The most hectic task for yard owners is the upkeep of a neat and evenly trimmed lawn. There was a time when we relied on bulky, fuel-powered lawn mowers to get the job done, and even if you outsourced it, it was costly once in a while.
Today, technology has advanced to the point where we now have autonomous robotic lawn mowers. But as with any other innovation, it’s natural to be skeptical about an evolving tech. Like you, most people still question whether it would be wise to invest in robotic lawn mowers.
This article builds on facts to explain how and why robotic lawn mowers can be a practical investment, and presents the Segway Navimow as one of the standout options for those interested.
Traditional vs Robotic Lawn Mowers
Traditional lawn mowers run on a small engine. They always need someone to push, add fuel, and deal with the noise and smoke. Due to more mechanical parts, maintenance is also part of the job, with oil, spark plugs, and filters.
Robotic lawn mowers are different. They run on rechargeable batteries and work autonomously. Initially, you have to set up the boundaries, connect them with the app, and program mowing times. After that, the mower remembers your lawn and follows the schedule by itself.
Many robotic mowers also return to their charging station automatically when the battery is low and have sensors to avoid obstacles and stay within preset limits.
Here’s how traditional lawn mowers differ from robotic lawn mowers:
|
|
Traditional Mowers |
Robotic Mowers |
|
Principle of Operation |
Manual, engine-driven |
Autonomous, battery-powered |
|
Cost (average) |
$300 – $1,500 |
$1,000 – $3,500 |
|
Noise Level |
85–95 dB |
54–60 dB |
|
CO2 Emissions |
80 – 100 lbs/yr |
0 lb directly |
|
Cut Frequency |
Weekly or bi-weekly |
Daily or as scheduled |
|
Maintenance |
Oil, spark plugs, filters, fuel |
Blade replacement, battery care |
|
Charging/Refuel |
Refuel manually with gasoline |
Auto-charging at dock station |
Benefits of Robotic Lawn Mowers
The earlier section may have hinted slightly at the pros of robotic lawn; we have detailed that out further in this section.
Autonomous operation
If you have used those hand-operated gasoline-powered lawn mowers, you know the trouble they bring. Not only are they bulky, but operating them requires constant supervision, fueling, pushing, and dealing with fumes and vibration.
In contrast, robotic lawn mowers are compact devices that you set up once (boundary wires or mapping, charging dock, schedule) and then mostly forget. They run autonomously: they self-navigate, avoid obstacles, return to their charging base when battery is low, and mow automatically according to programmed time slots.
Less Pollution
Robotic lawn mowers are powered by rechargeable batteries (mostly lithium-ion), so during operation, they emit zero direct emissions. There is no burning of fuel on site. This contrasts sharply with gas mowers, which emit carbon dioxide (CO₂). As per research, a gas-powered lawn mower produces 80-100 pounds of CO2 per year.
Also, there are regulatory moves reflecting this concern. For example, California passed AB 1346, a law banning the sale of new gas-powered small off-road engines (which include many lawn mowers and leaf blowers) starting January 1, 2024.
No Grass Clippings
Traditional mowers often leave clippings that must be bagged, raked, or disposed of. This is effort and cost. Robotic mowers instead typically use mulching. They cut in frequent small increments, so the clippings are very fine. These tiny bits fall back on the lawn and decompose quickly, returning nutrients to the soil.
Quiet Operation
Robotic mowers are significantly quieter than gas-powered models. Latest models, such as Segway Navimow, operate at about 54 to 60 decibels (dB), roughly the level of a normal conversation. Whereas, traditional lawn mowers can generate 95-100 dB, loud enough to disturb neighbors during a job.
Safer
Gas-powered lawn mowers carry risks from hot engines and spinning blades. Even push and ride-on types require constant human control, which raises the chance of accidents.
In comparison, robotic mowers are designed with multiple safety systems. They include obstacle detection, lift and tilt sensors that stop the blades instantly if the mower is disturbed, and emergency stop functions. Some models even come with anti-theft alarms and GPS tracking.
Weather Adaptability
It’s a fact that mowers require good weather and dry grass for safe operation. Wet conditions can clog blades. And rain could make handling slippery.
Some robotic lawn mowers, like Segway Navimow, are equipped with weather sensors and app alerts that pause mowing when rain is detected and resume when conditions improve. However, they come with water resistance, which ensures they can withstand tough outdoor conditions on standby as well.
