Robotic lawn mowers are emerging as a popular smart home solution, offering a hands-free approach to lawn maintenance. Brian Shaunfield, a store manager at Lowe's, explained that these automated devices provide significant convenience and save homeowners time compared to traditional mowers.
"Robotic mowers have unique features that make them stand out from traditional mowers," Shaunfield told The New York Post. "The most notable differences are the convenience a robotic mower offers and the time a robotic mower saves you by maintaining your lawn with minimal work from you."
These mowers operate on a program, similar to robotic vacuums, with customizable settings for specific lawns. They typically come with boundary wires or sensors to define mowing areas. Many models are self-charging, returning to their base when the battery is low, and often feature GPS-assisted technology. Smart technology allows for remote control via apps, with options for customized cutting heights and scheduling.
Safety features commonly include collision detection to avoid obstacles and theft deterrent systems such as alarms, GPS tracking, and activation codes. Some robotic mowers are designed to operate quietly, even in light rain, and can mow at night.
When selecting a robot lawn mower, experts advise considering the lawn size, terrain complexity, and desired app features. Maintenance typically involves updating software, replacing blades, cleaning wheels, and proper storage during winter months.
Among the recommended models is the MowRo mower, capable of mowing up to 0.25 acres and handling slopes up to 30 degrees. It offers adjustable cutting heights from 1 to 2.5 inches and can be programmed to mow every 48 hours.
Another option is a new wire-free model with AI-powered obstacle avoidance that can detect over 300 types of obstacles. This mower is best suited for smaller lawns, up to 0.2 acres, and allows for custom maps and adjustable cutting heights from 1.2 to 4 inches.
The Goko M6 Robot Lawn Mower is designed for demanding yards, handling steep slopes, uneven ground, and multiple mowing zones. It can cover up to one acre per charge and includes a lifetime supply of blade replacements. This model is currently offered at a discounted price with additional gifts.
For larger lawns, a model with all-terrain mowing and smart app control can manage up to 0.51 acres. It offers edge-to-edge cleaning, climbs slopes easily, and allows for up to 80 customizable zones with specific schedules and grass heights.
The Ecovacs robotic lawn mower, known for its automatic mapping, smart navigation, and obstacle avoidance, is suitable for lawns up to 0.25 acres. It features a 1.2 to 3.2-inch adjustable cutting height and automatically detects boundaries, eliminating the need for custom maps. The mower includes 36 extra blades.
"Robotic mowers mow in random patterns, meaning they don’t create rows of wheel ruts that can prevent the grass from growing upright," Shaunfield noted. "Additionally, robotic mowers don’t require gasoline or engine oil." They also trim grass a little at a time, promoting better growth and reducing lawn stress. Their compact size also means they require minimal storage space.