic mower yourself.

Before the new robotic lawnmower is put into operation for the first time, it has to be installed. The basic principle of a charging station and a perimeter wire are quite simple, but there is also the potential for error. After all, the new garden helper needs to know which areas it should mow, what times, how often and in what way. This setup takes a little time but also saves you the cost of an installation service. Although garden owners can be put off by the installation of their robotic lawnmower, it‘s really not too difficult.

Before your new garden helper can tirelessly make his rounds, a one-time installation is necessary. Ultimately, a robotic lawnmower needs clear instructions as to when and how the lawn should be mowed. Above all, it’s important to set perimeters in order to avoid your robot crossing into your neighbour‘s lawn or flower beds. This initial installation involves a few hours’ time and can be done quite conveniently through a service from the manufacturer. However, it is cheaper to simply install the robotic mower yourself.

Installing the robotic lawnmower yourself. this is how it’s done!

The installation of a lawn robot is rather easy to do with minimal technical skills. The required materials are usually included in the scope of delivery, so you can directly start with the installation.

Scope of delivery of the robotic lawnmower

While a robotic lawnmower without a boundary wire only has a charging station and is thus immediately ready for use, a robotic lawnmower with a boundary wire logically has the wire for demarcating the lawn, the charging station and, if necessary, a guide wire. In addition, the device must be programmed via the display, Bluetooth or a web app before the first mow.

With many models, the parts needed for installation and operation, such as boundary wire and mounting hooks, are already included or can be easily purchased as an option. This is especially necessary if the lawn is very angled. Therefore, it may require an above-average number of meters of wire beyond the supplied amount.

Other tools that are helpful during installation but are not included in the scope of delivery are as follows:

• a lawn edger
• a rubber mallet
• an Allen wrench
• a pair of metal pliers

Once you have everything ready, you can also get started with the installation right away.

Placing the charging station

The first question is where to place the charging station. This should be as freely accessible as possible, located at the edge of the lawn (but not outside it and still central) and no further than 15 meters from a power outlet. Ideally, there should be about 3 meters of space around the charging station so that you can later route the perimeter wire away from and back to the station at a right angle.

A place that is protected from rain and sun is also recommended. Otherwise, the battery could overheat. If there is no option for a shady area, it is advisable to purchase a robot garage that helps protect the device from the elements when at rest.

Even if your robotic lawnmower can easily handle grades of up to 45%, the charging station should always be placed on level ground. Accordingly, select a level surface that is not surrounded by slopes in order to help avoid problems during approach and docking.

For further installation, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for connecting the charging unit to the base plate and connecting the power supply.

Attach the charging unit to the ground only after the perimeter wire has been laid so that the robotic lawnmower does not come into contact when driving over it. The front edge should still be on the lawn surface, while the rear edge can be placed outside.

Laying the perimeter wire

The perimeter wire forms an induction loop that uses a magnetic field to communicate with the robotic lawnmower the area within which it should move. Flower beds or a garden pond can also be easily protected in this way. Laying the perimeter wire starts at the charging station and should be well thought out to help prevent time-consuming corrections later.

The careful planning of laying:

Plan your layout carefully, as the wire should not cross at any point. Run it clockwise or counterclockwise around the lawn and tie in beds from there by pulling the wire across the lawn, circling the bed and running the wire back to the edge parallel to the outbound run. This is especially relevant if islands in the center of the lawn are accessed from the edge. In addition, there is a risk that other robotic mower signals could interfere with yours. Fortunately, it is possible to adjust the frequencies afterwards. Also, pay meticulous attention to the distances to the lawn edge to help provide a clean edge cut and help to avoid interference from power cables.

Things get more complicated if you want to incorporate separate zones. If there is a thoroughfare, it is recommended to simply tie in the zones. Otherwise, it makes sense to have two separate circuits, which you can link with a signal transmitter or, in the case of large areas, add a second charging station.

The distance to flower beds and lawn edges should be even so that the robot does not mow too far into the bed or drive into an unbounded garden pond. To help avoid this, a distance ruler is included with the robotic lawnmower. You do not need to mark trees or other larger obstacles as well as beds equipped with mechanical barriers.