Remote Control
Where traditional mowers require your physical presence, robotic mowers offer full remote control through a smartphone app. You can adjust cutting schedules, check battery levels, set boundaries, and even manually steer the mower if needed — all from your phone.
Reduced Allergies
When cutting grass with mechanical mowers, large amounts of dust and grass fragments are thrown into the air, which can trigger allergies
Because robotic lawn mowers trim in very small increments and do so frequently, there is less buildup of clippings and dust. Its mulching function leaves behind fine particles that quickly settle back into the soil, reducing airborne allergens during mowing.
Grass Nourishment
Gas-powered mowers often scalp the lawn if blades are set too low or if grass is allowed to grow too tall before cutting. In contrast, as explained earlier, Segway Navimow applies a mulching approach: it cuts grass gradually and often, leaving fine clippings that act as a natural fertilizer. This nourishes the soil, improves moisture retention, and promotes a healthier, greener lawn
Limitations and Considerations
Besides the many benefits, there are a few points you should keep in mind while considering a robotic mower.
Higher Upfront Costs
Robotic mowers are more expensive than traditional options, sometimes several times the price. However, in the long run, they may prove to be a sustainable choice when you factor in reduced fuel and maintenance.
Tech Setup
These mowers are app-driven. Although the UI is usually simple and well-explained, you still need to be comfortable with setup, connectivity, and regular monitoring.
What’s different about Segway Navimov robotic Mowers?
Although an emerging one, there’s a big market for robotic mowers. So, why should you consider Segway Navimow? Here’s a list of unique technologies in our product range:
Multi-Zone Mapping
You can divide your lawn into zones. The mower remembers each zone and moves between them. It can skip areas you don’t want to cut. This helps when you have gardens, walkways, or separate patches of grass.
VisionFence for Obstacle Detection
The mower is equipped with VisionFence: a system of cameras, sensors, and AI algorithms that provides a 360 view of the field. It can not only see objects in real time but also intelligently avoid them.
Complex Terrain Capability
Navimow mowers are built for uneven and sloped lawns. Our mowers can climb and cut where many mowers fail. There’s a 14-bit magnetic positioning sensor that alters the output of the powerful hub motor, enabling it to traverse any bumpy or uneven terrain.
Customized Controls via Navimow App
The Navimow app gives full control to the user. You can schedule mowing, set mowing height, and draw virtual boundaries. It also shows mowing progress live.
Anti-Theft with EFLS
EFLS stands for Exact Fusion Location System. It uses GPS and multiple sensors to track the mower’s exact position. If the mower is removed from your yard, you can trace it in the app. No boundary wires are required; instead, a virtual mapping takes care of the mower safety.
A Look At A Few User Experiences
Robotic lawn mowers are still a new technology, and many people are unsure about how well they perform over time. To give you a clearer picture, here are some real user experiences with the Segway Navimow.
One user shared: “It’s a great unit. I got one for my elderly parents. They set it up in under an hour, and it has been cutting fine ever since with no problems.”
Another user explained: Due to a health condition that limited his ability to do yard work, he relied on costly lawn services for a large yard. After trying the Navimow X350, he reported major savings, reliable performance, and an easier way to maintain his health without overexertion.
A third user noted: “I switched from a Worx Landroid to the Navimow a month ago. The installation is super easy. One lap around the yard and the robot is ready to go.”
Is a Robotic Mower Right for You: When and Why Buy Them?
After going through so many plus points, it’s clear that a robotic mower can be one of the best options for lawn maintenance. But is it right for you? That ultimately depends on your use case, and in most situations, the answer leans in favor of the user.
A few instances where a robotic mower becomes essential:
- Complex yards: If you’ve a large-sized lawn (upto 2.5 acres) with narrow pathways, slopes, or frequent obstacles, robotic mowers can handle them without you pushing or steering.
- Children and pets: Safety sensors stop blades instantly when disturbed, making it safer for a lawn where kids and pets often play.
- Fast-growing grass: If your lawn needs trimming more than once a week, robotic mowers keep it neat with frequent light cuts.
- Budget vs value: Although they have a higher upfront cost, they save money on fuel, servicing, and outsourced mowing over the long run.
- Tech comfort: Works best if you’re comfortable with smartphones and apps for setting schedules, defining boundaries, and remote monitoring.
- Regulations: You’re in states or regions that are moving away from gas-powered equipment.
Ready to make lawn care effortless? Explore the Segway Navimow robotic lawn mower series and choose the one that fits your yard best.
Share: