Tag Archive for: Robotic

Robotic lawnmowers surge in popularity with arrival of Spring

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Robotic lawnmowers surge in popularity with arrival of Spring: The global robot lawnmower market is experiencing rapid growth, projected to increase from roughly £2.3 billion in 2025 to about £2.7 billion in 2026. According to George Ren, CEO at Segway Navimow, the growth of the market is driven by a demand for affordable, timesaving, quiet, and eco-friendly autonomous yard maintenance.

Increasingly popular with UK gardeners tackling their gardens in time for summer, robotic lawn mowers offer a hands-free alternative to traditional manually operated petrol and electric mowers. The current market features a wide range of brands and models operating with the highest levels of efficiency and precision. The most advanced mowers now present use smart features like GPS tracking and obstacle navigation to tackle the challenges offered by lawns of all shapes and sizes.

Robotic lawnmowers surge in popularity with arrival of Spring

Robotic lawnmowers surge in popularity with arrival of Spring

“AI powered technology is firmly leaving our screens and entering our homes,” explains Ren. “The 2026 consumer electronics show in Las Vegas was awash with household robotics of all kinds, assisting with all kinds of daily tasks and there was no shortage of robotic lawnmowers. More broadly, the household robotics market is expected to reach approximately £18.53 billion by 2031, up from £9.27 billion in 2026.

“Rather than simply piling on features for the sake of more functionality, the best household robots truly meet consumer needs and do so with true autonomy. Technology should serve people, enabling them to live, create, and do what they truly want to do more freely.

“Robotic lawnmowers are not a new invention but continue to be adapted and refined to deliver true ‘senseless intelligence’ – that is, whether the robot can be like an invisible gardener. Today’s iterations handle and adapt perfectly to complex environments without any user intervention or worry.”

“Whether for commercial or household use, the essence is always ‘liberating time’, that is enabling the professional gardener or landscaper to tackle greater areas at scale and on the other hand, allowing household users to relax while their household tasks are taken care of.”

The core challenge Navimow faces is not a single technological breakthrough, but rather how to deeply integrate hardcore robotics technology with real user life scenarios.

“The most significant technological upgrades in the 2026 range are the ELFS™ LiDAR+ and Xero-Turn™ Zero-Turn Technology which will bring substantial improvements to the user experience,” Ren explains. “These upgrades are backed by massive algorithmic engineering with one sole objective: ensuring that users, over long-term use, hardly ever need to think about ‘localisation’.”

In March, save up to £200 on the Segway Navimow AWD and LiDAR Series. Prices start from £699 for the AWD series and from £999 for the LiDAR Series.[AH1]

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Segway Navimow robotic lawn mowers set new benchmark

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Segway Navimow robotic lawn mowers set new benchmark: Segway Navimow, the pioneer in lawn care technology, has successfully subjected its X420 and i206 AWD robotic lawn mower models to rigorous testing by TÜV Rheinland.

Both devices are the first and only to receive the coveted Lawn Care certification. This award confirms that Navimow robotic lawn mowers have Minimal Lawn Impact Performance, thus setting a new standard for ultimate lawn protection.

Segway Navimow robotic lawn mowers set new benchmark

Segway Navimow robotic lawn mowers set new benchmark

The certification is based on a comprehensive test catalogue that incorporates international standards as well as TÜV Rheinland’s own benchmarks and certify the performance characteristics for maintaining a healthy and well-maintained lawn. As part of the intensive Accelerated Ageing Model a full calendar year of high-frequency mowing was simulated under European conditions. The results demonstrate:

  • Minimal lawn impact: Both models achieved Level 2 of TÜV Rheinland’s 5-level damage standard, meaning that after long-term operation, only minimal, localised traces remain, which do not affect the overall aesthetics and health of the lawn and are only visible upon close inspection.
  • Ultimate terrain capability: The robotic mowers successfully navigated steep slopes—the X420 operated smoothly on inclines of 57.7 percent (30 degrees), the i206 AWD on 47.6 percent (25 degrees)—while simultaneously recognising and avoiding complex obstacles such as tables, chairs, and cables.
  • Industry leadership
    • The X420 is the world’s first four-wheel drive robotic mower to receive TÜV Rheinland Lawn Care certification.
    • The i206 AWD is the only 3-wheel AWD robotic lawnmower on the market with this official certification.