To help prevent the robot from bumping into tight angles and having to turn around, lay the wire at a slight curve. This way, the device can easily follow the wire and mow the garden with minimal interruption.

Connect each of the two ends of the wire to the charging station. Usually, a function light indicates if the wire is properly connected and the loop is closed.

Laying the Perimeter Wire Above or Below Ground

Before laying the boundary wire, mow the lawn as short as possible. This will help make the subsequent laying easier. Then you will have the option of either laying the wire above ground and fastening it with the lawn hooks provided or using a lawn edger to make a small furrow and place the wire under the turf. This will help prevent you from damaging the cable later when dethatching. In both cases, the cable should be pulled taut. To do this, use a lawn hook about every 50 cm when laying the cable above ground or a shorter distance on smaller passages.

Above-ground laying is somewhat more prone to errors, but is much faster and offers more flexibility when redesigning the garden. One certain advantage is that repairs are more convenient, since cable breaks are often visually recognizable, and the cable does not have to be dug up.

Laying the guide wire

Some robotic lawnmowers also have a guide wire that is laid across the garden. This is intended to help the robotic lawnmower find the charging station quickly when the battery power is running low. In addition, the guide wire can also serve the function of different starting points. The guide wire should initially run straight ahead from the charging station for one meter so that the robotic lawnmower can park easily. When passing the cable through narrow passages, the distance to the sides should be at least 30 cm. It should be noted that the cable should not go straight up a slope but should be laid at an angle. Finally, the guide wire usually ends at the boundary wire.

If a guide wire is not present, the robotic lawnmower will drive along the boundary wire back to the charging station.

Programming the robotic lawnmower

Once the perimeter wire has been laid correctly, the robot itself must also be programmed. Models with a touch screen or control via app are particularly convenient. Below are the options available on certain robotic mowers:

• Mowing times and programs
• Theft protection
• Date and time
• Cutting height
• Additional starting points can be programmed if applicable

We recommend avoiding mowing during evening hours to help protect hedgehogs and other critters. Times when children or pets are on the lawn are also not suitable for the use of the robotic lawnmower.

If your lawn consists of several different areas, it makes sense to set different starting points. In this way, the robotic lawnmower does not always start its work at the same point but rather steers the starting point in exactly the same way according to the specified area in m² or percent.

Robot lawnmower starts automatically after loading

If the robotic lawnmower is properly programmed, fully charged and the induction loop is ready for operation, the robot will automatically start the first mowing operation when the entered mowing time is reached. Alternatively, you can press the start button manually.

Keep an eye on the robotic lawnmower during its first few trips and check that the distances specified by the perimeter wire are correct. The device should not cut into flower beds nor should it leave larger lawn edges that you will have to subsequently retouch with a lawn trimmer.

ALTERNATIVE INSTALLATION SERVICE

If you do not want to invest the time to install your robotic lawnmower, most manufacturers and 3 rd part providers also offer their own installation service. A professional can come to your home and take care of the installation of the charging station, laying of the boundary wire and programming of the robotic lawnmower. This is followed by a test run to be sure that the robot really works as it should. Finally, a briefing on the operation of the device is mandatory.

The cost of the installation service depends on the size of the garden as well as the above-ground or underground installation. You might even be charged for travelling expenses. Overall, the cost usually includes: travel, unpacking and assembling the robotic lawnmower, laying the boundary wire and, if applicable, the guide wire, setup and programming, a trial run and instruction on how to operate the robot.

The initial installation of the robotic lawnmower takes a few hours, but in principle it is very simple. A quick guide with the individual installation steps can also be found here: Getting Started Guide or video

I, Mow-Bot: What Is a Robot Lawnmower and How Much Does It Cost?

What if you didn’t have to go out and mow your lawn this Saturday — or even pay someone else to do it for you? Well, the future is now: A robot lawnmower is an autonomous robot that cuts your grass for you.

These robotic mowers require you to set a perimeter wire around the lawn in order to locate the boundary of the area they need to mow. They’re capable of maintaining lawns ranging anywhere between 0.25 acres to 1.25 acres. For larger lawns, you can get two robot mowers to work together in conjunction. Modern robot mowers are incredibly sophisticated and come with self-docking capabilities, rain sensors and even self-charging. They have almost eliminated the need for human interaction.

How Much Do Robot Lawnmowers Cost?

Robot lawnmowers vary severely in terms of cost. The price differs based on the brand, tech features and square feet of coverage. According to PC Magazine, they can be as low as 600 (CAD 797) or as expensive as 5,000 (CAD 6,639) or more. For a quality residential robot lawnmower, you can expect to pay anywhere between 1,000 and 2,000 (CAD 1,328 and CAD 2,655), unless they have a vast area to cover, which can significantly increase the price.

How Do They Work?

Robot mowers use a simple mapping system. Pol Bishop, ​​a gardening and landscaping specialist for Fantastic Gardeners, says these gadgets initially require you to set a boundary wire along the edges of the area. You can also cover obstacles located within your lawn with this wire. Whenever the robot goes near them, it will move aside and avoid them.

However, there are more advanced robotic lawnmowers that come with a 360-degree laser or radar sensors that help them spot obstacles in their path, as well as incoming hazards, without the need for a boundary wire. Almost all of them have a collision sensor in their front bumper, which causes them to turn around whenever they hit something. Once the mower has done its job for the day, it goes back to its docking or charging station.

What Type of Grass Can They Cut?

Robotic lawnmowers aren’t designed for cutting tall grass. Instead, their primary function is to be used on a regular basis to keep your lawn’s grass short, which prevents it from growing tall in the first place. If you don’t use your robotic mower regularly and your grass gets out of hand, you will need to use a traditional lawnmower to trim it down a notch before you can use the robot again. This is why it’s essential to set up a mowing schedule so that it keeps your grass cut short. Most robot mowers are also built to work in rainy conditions.

Maintenance Required

To keep your robotic lawnmower in perfect working condition, you need to do routine maintenance on it. Some tasks need to be done regularly, while other tasks can be done every few months.

You should be cleaning the robotic mower at least once a week. Cleaning includes removing the buildup of grass clippings stuck to the moving parts of the mower, such as the cutting mechanism and wheels.

The charging station should be put in a shady, slightly elevated location where it will be away from direct sunlight and rain. Replace the battery once every three to five years, or when you notice that it isn’t as efficient as it once was or has completely stopped working. When it comes to the blades, they should only be replaced once they have become dull. Check their sharpness by turning the machine off and inspecting them.

Bishop recommends fully charging your robotic mower’s battery before storing it for the winter to help increase its lifespan. Also, bring the docking station inside your home and disconnect its power supply.

How Long Do Robot Mowers Last?

According to Bishop, a robotic lawnmower from a reputable brand will typically last you around 10 years. However, if you perform regular maintenance on it and use it just to cut short grass, it can last even longer. The batteries, on the other hand, might need to be replaced sooner. You can expect a battery replacement every three to five years.

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Robot Lawnmower Features

When choosing a robot lawnmower, you’ll want to keep in mind several essential features. While you might not need all of these, having a decent idea of what’s out there can help you choose the right one.

Area Coverage

One of the most crucial aspects when determining what robot lawnmower to buy is the total area it can cover. Robot lawnmowers widely vary in this feature. As mentioned above, they often cover anywhere between 0.25 acres to 1.25 acres. One example is the Husqvarna 450X, which can cover up to 1.25 acres.

App Control

Smart robot mowers can be controlled via Wi-Fi through mobile applications that allow you to start up the mower remotely. Bishop says that, using an app, you can change the mowing schedule and manually navigate the mower. The best part is that you can be anywhere — even on the other side of the globe — while doing this.

Edging Function

Some robotic lawnmowers come equipped with an edge-cutting function. Unlike regular models that leave a strip at the edge of the lawn, these can have their blades extend beyond the wheelbase and mow the edges along the wire borders.

