A robot lawnmower that does without perimeter cable is not new. But Segway’s proposition for a perimeter cable-free navigation is GPS on its Navimow lawnmower robot. I know. GPS’ accuracy is questionable – unless it is military-grade.
And so, Segway’s first robot lawn mower also has a thing called Exact Fusion Locating System (EFLS) that can maintain Navimow’s position “accurate within two centimeters.” That’s just .8-inch which is bonkers. To put things in perspective, GPS-enabled smartphones “are typically accurate to within a 4.9 m (16 ft.) radius under the open sky.”
Given how cranky GPS can be, the Segway Navimow does have a failsafe. In the event that the GPS signal drops, the sensors and data onboard the robot should ensure its continued functionality.
As with many such devices, you can define the mowing boundaries, set no-go zone, and what not using an app. After the need-to-mow area is set, Navimow’s algorithm will take it from there.
Other features include quiet 54 dB operating noise, offset blades for edges and corners, gradual cutting height (3 to 6 centimeters), IPX6 water resistance, powerful enough to handle up to 45-degree inclination, and sensors for detecting obstacles and rain.
The device will bypass the former and stop the blades if the “obstacles” get too close. As for the former, it can stop working if it detects rain, but you can choose to turn it off so it could go on working during wet weather.
Segway Navimow Robot Lawnmower will be available in EU markets first. There are four versions. The basic model H500E, which costs €1,199 (about US$1,424), will cover up to 5,400 square feet.
The other three models have a starting price of €2,499 (around US$2,968), will be able to cover larger lawns, plus support for 4G, and features an anti-theft system. Strange that the latter isn’t available on the basic model since the entry model is not exactly cheap.
Images: Segway.
via Engadget.