With this TÜV Rheinland certification following rigorous testing, Navimow underscores that its mowers achieve the perfect balance between ultimate off-road capability and meticulous lawn care, even in complex gardens and demanding environments.

For more on the i2 AWD, visit the Segway Navimow website.

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Kerr’s Grounds Services Goes Robotic with the RM21

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Kerr’s Grounds Services Goes Robotic with the RM21: When it comes to managing multiple sites and tight schedules, efficiency is everything. For Charlie Kerr, owner of Kerrs Ground Services Ltd, investing in cutting-edge robotic technology has revolutionised the way he works – and the RM21 Combo Mower, distributed exclusively by Agrovista Amenity in partnership with XDC, has been at the heart of that transformation.

Charlie’s passion for turf management began over a decade ago.

Kerr’s Grounds Services Goes Robotic with the RM21

Kerr’s Grounds Services Goes Robotic with the RM21

“I started working at a school mainly on cricket and rugby pitches,” he explained. “That’s where I got the bug for being a groundsman. From there I joined a sports turf contracting company, then worked at Dartford FC for a few years before moving on to Chelsea FC.”

After a short stint away from the industry, Charlie found himself missing life on the turf. “I started with small maintenance jobs, but it wasn’t the same. I got back into football when Cray Wanderers FC needed a groundsman, and things just took off from there. Now I look after Cray Wanderers FC, Welling United FC, carry out some work at Sidcup Rugby Club, and a few private sites too.”

Managing several venues meant long hours and challenging logistics – until Charlie discovered the RM21 Combo Mower.

“I was spending four or five hours every Friday marking pitches by hand. In winter, when the days are shorter, it was brutal,” said Charlie. “Then I saw the RM21 on my phone one night and thought, ‘That looks incredible!’ A mower and a line marker in one? I booked a demo straight away – and I was blown away.”

The RM21 Combo Mower is a fully autonomous unit that cuts and line marks simultaneously, using advanced GPS technology. Controlled via a tablet or mobile app, it allows users to map, edit, and save pitch layouts, meaning even complex training grids or tournament layouts can be recreated at the touch of a button.

Charlie says the benefits were immediate:

“I’ve left the RM21 cutting at Welling while I’m doing other work at Cray Wanderers – it’s like having an extra employee. It basically allows me to do two days’ work in one.”

Since introducing the RM21, Charlie has noticed huge savings in both time and materials.

“I’m using less paint than before. One tank of concentrate now does all my pitches. The lines are cleaner, brighter, and perfectly straight – and I don’t have to mess around with strings and pegs every week.”

The machine offers two operation modes: high-efficiency for quick turnarounds, and precision mode for detailed line marking, ensuring professional results for every situation.

Battery performance has also impressed him.

“You get around 12 hours of line marking or five hours of mowing on a full charge. I’ve marked and cut multiple sites in one day without even dropping below half a battery.”

Noise and safety were also big considerations for Charlie, especially when working around busy community grounds.

“It’s so quiet you can’t hear it from the other side of the pitch. I’ve used it at seven in the morning, and no one even noticed. Plus, it’s much safer than using big tractors when you’ve got dog walkers and kids around.”

The RM21’s compact size and portability mean Charlie can easily move it between sites.

“It drives straight onto my trailer – simple as that. If I get a last-minute call for a pitch, I can be in and out in an hour. It’s a complete game changer.”

Charlie’s experience has been so positive that he’s already thinking about expanding.

“I’ve started promoting GPS line marking on social media and had new enquiries coming in already. There’s nothing else like it in this area – and with the time I save, I can take on more work without burning out. I call it my ‘Kerminator’ – and it’s living up to the name!”

For Charlie Kerr and Kerr’s Grounds Services, the RM21 Combo Mower isn’t just another piece of kit – it’s a business-changing investment that’s redefining what’s possible for small, independent turf professionals.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit https://amenity.agrovista.co.uk/

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First club in UK invests in Toro robotic mowing

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First club in UK invests in Toro robotic mowing: Thonock Park in Lincolnshire is the first club in the UK to invest in Toro’s Turf Pro autonomous mowers.

Having made the decision to move to autonomous mowing at the beginning of the year, the club was introduced to Toro’s new Turf Pro mowers at the BTME launch and has subsequently purchased five from local Toro dealer, Russells Groundcare.

