Tag Archive for: Robotic

Segway extends its Navimow robotic lawnmower range

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Segway extends its Navimow robotic lawnmower range: Segway Navimow has launched the X3 Series, the latest addition to its portfolio of boundary-cord-free robotic lawnmowers.

The range consists of four new models – the X315, X330, X350 and X390 – and is designed to handle unprecedented lawn sizes with precision, mowing areas of up to 10,000m² (the equivalent of one and a half football pitches). The X3 Series joins the popular i Series and H Series models in the Navimow line-up, which are used by over 170,000 customers globally.

Segway extends its Navimow robotic lawnmower range

Segway extends its Navimow robotic lawnmower range

Optimised performance to tackle larger lawns

Boasting ultra-fast charging capabilities, 6 blades, an anti-clogging blade disc and accelerated mowing speed, the Navimow X3 Series operates at an efficiency level two times faster than the industry average. The machine can cover a 5,000m² mowing area within just 24 hours, making it the ideal solution for handling bigger lawns. This is bolstered by expanded coverage per charge, tending to gardens or fields as large as 1,200m² before the battery runs out.

TÜV Rheinland has endorsed the high-performance credentials of the X3 Series, awarding it the certification for high mowing efficiency after extensive testing. This is the first time a robotic lawnmower has been granted this accolade, underlining the X3 Series’ position at the forefront of mowing innovation.

EFLS 3.0: Precision positioning and extended signal coverage

Segway has upgraded its Exact Fusion Location System (EFLS) for the X3 Series, introducing EFLS version 3.0. This features major upgrades in Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) coverage, Visual Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping (VSLAM), and Visual Inertial Odometry (VIO) technology. This state-of-the-art system ensures unparalleled stability and precision, even in challenging signal environments.

Powered by a customised chip from STMicroelectronics, a world-leading microelectronics manufacturer, the self-developed 3-frequency RTK system increases signal coverage by 20-30%. This mitigates against blind spots that block reception, such as narrow passages or areas under high rooftops. Dual RTK antennas are equipped to address complex layouts, for example properties with both front and back yards, with an extra antenna installed to provide extended signal coverage and unbeatable stability.

Upgraded VisionFence with 300° view

Enhanced VisionFence technology, a solution specifically designed to deliver efficient AI route planning, bolsters the X3 Series with a 300° field of view that enables highly reliable obstacle avoidance. Powered by 3 cameras and a Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor with a 0.1-2 metre sensory range, hazard detection (including suspended objects such as swings, trampolines, and hanging decorations) is significantly improved. The recognition capabilities of the X3 Series extend to over 200 different obstacle types, ensuring smooth, intuitive navigation.

Additional features that increase user experience and usability include a dot matrix screen that communicates status updates, theft alerts and GPS tracking, smart speaker integration, and a design equipped to handle slopes of up to 50% (27°).

Unlocking new possibilities through the Expansion Bay 

The Expansion Bay with open API allows customers to integrate product extensions tailored to their personal needs.

George Ren, CEO of Segway Navimow BU, commented: “Built to tackle larger areas and layouts of varying levels of complexity, the X3 Series is tailormade for a new market that stands to benefit from the efficiency and accuracy of robotic mowers. Not only can it fulfil the needs of households with larger gardens requiring significant maintenance, its capabilities extend to commercial use where the X3 Series can help estates managers, local councils and many more save time and achieve outstanding results.

“This latest addition to the Navimow portfolio perfectly complements our i Series and H Series ranges. We are now able to meet the diverse range of requirements of UK gardeners, offering autonomous and highly efficient mowing for lawns of all shapes and sizes.”

Price

Prices for each model are as follows: X315E – £2,199, X330E – £2,599, X350E – £3,199, X390E – £4,299

Availability

X3 series will be available through authorised dealer shops. Customers can find the closest dealer shop to their home via Navimow’s website: https://navimow.segway.com/en-gb/pages/channel

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Work smarter not harder with Toro’s robotic mowers

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Work smarter not harder with Toro’s robotic mowers: Robotic mowing has arrived and with it comes the new generation of working smarter, not harder, thanks to Toro.

With the brand’s new range of robotic mowing solutions for the fairways and the roughs available through distributor Reesink Turfcare, customers can now focus on getting the job done consistently and efficiently and instead prioritise time and skill on the greens, tees, and bunkers.

Work smarter not harder with Toro's robotic mowers

Work smarter not harder with Toro’s robotic mowers

“The arrival of autonomous technology is what we’ve all been waiting for,” comments Jon Cole, Divisional Business Manager, Reesink Turfcare. “And Toro’s vision of this delivers professional-quality results with minimal input required, solving the problem of reduced resources, labour shortages, and rising operational costs.”

