FAQ's & Benefits

• Wired vs RTK vs Vision vs 3D LiDAR SLAM?
  • Robotic mowers using a Perimeter/boundary wire
    A boundary wire is placed or buried around the edge of your lawn and any obstacles your robotic mower should avoid. This wire is fully customizable so the mower reaches only what it’s supposed to and leaves the rest.
    Pros: More choice of brands/models available, no issues with buildings or trees, no issues working in varied lighting conditions.
    Cons: Installation is more time consuming, possibility of wire breaks
  • Random mowing vs systematic mowing
    Wired mowers use a Random mowing algorithm, which is based on the time needed to compete cutting a certain size area. The mower will make multiples passes over the same area from different angles, which results in a smooth carpet like result (striping/pattern cutting is not possible). RTK/GNSS and some vision-based mowers have the ability of systematic mowing, where they can mow in stripes or patterns. Systematic mowing is also more efficient – typically being able to mow twice the area of random in the same time.
  • RTK/GNSS robotic mowers
    GNSS RTK stands for Global Navigation Satellite System Real-Time Kinematic. It is a technique used in satellite-based positioning systems to provide highly accurate positioning information in real-time. GNSS is a general term for global navigation satellite systems like GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, and BeiDou.
    RTK works by using data from a fixed reference station, which continuously transmit corrections for satellite signals based on their known positions. A mobile receiver on the mower can then use this correction data to compute its own precise position relative to the reference station.
    Pros: Faster and easier to install and modify than a wired mowers.
    Cons: Limitations of poor GPS signal when used heavy tree coverage or taller/metal buildings.
  • Vision-based robotic mowers
    There are multiple approaches to Vision based robotic mowers, some use sensors/cameras to detect boundaries and obstacles while others use cameras to make a virtual map of your lawn and any obstacles.
    Pros: Faster and easier to install than a wired mower
    Cons: Camera and sensor based system have issue with low light conditions so cannot work at night
  • RTK with 3D LiDAR SLAM robotic mowers
    SLAM stands for simultaneous localization and mapping (sometimes called synchronized localization and mapping). It is the process of mapping an area whilst keeping track of the device’s location within that area. This is what makes mobile mapping possible.
    A LiDAR-based SLAM system uses a laser sensor to generate a 3D map of its environment. LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) measures the distance to an object by illuminating the object using an active laser “pulse”. These high-precision distance measurements can be used along with GNSS/RTK to fill in the “blind spots” caused by poor GPS reception.
    Pros: Faster and easier to install and modify than wired mowers, more reliable than GPS/RTK only systems as it will work in “blind spots” where the GPS signal is bad
    Cons: It is still an emerging technology, and no proven/tested mower is currently available

The main advantage of All/4-wheel drive is the ability to operate on steeper slopes/inclines where a 2-wheel drive model might lose traction. All wheel drive models can typically operate up to 70-75% (35-37 degrees) where a 2 wheel drive can operate between 25-45% (14-24 degrees)

Some robotic mowers have better edging capability depending onwheel design and maneuverability. A robotic lawn mower uses a buried wire or a virtual map (depending on mower type) to navigate the edges of your lawn to ensure a clean cut in any area you need mowed. These mowers are designed to overlap the wire to ensure that all of the grass is cut, however you will still need to trim in areas where the grass grows along a wall. This trimming is needed because the robotic mowing blades are recessed from the edge fore safety regulations.

Most robotic mowers and work with multiple areas/zones and some can also work with separated zones. Automow can help you choose the right mower for your needs.

Better than a riding mower. Today’s autonomous mowers can manage slopes up to 45% (24 degrees) and with All wheel drive models up to 70-75% (35-37 degrees).

Some units  have Rain Sensors and will stop work and go back to the charging station when it senses rain (or sprinklers), but some are designed to run in the rain and because of their unique design will also not “tear” wet grass like other mowers.

Depending on what model you have, either a boundary wire or “virtual boundary” (with RKT/GNSS models) is installed around the edge of your lawn and any obstacles it should avoid. Both wired or virtual boundaries are fully customizable so the mower reaches only what it’s supposed to and leaves the rest.

No problem. Both RTK/GNSS or wired, remote object sensors and GPS are used to handle even the most demanding lawns.

Some robotic mowers have better edging capability depending on wheel design and maneuverability.
Automow can help you choose the right mower for your needs.

Product Quiz

• Sensors
  • All modern robotic mowers have safety sensor features, including lift/bump sensors. Some also have ultra-sonic or vision sensors to identify and avoid obstacles.
• Anti-Theft
  • Most models include an Anti-Theft code which is needed to operate or change settings, these usually have an audible alarm if the mower is moved without entering the code.
  • Some models are equipped with Geofence, where you will get notified if you mower exceeds your preset Geofence area and allows you to see where your mower is in the care of theft (certain limitations apply).

Automow can help you choose the right mower for your needs.

Running costs depend on a few factors: The size of your lawn, how often you mow your lawn, length of your mowing season. But generally they only use about $20-$75 of electricity per season.

Most models typically range from 0.25 acre to 1.25 acre, but some RTK/GNSS models will cut up to 2.5 acres (using systematic mowing).

Commercial models can mow up to 18 acres.

Mowers typically run 60-90 minutes before returning to their base to charge.

On average, most standard units take 60-120 minutes for a full charge.

Every model is made for different size lawns, so it depends on which one you purchase. All robotic mowers are meant to cut your lawn several times weekly to keep your grass healthier. Some automatic lawn mowers are also faster than others. Other factors include the season, the type of grass on your lawn, and whether the grass is irrigated or treated. Check with your Autmow professional to help you determine which model would best suit your lawn size.

Cutting heights vary between different brands and models, and some have standard and high-cut versions, but generally, they can cut as low as 0.8 inches or as high as 4 inches.

If you don’t know your lawn size, there are tools available online to help you:
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps
Type in your address, then zoom in and click on layers. Right-click and select “Measure distance,” then drop points around the property.
MeasureMyLawn: https://www.measuremylawn.com
Type in your address, click “Start Measuring, then click on the “Create a new measurement” icon on the right and drop points.

No – mowers are built for lawns up to 1.25 acres (wireless mowers up to 2.5 acres) and multiple units can maintain larger yards.

If you choose our professional installation, we will bury the boundary and other guide wires for you. Our technicians have the experience and know the best way to install your mower on your property.
You can also do this yourself, but many DIY kits include above-ground wire and small stakes designed to grow into your lawn quickly.

Clear any debris, toys, sticks, or stones before operation on the lawn. Large obstacles can be made into No-go zones to prevent mowers entering certain areas (swimming pools, flower beds, lawn furniture etc.) – either wired or virtual No-go zones for wireless mowers.