Easily Replaceable Parts

The top robot mowers are those with parts that can easily be replaced. So look for models that have easily swappable blades. Since, at certain points, these blades can become dull, you’ll want to have a way to replace them with ease.

Are Robot Lawnmowers Worth the Money?

People buy robotic lawnmowers for a variety of reasons. Depending on what your goals are, robotic lawnmowers might be worth the money. If you can’t physically take care of the yard anymore and can’t afford to pay for expensive landscaping services, it’s certainly worth the initial high cost. If you have a larger lawn and only a push mower at your disposal, robotic mowers can be a huge timesaver.

On the other hand, if you have a small lawn, a small budget and can still mow your own yard without any issues, then it might not be worth it.

Whatever the reason might be, if you value time or are often short on time — robotic lawnmowers may be worth buying.

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By Mark Wolfe | Updated Jul 18, 2023 10:43 AM

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Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila

Improvements in rechargeable battery tech and intelligent software have dramatically changed the way we live. Smart televisions and lighting systems improve our sensory environment, while other automated home devices like vacuum cleaners, thermostats, and refrigerators minimize many more mundane tasks. Similarly, robotic lawn mowers can now keep the grass at just the right height, eliminating a time-consuming weekend chore.

These devices may even cost less to own and operate than gasoline-powered mowers while making very little noise and producing no exhaust emissions. They maintain up to an acre or more on most types of terrain, and they work automatically so folks with lawns have more time to relax and enjoy their green space.

No doubt, all of this sounds great—but how well do these robots actually perform? To find out, we put some popular models through their paces on real-life lawns. Read on to learn about the criteria we used to select these mowers, and then check out our product reviews to find out how each one did on our test turf. Anyone in the market for a new mower might just discover that a robot model can be a Smart, time-saving investment. R2-D2 would surely approve!

• BEST OVERALL:Worx Landroid M 20V Robotic Lawn Mower
• BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK:Gardena 15001-20 Sileno City Automatic Robotic Mower
• UPGRADE PICK:Husqvarna Automower 415X Robotic Lawn Mower
• BEST FOR STEEP HILLS:Redback MowRo 9.5-Inch Robot Lawn Mower
• BEST FOR LARGE LAWNS:Husqvarna Automower 115H Robotic Lawn Mower
• BEST FOR SMALL LAWNS:Gardena 15202-41 Sileno Minimo Robotic Mowe

Photo: Debbie Wolfe for Bob Vila

How We Tested the Best Robotic Lawn Mowers

All of the robotic lawn mowers we tested use 14-gauge low-voltage wire to establish the barrier. We assembled two barriers around two 1,200-square-foot patches of lawn—one with Bermuda grass and a steep slope and one mostly flat area with centipede grass. Each test area included two large open spaces connected by a narrow bottleneck corridor, and all the mowers were tested on both test areas.

We established a daily mowing schedule for 7 days in each location. We observed the ease of programming and communication with the mower as well as its actual performance. Criteria to be included in this guide were as follows:

• Consistently reliable mowing on schedule and returning to the base station after initial setup and first-day adjustments
• Consistently navigating the narrow corridor to mow both large areas
• Avoiding random obstacles intentionally left within the boundaries
• Returning to the base station in the event of rain or sprinklers
• Avoiding excessively steep slopes without becoming stuck
• Complete coverage of the test area—no noticeable missed spots for the entire test week

Our Top Picks

We measured the following robotic lawn mowers against our shopping considerations (detailed below) and put each one to work for a 7-day home trial. Find out why we recommend them among the best robot lawn mowers available.

Worx Landroid M 20V Robotic Lawn Mower

The popular Worx Landroid robotic mower lineup includes models S, M, and L for yards up to 0.125 acre, 0.25 acre, and 0.5 acre, respectively. While they offer many similarities, we found that the Worx Landroid M offers the best combination of capability and affordability. It is powered by a 20-volt 4-amp-hour lithium-ion battery for 2 hours of runtime per 90-minute charge. It can mow on a 20-degree slope thanks to a pair of high-efficiency brushless wheel motors that provide extra traction. The Landroid’s 8-inch self-leveling mowing disc cuts closer to the edges of the yard than many competitors. The blade height manually adjusts from 1.5 to 3.5 inches.