All the products launching simultaneously – the Toro GeoLink Solutions Autonomous Fairway Mower, Turf Pro range of robot mowers and Range Pro ball picker – work on Real Time Kinematic (RTK) geo-positioning technology coming from a GPS based satellite system for ultra-precise navigation.

This functionality allows for areas to be mapped, setting invisible boundaries in which the machines can operate autonomously. When they reach the edge of the predefined work zone based on satellite positioning, they intelligently keep within it.

Operation is straight-forward: wireless monitoring and control of the units is through a computer or mobile phone where it is possible to customise working perimeters, no-go zones, mowing patterns, cutting height and transport paths.

No boundary wires are required, the mowers can mow a consistent pattern with minimal overlap and are accurate to two centimetres. The system can identify missed areas and will reroute the mower to cover them later.

Jon says: “These mowers free up your greenkeeping team to focus on the essential attentive care that the tees, greens, and bunkers require, while Toro technology carefully maintains the fairways and roughs, intelligently working with minimal input.”

The Toro GeoLink Solutions Autonomous Fairway Mower is a hybrid mower. It has a Kawasaki engine but steering, traction, lift and lowering of the cylinder units are electric. The mower still has a seat and a steering wheel; this is because it has both manual and autonomous modes. In manual it’ll operate just like a normal triplex so if the operator wants to move it to a new location that isn’t mapped yet or support a different area on the course, they can.

There are three fully robotic models in the Turf Pro range. There’s the choice of three or five cutting heads providing a cutting width of 63.3cm (25ins) in the Turf Pro 300 and 103.3cm (40.7ins) for the Turf Pro 500. They can mow up to 18.5 acres (75,000m2) and there’s a model for use on slopes of up to 24 degrees.

They are all-electric, self-charging and automatically return to the charging station. And through increased mowing frequency these mowers can purposefully remove less leaf tissue, producing shorter clippings and with adjustable mowing patterns can be utilised to achieve multiple aesthetics.

Jon concludes: “Toro developed this technology and these products in direct response to customer feedback and research. It was clear there was a changing mindset about what was needed regarding labour support, combatting increasing operational costs and how to approach mowing grass. This productive solution eases labour resource pains and provides operational cost savings with no change in Toro’s world-renowned cutting performance.”

To demo these new machines or talk to a Reesink representative about how this technology will boost productivity, visit Reesink Turfcare at reesinkturfcare.co.uk.

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Husqvarna’s AI-ready platform of robotic mowers

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Husqvarna’s AI-ready platform of robotic mowers: Husqvarna, a world leader in robotic mowing, proudly unveils its latest innovation: a new platform of autonomous robotic lawnmowers designed for commercial use.

The AI-ready platform includes two new robotic mowers launching in the UK – the Automower® 580L EPOS™ and Automower® 560 EPOS™, which are set to disrupt turf care in sports fields, golf courses and other commercial areas.

Husqvarna's AI-ready platform of robotic mowers

Husqvarna’s AI-ready platform of robotic mowers

Designed with a focus on performance, power and efficiency, the duo offer advanced autonomous capabilities, including wire-free mowing and selectable cutting patterns. The two new mowers, which will be available from March 2025, will enable businesses to effortlessly maintain their turf care whilst saving time, cuttings costs and enhance turf quality.

The platform expands Husqvarna’s portfolio of autonomous solutions, aligning with its vision of advancing the future of landscaping through smart technology and ensuring that commercial users have access to state-of-the-art solutions that drive productivity and deliver superior results.

“The demand for reliable commercial autonomous turf care solutions continues to rise. With the new products we can now address more customer needs and develop a new market segment for commercial robotic lawn mowers, building on the success from Husqvarna CEORA™,” said Glen Instone, President Forest & Garden at Husqvarna.Glen continues: “Husqvarna is taking this opportunity to redefine the segment, drawing on our unrivalled expertise in robotics and innovation to deliver cutting-edge solutions for professional landscapers. We’re ready to lead the charge.”

A future-proof eco system for sports, golf and facility management
The new platform is engineered to be future-proof, with the capability to incorporate new features as they become available. After launch, it will offer benefits like compatibility with a new solar panel charger for remote sites, tailored to work seamlessly with the platform. Furthermore, it is AI-ready, with its first applications being a camera that provides night vision and exceptional obstacle avoidance capabilities. The camera application will be available in 2026 and will be compatible with the three new models.