First club in UK invests in Toro robotic mowing

First club in UK invests in Toro robotic mowing

The five Turf Pro 500 mowers are being used to cut both fairways and rough of 18 of the club’s 36 holes. According to General Manager Benjamin Hatch: “Our robot mowers are now cutting the fairways and rough for 18 holes on the Thonock Park course, and we are exceptionally pleased with their quality of cut and the definition between fairway and rough grasses.”

Thonock Park and Russells have had two comprehensive training sessions post-install from Lee Rowbotham, GeoLink and Digital Specialist at Reesink UK.

Lee explains the process: “We were there at the point of delivery to install the chargers and base station. The mowers are blind out of the box, so training involves telling them everything they need to know, like where the charging station is, the route to the fairways, what the safe areas, and not safe areas are. And of course, for the team to understand the operation and the terminology involved.”

Once set up, Course Manager Rob Acheson was shown how to control all five mowers through the Smart App. Operation is something Lee likens to how irrigation sprinklers are controlled.

“They are controlled individually, one at a time, and can be set up in advance,” he says. “Just like you can set a sprinkler to come on at 5am, you can set the Turf Pros to start mowing at 10pm once everyone has gone home if you wish.”

This provides a big advantage in getting course maintenance ahead of play. All fairway mowing can be completed before the course opens, supported by “the almost non-existent noise levels” as confirmed by Benjamin.

Another added benefit of these mowers comes from how the club has been able to redefine the job requirements of the team and can guarantee all-year round value.

“Very importantly, these mowers have enabled us to reassign some of our skilled greenkeeping team to other tasks on the course that require more specialist work,” Benjamin says. “During the wetter months, we expect to keep using these mowers, when ordinarily we would struggle to use the much heavier diesel machines. All in all, it has been a very positive investment for us and one that we believe we will continue to benefit from year after year.”

Just as Reesink sees the value in providing dedicated support for this new technology with the new digital specialist role created for Lee, so too do Russells who have recruited two dedicated employees to demonstrate and install Russells’ autonomous mowing offerings to customers, including private properties, estates, schools, golf courses and other sporting venues.

Mark Willerton, Groundcare Sales Manager at Russells, says: “Russells see autonomous mowers as an important part of our future business, it’s something we’re investing heavily in with dedicated specialist staff and demonstration machines.

“Working alongside Thonock Park and Reesink to understand this next generation of mowing and how to maximise the potential and efficiency of the mowers has been a great learning experience. We look forward to continuing working with the team at Thonock Park to ensure they always have the best turfcare options available.”

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Robotic Innovation with Agrovista Amenity and XDC

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Robotic Innovation with Agrovista Amenity and XDC: GroundsFest 2025 visitors can expect a glimpse into the future of turf maintenance on stands RB380 and RB381, as Agrovista Amenity and XDC showcases two of the most advanced robotic solutions on the market – the RM21 Combo Mower and the Thor Robotic Mower.

The RM21 Combo Mower, distributed exclusively by Agrovista Amenity in partnership with XDC, is a true multi-tasking marvel. Combining precision line marking and mowing in one fully autonomous unit, the RM21 stands out for its ease of use, versatility, and forward-thinking features. From training grids to bespoke pitch plans, users can map out and control tasks via an intuitive tablet interface or mobile app, while optional attachments such as a dew brush, or grass collector extend its functionality across a wide range of turf environments.

Robotic Innovation with Agrovista Amenity and XDC

Robotic Innovation with Agrovista Amenity and XDC

A large-capacity battery and 25L paint container enable multiple jobs to be completed back-to-back, with centimetre-level accuracy, smart path planning, and 360° LiDAR object detection ensuring safe, efficient performance – even under trees or around obstacles.

Also on display will be Thor – a powerhouse robotic mower engineered for sports turf, golf courses, and large-scale green spaces. With a 730mm cutting width and the ability to tackle up to 9 acres per day, Thor brings together AI vision, dual-RTK GNSS, and LiDAR to deliver elite-level performance and total reliability. Its cloud-based fleet management system allows multiple units to be coordinated remotely, with real-time insights and reporting to streamline team productivity and performance.

From automated graphics marking to data-driven maintenance planning, these robots are designed to transform how turf professionals operate.

See both the RM21 and Thor in action at Stands RB380 and RB381 – and discover how robotics can help you do more, with less.

For more information about Agrovista UK, visit www.agrovista.co.uk/amenity

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