Landroid connects to a home Wi-Fi network via Bluetooth and automatically keeps its own software up to date. You can easily set or adjust the custom mowing schedule or monitor the mower on the go via the Landroid mobile app. An integrated rain sensor stops the mower from cutting if rain starts and sends it back to its charging station.

The Landroid M performed at or near the top in most of our testing rubric categories. Assembly and programming were easy, mowing was reliable with excellent coverage, communication through the mobile app was intuitive, and runtime was superior—all for a very competitive price. Runtime was especially impressive: We clocked it at 2 hours 35 minutes, the longest of all the mowers we tested.

Unfortunately, we subtracted points for poor docking ability. Landroid was the only mower we tested with recharging contacts located on the side of the machine rather than the front or back. To recharge, it must be perfectly positioned in relation to two flexible contact points as it passes over the base station; otherwise, it continues tracking along the perimeter wire without stopping. After resetting the base station three times and ensuring it was absolutely level in all directions with a long, straight approach, we finally achieved satisfactory results.

Aside from that issue, the Landroid provides outstanding overall functionality for the price. Available upgrades include the ACS module that prevents collisions, Find My Landroid GPS cellular module, Radio Link module to extend Wi-Fi connectivity for improved artificial intelligence, an Off Limits module for wire-free no-mow zones within the main mowing area, and the Landroid Garage.

Product Specs

• Coverage area: 0.25 acre (10,890 square feet)
• Mowing height range: 1.5 to 3.5 inches
• Slope rating: 20 degrees
• Includes everything you need to get started and clear step-by-step instructions for easy installation
• User-friendly mobile app makes it simple to control the mower and check status remotely
• 2 hours of runtime per charge means more mowing and less time spent charging
• Competitive price point for a highly capable robotic lawn mower
• Base station must be installed perfectly or the mower may not align properly for charging
• Some desirable features are not included with the base kit

Get the Worx robot lawn mower at Amazon, Lowe’s, or The Home Depot.

Gardena 15001-20 Sileno City Automatic Robotic Mower

Anyone shopping for an affordable and uncomplicated robotic lawn mower for a small yard would do well to consider the Gardena Sileno City. It navigates slopes up to 25 percent and corridors as narrow as 24 inches wide. Plus, it works rain or shine, day or night.

Available with either a 2,700-square-foot or 5,400-square-foot maximum mowing capacity, the Sileno City is a great option for most urban landscapes. It requires a flat, level area for the charging station and a nearby power source. A low-voltage perimeter wire keeps the mower inbounds and may be configured to mow a secondary area that is isolated from the primary lawn.

You can customize the mowing height between 0.8 inch and 2 inches high by means of a manual adjustment knob. The Gardena Bluetooth app makes it easy to operate the mower or customize the schedule and other settings from any mobile device, or use the onboard control panel to make adjustments.

It took about 1.5 hours to set up the Gardena Sileno City in our testing area. The kit included everything needed to get started, along with clear instructions. We plugged in the base station and allowed the mower to charge while we installed the perimeter wire and guide wire. The guide wire is an extra wire that bisects the lawn from the base station to the most distant portion of the perimeter wire. All Gardena (and parent company Husqvarna) robot mowers use it to navigate more efficiently.

After installation, we followed the instructions to calibrate the system and program the schedule. Starting with a pre-mowed lawn, we adjusted the mower height to mow 1.5 inches high, and the yard looked great throughout the test period.

One feature that shoppers should be aware of is the maximum daily runtime of about 3.5 hours per day (for the 2,700-square-foot version that we tested). Don’t bother scheduling the mower to run more than 3.5 hours total per day since after reaching the time limit, the device will simply return home until the following day. Since we mowed no more than 2.5 hours per day, we didn’t have a problem.