The new models in Husqvarna’s groundbreaking new platform are tailored to meet the diverse needs of commercial users:

Golf and Sports
Automower® 580L EPOS™: Geared towards golf courses and sports clubs, it comes equipped with a low-cut disc enabling cutting heights down to 10mm.The powerful cutting, wire-free operation and selectable mowing patterns makes this model ideal for mowing fairways or sports pitches. This model is optimised for maximum uptime with remote start options.

Facility Management
Automower® 560 EPOS™: Tailored for facilities management, this model is optimised for maximum uptime with remote start options, providing enhanced operational flexibility. It also features wire-free mowing with selectable patterns, and a flexible front wheel axle making it a reliable choice for hilly, large, and complex landscapes.

Key Facts about the new platform:
Automower® 580L EPOS™: Wire-free, powerful cutting down to 10mm, designed specifically for golf courses and sports clubs, with a low-cut disc for specific turf requirements.

  • Up to 16,000 m² (in 48h) (4 acres)
  • Cut height 10-50 mm (0.4-2”)
  • 45% slope performance
  • 80W cutting motor

RRP: £7,799.00 (inc. VAT)

Automower® 560 EPOS™: Designed for facilities with optimised uptime, remote start option, and wire-free mowing. Excellent slope performance thanks to the flexible front wheel axle.

  • Up to 12,000 m² (in 48h) (3 acres)
  • Cut height 20-60 mm (0.8-2.4”)
  • 50% slope performance
  • 40W cutting motor

RRP: £6,099.00 (inc. VAT)

The new platform will be available from March 2025. For more information on Husqvarna’s new robotic mowers and other innovative products, visit Husqvarna’s website: www.husqvarna.com/uk.

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Makita launches first robotic mower

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Makita launches first robotic mower: Makita continues to power the outdoors with its new robotic mower. Providing automatic mowing and charging, the RM350D Robotic Mower can cover lawns up to 3,500m2 and slopes of up to 26°. With a cutting width of 240mm, rapid charging capabilities and long uninterrupted usage time, the solution provides ultimate convenience for those looking for fuss-free lawn maintenance. 

The RM350D Robotic Mower is designed to mow the lawn and recharge automatically on its dedicated charging station. It cuts the grass into small pieces, leaving them on the lawn to act as a natural fertiliser. Thanks to the automatic cutting height adjustment, both the starting and target height of the lawn can be adjusted. Specifically, the cutting height can be adjusted from 20-60mm in precise 5mm increments.

Makita launches first robotic mower

Makita launches first robotic mower

The RM350D is simple to operate. Users simply need to set the boundary wires and guides and press go, with no need to download and sync up to an app. Four high quality brushless motors drive the blades and power the machine across the working area and once the battery has discharged, it automatically returns to its charging station and resumes mowing when the charging is completed, making it a totally autonomous system.

This design means the machine is not reliant on satellites for navigation control. As such, the RM350D is not incumbered by overhead obstructions such as trees, bushes and other garden features which may otherwise have restricted the cutting area.

Users will also enjoy the schedule settings feature, where the product can be programmed to run on specific days and times of the week – it simply leaves its charging station automatically, mows the lawn and then returns to the charging station independently.

In terms of maintenance, the RM350D simple to clean and reduce the burden of off-season maintenance. Its IPX5 rating means is can be cleaned with a hose – simply remove the top cover to wash the entire machine with water.

Matt Chilton, Product Manager at Makita UK commented: “We are delighted to add the RM350D to our growing outdoor collection. Thanks to battery operation, not only it is quieter, but also more environmentally friendly than a petrol powered lawnmower. It’s easy to set up and totally autonomous, meaning professionals can take care of other work on site while the robot takes care of the lawn. And with schedule setting capabilities, it has never been easier to manage and fulfil a lawncare timetable.”

To find out more about Makita and its range of products visit: www.makitauk.com.

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Segway launches Navimow robotic lawnmower

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Segway launches Navimow robotic lawnmower: Today, Segway launches its award-winning smart robotic lawnmower, Navimow in the UK, along with the innovative new AI-powered VisionFence Sensor.

Navimow is a unique robotic lawnmower that doesn’t require a perimeter wire, featuring smart app control, centimetre-precise positioning via Segway’s Exact Fusion Locating System (EFLS) and systematic mowing path, engineered to deliver perfectly manicured lawns.

Segway launches Navimow robotic lawnmower

Segway launches Navimow robotic lawnmower

New VisionFence Sensor with cutting-edge AI technology

Featuring built-in AI technology, Segway’s new VisionFence Sensor accessory enables Navimow to mow complex lawns more intelligently and accurately than ever before. The VisionFence Sensor’s dedicated AI chip and advanced visual recognition algorithm helps Navimow to recognise multiple objects more quickly and precisely. Incorporated with a neural network trained with massive real-world data, Navimow can always identify the lawn’s edge, even when the EFLS satellite is weak in areas with challenging layouts. Finally, the new sensor’s visual technology gives Navimow a greater ability to detect moving objects, which is helpful to protect small animals.

