Highlighting the growth of autonomous products, this article shows how technologies such as real-time kinematic GNSS are driving the evolution of robotic lawnmowers.
U-blox has announced project wins in the robotic lawnmower sector by partnering with the majority of manufacturers in the space. Revenue of $100 million is expected over time, starting 2024. This accomplishment positions the company as a dominant force in high-precision GNSS technology and underlines its positioning and influence in shaping the future of robotic lawnmowing.
The robotic lawnmower (RLM) market is experiencing significant growth. According to a 2023 ABI report, the market will have 2.6 million units in 2024 and is estimated to grow by about 18.5 per cent in coming years. U-blox expects high-precision GNSS technology to reach a 33 per cent penetration rate in this market by
the end of the decade, exemplifying the category of machines suitable for a range of autonomous robotic applications across manufacturing, logistics, infrastructure monitoring, smart cities and other IoT segments.
Traditional robotic lawnmowers, which typically rely on buried boundary wires to define the mowing area, can be labour-intensive to install and maintain due to their susceptibility to damage. Mowers with basic sensors often navigate in random patterns with rudimentary obstacle avoidance, leading to inefficient coverage. The inefficiency of their navigation means they consume more time and electricity, raising operational costs.
Advances in GNSS technology, particularly real-time kinematic GNSS systems capable of delivering centimetre-level accuracy, have made it possible to significantly enhance the performance of RLMs. Precise positioning and navigation eliminate the need for boundary wires; ensure systematic mowing without overlap; provide even mowing and desired patterns while protecting sensitive areas like flowerbeds from accidental damage; and enhance the lawn’s aesthetic appeal by creating pleasing stripe patterns or intricate designs. Overall high-precision positioning technology saves time, energy and operational expenses.
U-blox CEO, Stephan Zizala, said: “I am pleased with u-blox’s achievement in the robotic lawnmower sector and extend my gratitude to our partners for the trust they placed in us. Achieving centimetre- level accuracy in GNSS broadens the possibilities for implementing this technology across multiple markets. I am confident that we’ll witness a growing adoption of high-precision positioning technology in various products. With u-blox’s technological edge in the field, we will continue collaborating with our customers on innovative solutions.”