Product Specs

• Coverage area: 2,700 square feet
• Mowing height range: 0.8 to 2.0 inches
• Slope rating: 14.04 degrees
• Value-priced yet feature-rich robotic mower ideal for smaller lawn areas
• Kit includes everything needed for installation and easy-to-follow instructions
• Reliably and quietly mows all kinds of grass, day or night, rain or shine
• Navigates slopes up to 25 percent and passages as narrow as 24 inches
• Preprogrammed with a daily runtime limit that stops the mower regardless of battery status
• Not Wi-Fi or GPS enabled

Get the Gardena 15001-20 robot lawn mower at Amazon or Gardena.

Husqvarna Automower 415X Robotic Lawn Mower

Here is a well-equipped mower for warm-season grasses up to 0.4 acre, especially lawns with challenging obstacles, narrow passages, and sloped terrain. With a mowing height range of 0.8 to 2 inches, the Husqvarna Automower 415X is designed for maintaining low-mow grasses like zoysia, Bermuda, and centipede. It is powered by an 18-volt 2-amp-hour lithium-ion battery that delivers a runtime of 50 minutes per charge and recharges in 60 minutes. This premium mower features a high-resolution onboard display, rugged poly front bumper, LED headlights, and coarse-tread wheels that easily handle slopes up to 40 percent.

The Automower 415X is loaded with communication and control features, beginning with cellular and Bluetooth connectivity. It is easily controlled via the Automower Connect mobile app and is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home Smart devices. Husqvarna’s intelligent mapping technology uses GPS sensors to virtually map the lawn, enabling zone control with customized settings, and real-time tracking through the app. This high level of communication pairs nicely with precision control and automated features like electric height adjustment, automatic passage handling, remote location starting, spiral- and spot-cutting capabilities, wireless firmware updates, theft protection system with GPS tracking, and more.

The Automower 415X arrived for testing with everything we needed for a quick and easy DIY installation. The layout and setup were similar to the other models we tested but with the unique addition of a central guide wire running through the middle of the mowing area to assist with navigation back to the home base. Initial programming was fast and intuitive with the mower’s onboard controls. After downloading the app, we spent some time customizing mowing options, adding the targeted mowing height and spiral mowing options. Targeted mowing automatically lowered the cutting height each day until our preselected height was achieved. With spiral mowing engaged, the mower automatically detects extra-tall or dense growth and mows that isolated area in a spiral pattern. These two options were especially helpful in combination, as we needed to get our overgrown Bermuda grass under control.

Our testing lawn was an irregularly shaped area encompassing 1,200 square feet, with a tree isolated by the boundary wire near the middle and two larger lawn areas on either side. Part of the test area included a steep slope, close to 50 percent in one small area, and the 415X had no trouble. We noticed after the third or fourth mowing that the robot was making more efficient linear cuts and less frequently getting caught up in multipoint turns.

During the target-height adjustment period, the mower seemed to FOCUS more time on a section after it had been sufficiently cut, then running out of battery before fully cutting the other section. Once the target was achieved, however, daily mowing at 1.25 inches kept the grass looking great. Docking at the base station went perfectly every time. Easy setup, reliable operation, Smart tech, and a lower mowing height range make this a good choice for most small to midsize yards with warm-season lawn grass.

Product Specs

• Coverage area: 0.4 acre (17,424 square feet)
• Mowing height range: 0.8 to 2 inches
• Slope rating: 22 degrees
• Precision control features allow you to target portions of the lawn that require more attention
• GPS-assisted navigation allows the robot to mow challenging areas more efficiently
• Easily navigates obstructions like toys and lawn furniture as well as difficult terrain
• Cellular and Bluetooth connectivity make it easy to connect and control the mower remotely
• Premium price point for top-of-the-line robotic mowing technology
• Highly efficient mowing capability is offset by a somewhat limited runtime per charge

Get the Husqvarna Automower 415X robot lawn mower at Amazon or Lowe’s.

The Complete Guide to Robotic Lawn Mowers

Are you sick of pushing a mower around your lawn every weekend? If so, it might be time to consider investing in a robotic lawnmower and let the machine do the manual labor!

