Robot Lawnmower: what it is, how it works and how to choose one

How a robot lawnmower works

Robot lawnmowers operate autonomously, moving randomly or following preset patterns to cut grass evenly and precisely. Equipped with advanced sensors, robot lawnmowers can detect obstacles and change direction to avoid collisions.

Generally, robot lawnmowers use one of the following operating modes:

• Random Movement:
  Some robot lawnmowers move randomly within the lawn perimeter. They use sensors to detect obstacles along their path and change direction to avoid collisions. This approach is simple and efficient for regularly shaped lawns without significant obstacles.
• Preset Patterns:
  Other models allow users to program specific paths for the robot lawnmower. Through an application or control panel, it's possible to define boundaries and paths to follow, allowing greater control over areas to be cut and optimizing the robot's efficiency. Through lawn mapping, the robot lawnmower won't pass multiple times where it has already cut the garden grass, but will proceed in order, completing the grass cutting in the shortest possible time.
  Some lawnmowers feature multi-zone mapping: the user can set different grass cutting criteria depending on the garden area to be cut: the blades will be adjusted and activated based on cutting needs.
• Perimeter Detection Sensors:
  Most robot lawnmowers cut the lawn grass by moving along a cutting perimeter chosen by the operator through staking a perimeter wire. Perimeter wires are installed around the lawn and act as a guide for the robot by emitting a signal that the robot uses to determine the lawn boundaries.

Main features

Generally, the latest generation robot lawnmowers are equipped with lithium-ion Li-ion batteries that guarantee greater autonomy, weighing less and having a shorter charging time compared to the now obsolete lead-acid batteries.

The first difference to evaluate is between an automatic robot lawnmower and a semi-automatic robot lawnmower: the first is capable of autonomously returning to the charging station before running out of battery, ensuring the device is always ready for the next mowing cycle, while the second requires user intervention who will have to manually place it on the charging base. Additionally, some robot lawnmower models offer the possibility to retreat to a preset location, such as a garage or shed, in case of rain or adverse weather conditions, thus protecting the device and extending the robot lawnmower's lifespan over time.

Robot lawnmowers are equipped with obstacle avoidance and collision sensors, to prevent the robot lawnmower from running into fences, bushes, flowers, shrubs and other physical obstacles that may hinder grass cutting operations.

Generally, robot lawnmowers are equipped with safety systems, such as automatic blade lock, lift sensor, anti-tip, and anti-rain: for safe and as continuous use as possible.

Mulching Cut

Generally, robot lawnmower blades are designed for mulching cut. In fact, the robot lawnmower is not equipped with a collection container. The garden robots, in fact, shred the grass and release it directly onto the lawn providing a natural fertilizer to the lawn and helping to maintain healthy and nourished soil. The mulching practice reduces the need for chemical fertilizers and helps maintain soil moisture, promoting stronger and healthier grass growth.

Robot lawnmowers are commonly equipped with pivoting blades: it's possible to adjust the lawn mowing height based on user preferences.

Robot with and without perimeter wire

Robots with perimeter wire use a different orientation technology compared to gardening robots that don't need the perimeter wire:

• Robot with perimeter wire:
  This system uses a wire, usually staked or simply laid on the ground, that emits a signal picked up by the robot's sensors and that delimits the area to be mowed. The robot lawnmower will never cross this boundary ensuring total protection of sensitive garden areas, such as flower beds and other landscape elements. A robot with perimeter wire offers precise control over the work area and ensures the robot doesn't go beyond the set boundaries.
• Robot without perimeter wire:
  Thanks to integrated sensors, the robot lawnmower is able to detect obstacles along its path and automatically deviate from them. This means the robot can avoid stones, small walls, edges and terrain elevations and other objects/plants that might hinder its movement. This functionality ensures clear delimitation of areas not to be mowed, helping to preserve the garden structure and avoid damage to objects on the ground.

Smart Robot lawnmower

The commands of a robot lawnmower are essential to ensure effective lawn mowing management and offer greater convenience to the user. Connected robot lawnmowers, the so-called smart models, allow the user to control and monitor the device via a dedicated application on their smartphone. This level of connectivity offers complete and constant control over lawn mowing, allowing the user to manage the robot remotely, whether at home or traveling in another country.

The programming of the robot lawnmower is another key feature. The most advanced models offer a wide range of programming options, allowing users to set specific days and times for lawn mowing. This level of automation allows the robot to work completely autonomously, minimizing user intervention. Additionally, some models offer the possibility to choose between different cutting modes, such as random or parallel lines passage, to ensure uniform and efficient lawn coverage.

Some of the most recent robots feature smart home interfaces like Alexa, Siri for voice command from a distance.

Sensors Operation

Sensors are essential to ensure safe and efficient operation in the garden environment.
There are mainly:

• Collision sensors:
  Using technologies like infrared or laser, these sensors detect the presence of obstacles along the robot's path. When an obstacle is detected, the robot automatically modifies its path to avoid it, ensuring safe navigation and reducing the risk of damage to objects in the garden.
• Tilt and lift sensors:
  These sensors constantly monitor the robot lawnmower's movement along the terrain inclination and detect if the robot is suddenly lifted off the ground, or when it tips over on an uneven surface. In case of anomalous situations, the robot immediately stops mowing and activates safety procedures, such as blade stop or return to base, to avoid damage to the device or people.
• Edge sensors:
  These sensors delimit the robot's work area, ensuring the device doesn't leave the garden boundaries. They can be integrated directly into the robot or be part of the perimeter wire guidance system. In both cases, edge sensors allow the robot to detect the boundary presence and modify its trajectory accordingly.
• Weather sensors:
  Some advanced robot lawnmower models are equipped with weather sensors that monitor atmospheric conditions, such as rain or air humidity. These sensors influence the robot's behavior; for example, in case of rain, the robot can automatically stop mowing and retreat to the base to protect itself from water damage.

Some robots are equipped with anti-theft sensors with personal password/PIN and alarms to block the robot and locate it via GPS in case of theft.

In conclusion, investing in a robot lawnmower represents a modern and efficient solution to keep your lawn well-maintained with minimal effort. Thanks to their advanced technologies and functionalities, these devices offer automatic and quality grass cutting, saving time and energy for the user. The choice of the ideal robot lawnmower depends on the garden size, the terrain type and the user's specific needs. Whether it's a model with perimeter wire or without, equipped with advanced sensors and smart functionalities, the robot lawnmower promises a always well-kept lawn and greater convenience in managing gardening activities.