Intelligent lawn maintenance, quieter, safer and more durable than ever before

Designed for a lawn area of up to 3,000 square metres, the Segway Navimow is one of the most intelligent, quietest, and safest mowers on the market. The Exact Fusion Locating System allows Navimow to select the optimal mowing path and automatically change the mowing direction after completing a round of mowing, which avoids the traces left by repeated mowing paths and keeps your lawn in a healthier growth environment. The noise-level is minimised to a barely audible 54 decibels, the quietest of the industry, no louder than a standard electric toothbrush. Designed with safety in mind, Navimow has multiple built-in safety sensors, including an IMU and Lift sensor for front and rear lifting, along with the optional VisionFence and Bump sensors for obstacle avoidance. Obstacles such as flowerpots are automatically detected by the unit and bypassed. And the BladeHalt sensor provides an extra layer of safety, stopping the blades if an object has contact with the sensing area. Finally, with IPX6 waterproof level, Navimow is built to endure, and can be easily washed clean with a garden hose.

Smart Navimow app control: perfect lawn care with just a tap from anywhere

The Navimow app operates as both a knowledge hub and a smart remote control. With just a few simple taps, users can find detailed tutorial videos and straightforward guidelines that make Navimow installation a breeze to do. Users simply download the Navimow app from the App Store or Google Play and follow a set of simple instructions to map out a virtual boundary for their lawn. The average setup time is merely 20 to 30 minutes, if guidelines are followed correctly. In addition to using the Navimow app to set and adjust their mowing area, users can remotely operate and monitor the mower with ease from anywhere at any time. Plus, in addition to being able to easily check the real-time mower status, adjust the mowing schedule or set an anti-theft alarm, users always have access to the latest Navimow features by downloading over-the-air (OTA) updates via the app. The app can also be used for height adjustment, with 7 blade disc-height positions available for grass lengths between 30 mm and 60 mm.

George Ren, CEO of Segway Navimow BU, commented: “Segway has applied its extensive robotics knowledge to products ranging from self-balancing scooters to delivery robots, and we first entered the lawnmowing robotics market in 2021. Last year, we delivered the Navimow in 12 countries in Europe. First-hand feedbacks from thousands of users helped us continuously optimize our product. Many new features are added in response to users’ requests, like partial adjustment of the virtual boundary, night mode, etc.”

“Navimow customers avoid the hassle of perimeter wires and can be confident their mower will follow a pre-determined route, only veering off course to avoid unexpected obstacles. With Navimow and our latest VisionFence Sensor, we have delivered a robotic lawnmower that is intuitive, intelligent, and independent. Navimow’s advanced understanding of its surroundings and ability to adapt to unexpected scenarios make the user’s life as simple as possible, as they barely lift a finger to achieve the perfect lawn.”

Phil Noble, Divisional Sales Manager of E.P Barrus commented: “We are really excited to be distributing Segway Navimow robotic mowers in the UK. We are impressed with how the product has changed and improved over the last 12 months. The addition of the new VisionFence accessory, which we believe is a real industry first, combines both technologies of GPS / RTK via the EFLS system, and the use of camera technology, to enable the robot to continue even if the signal is weak. This is going to really help the UK market where we have much smaller, intricate gardens.”
“We believe that having quality products from a well-recognised brand combined with market leading prices will mean that many first-time gardeners can enjoy the freedom of owning a robotic mower.”

Pricing and where to buy
Navimow is available to buy now. With four different models, Navimow’s MSRP ranges between £1,299 and £2,299. VisionFence Sensor will be available in March as an optional extra, with an MSRP of £269.99. Until May 31st 2023 customers who buy a Navimow can get a VisionFence Sensor at a discount price of £169.99.

Prior to purchase, a checklist is available for customers to determine whether Navimow can achieve optimal mowing performance on their lawns. Multiple aspects, for example, the shape of the garden and presence of large buildings or tall trees, are put into consideration to give customers the best advice. Whether or not customers are in possession of the VisionFence Sensor will also affect the result. After the checklist is finished, a unique code will be sent to customers, and they will need the code to activate the mower. The checklist can be found here: https://navimow.segway.com/CheckList

To find your local dealer go to Navimow’s official website: https://navimow.segway.com/wheretobuy

Come and see us on stand H025 at The Garden Press Event on 21st February 2023 www.gardenpressevent.co.uk

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