Robotic mowers have become increasingly popular over the past few years as technology advances. They’re efficient and low-maintenance — ideal for busy homeowners who want to keep their yards looking great without spending time mowing or money on maintenance.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about robot lawnmowers: what they are, how they work, different types, cost, and tips for choosing the right one for your yard.

What is a Robotic Lawn Mower?

A robotic lawn mower is an autonomous machine that can mow your lawn without you. Thanks to advancements in sensor technology — like LiDAR — and artificial intelligence (AI), a robot can mow your entire yard. Automated mowers trim the grass within designated boundaries and avoid areas — such as gardens and flowerbeds — you want to leave undisturbed.

Most robot lawn mowers rely on a perimeter wire to keep them within appropriate bounds. But more advanced mowers don’t require this barrier. Using sensors and GPS, mowers like the EcoFlow BLADE can operate within an area that you designate without a perimeter wire.

Robot lawn mowers are ideal for anyone who doesn’t have the time to mow themselves or would prefer to spend their time doing something more rewarding. It’s more affordable (and reliable) than hiring landscapers. After you’ve recouped your initial investment, there are no ongoing costs. BLADE requires only minor maintenance to keep the robot in tip-top shape.

Because BLADE requires no manual labor, it’s particularly well-suited to people with limited mobility, elderly homeowners, people with disabilities, and more.

You might ask, “Since it’s autonomous, how can I program, manage, or track it?”

Most robot mowers are controlled with smartphone apps where you can customize mowing schedules, speed settings, operating areas, and more.

You have complete control with the app. The beauty of robotic mowers is that you don’t have to be behind the wheel — or even at home — for the mower to do its work.

How Do Robotic Lawn Mowers Work?

Robotic lawn mowers run on rechargeable batteries and use sensors, wires, beacons, or GPS technology to detect and avoid obstacles. Their hardware includes blades or mulching systems to cut grass and disperse it on the ground — helping your lawn stay healthy with a process known as grasscycling.

A robotic lawnmower travels around your yard in a predetermined pattern, usually in straight lines. When it reaches the edge of your lawn, sensors will detect an invisible boundary wire you’ve installed and turn the mower around to continue its work. With Smart mowers, the machine’s system will learn where to turn around to start the next pass-through.

A standard robot lawnmower uses perimeter wires that you can install underground or lay just above the surface. The wire boundary allows you to customize the mowing areas and cordon off areas like flower beds, landscaped mulch areas, ponds, and more.

Though this is the standard, innovation is changing how robot lawn mowers work. While most still rely on a physical boundary, new tech lets robot mowers like BLADE work within a virtual border.

Eliminating wires makes setup virtually effortless and enables you to set a more efficient mowing path.

Types of Robotic Lawnmowers

Robotic lawn mowers come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and capabilities, but the primary distinction between them is the type of boundaries they use.

Physical Boundary Mowers

Physical boundary mowers rely on invisible wires for navigation that you must install before use. You can customize the area you want your mower to cut and help it avoid obstacles and designated areas, like gardens and flowers.

The perimeter boundary is typically a thin strand of wire encased in a PVC sheath. It starts and ends at the mower charging station. You can wrap it in your desired configuration to cover your entire lawn.

The charger sends a weak electrical current through the perimeter wire, creating a magnetic field around your lawn area where you’ve designated the mower to work.

A physical boundary mower’s built-in sensors detect when it nears the barrier. As the mower approaches the wire, the magnetic field sends the message to the mower that it needs to turn around for another pass.

Beyond the wire on the outside of your lawn, the wire creates a reverse magnetic field. If, for some reason, your mower ends up outside of its designated area, the mower system should immediately detect it and report it to you via the management app.

Some instances where the risk of the mower moving outside the boundary line is higher include steep slopes in the lawn, a power failure, defected perimeter wire, or a mower sensor failure.

Virtual Boundary Mowers

Virtual boundary mowers don’t have a physical perimeter wire restricting their movement. Instead, virtual boundary mowers use sensors and machine learning to determine where the boundaries are. The robot mower learns how to maneuver without needing a physical boundary.

The technology used to create virtual boundaries varies by manufacturer, but many use GPS, Bluetooth beacons, and machine learning algorithms to aid navigation. All virtual boundary mowers use sensors to detect physical landmarks, obstacles, and changes in terrain.

Virtual boundary mowers can learn their physical boundaries without any additional work from you. If your property’s landscaping layout changes, so will the boundary of your robot mower. The mower continues to “learn” and adjust to its surroundings thanks to AI and machine learning.

Perimeter wire mowers require a much more “hands-on” approach.

How Much Do Robotic Lawn Mowers Cost?

Robot lawn mowers are considerably more expensive than riding or push mowers due to their added value and advanced technology, but their range widely.

You can spend as little as 600 on a bare-bones model. A top-of-the-line robotic mower from some manufacturers can run you as much as 6k.

Most fall somewhere between the 2,000-5000 range.

At the time of writing, EcoFlow BLADE costs 2,599 for the mower or 3,199 for the mower and lawn sweeper add-on (say goodbye to that rake!). Its award-winning design combines LiDAR, visual sensors, and proprietary X-Vision technology to recognize and avoid obstacles and operate within virtual boundaries you determine — perimeter wire-free.

How to Choose the Right Robotic Mower for Your Lawn

Consider the following factors to determine which robot lawn mower is right for you.

Cutting Height

If your grass grows quickly, you’ll want a mower that can cut it effectively. Most robot mowers can only trim as low as 30-50 mm.

The EcoFlow blade offers an industry-low cutting height of 20 mm but gives you the flexibility to cut as high as 2.9 inches if you prefer a lush green landscape.

Traverse Capability

Most mowers have small wheels in the front, less than 80mm in diameter. Minimal clearance helps cut your grass shorter but can also create problems when the mower gets stuck into debris.

For BLADE, EcoFlow has literally reinvented the wheel. It features innovative omnidirectional front wheels at a 200mm diameter, reducing resistance by 40%. The result is more control over grass length and better obstacle avoidance.

No more getting stuck on a rock.

Smart Features

Robot mowers with Smart technology provide real-time tracking and reporting, app-controlled scheduling, as well as obstacle and rain detection.

Next-gen robotic mowers provide all this and more, including LiDAR and visual sensors to recognize obstacles and navigate steep terrains. It also includes editable boundaries you can customize via the app and automatically re-routes if it encounters debris.

Robust anti-theft features also help ensure the security of your investment.

Lawn Sweeping

The main reason people buy a robotic mower is to eliminate a time-consuming task. All robotic lawn mowers can cut the grass, but only BLADE can sweep it too.

The optional lawn sweeper attachment detects and collects leaves, sticks, animal waste, and other detritus.

No other robotic lawnmower offers this function. BLADE is the first of its kind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Robot Mowers Worth It?

How much is your time worth to you? A robot mower is a worthy investment if you’re tired of wasting time cutting the grass, paying for landscaping, or if you have limited mobility. Robotic lawn mowers let you manage your lawn care and save you time, physical strain, and money over the long term.

How Much Does It Cost to Run a Robot Mower?

Once you’ve made the upfront investment in a robot mower like EcoFlow BLADE, it costs nearly nothing to run. Robot lawn mowers typically consume about 15 kWh of electricity per month. Depending on your local utility, that’s about 1- 5 per month — or between 12 and 60 annually.

Final Thoughts

Robot mowers take the hassle and physical labor out of lawn care.

Automated landscaping devices come in many shapes and sizes and offer different functionality.

If you’re looking for an intelligent robotic lawn mower with cutting-edge features to guarantee a beautiful, clean lawn, the wire-free EcoFlow BLADE is the ultimate solution for you.

EcoFlow is a portable power and renewable energy solutions company. Since its founding in 2017, EcoFlow has provided peace-of-mind power to customers in over 85 markets through its DELTA and RIVER product lines of portable power stations and eco-friendly accessories.