Garden Gadgets, Home Automation, Home Gadgets, Robot Gadgets
Dawn of the RoboLawn
When I visited Epcot Center at Disney World for my honeymoon in 1994, one of memorable products I saw showcased was a prototype robotic lawnmower. Well, in 2007 K.A. Home Robotics has introduced the LawnBot for those of us who don’t live in the “experimental prototype community of tomorrow.”
The LawnBot isn’t related to iRobot’s successful and innovative Roomba, but it does share similar features. Working autonomously by means of its preprogrammed computer and a perimeter cable, the LawnBot can mow up to three separate sectors totaling 33,000 square feet and then return itself to its recharging dock.
The perimeter cable provides the LawnBot’s computer with necessary lawn dimensions thanks to faint signal that it transmits directly to the unit. LawnBot can still mow without this signal, but a fence or small border must enclose the working area at least 4 inches tall.
And when it runs into an uneven grass surface, of thicker or taller grass, the program will begin a technique of spiraling spiral outward from that area to even out grass height and eliminate any missed areas.
Sadly, for the cost of one model ($1750, almost $3,000 for the Bluetooth-compatible model), you can own almost 10 Roombas. So it’s probably a better idea to wait and see what more affordable options come from iRobot.
Join 7 Comments
Sam Says: May 5, 2007 at 11:33 am
Ditto on Melodie Lane’s comment. We’ve got a Friendly Robotics RL-850 and LOVE IT. We used it all last summer and it’d be working on the front lawn right now were it not raining. Their prices are reasonable, too. Our decision was getting it or a riding lawnmower. The prices are about the same, so why get something I have to be on while it’s mowing the lawn? With the robomower, it can mow while I do the trim work (which I’d have to do with the riding mower,too). I can do other yard work while it’s mowing or, even better, do whatever I want to do!
For anyone looking to get a riding mower, consider the Friendly Robotics mowers!
Gadgets in glyphs (again) » Coolest Gadgets Says: May 7, 2007 at 4:48 pm
[...] Dawn of the RoboLawn [...]
A Robo Future | In A Mood – but aren’t we all? Says: May 9, 2007 at 7:13 am
[...] likes to watch it…some form of stress relief. Anywho, so today I saw an article on a LawnBot and immediately thought of her and of course sent her the link. She doesn’t yet have a yard [...]
Kerry Says: June 14, 2007 at 9:21 am
I have the Lawnbott Super Evolution in my front yard and Robomower RL1000 in my back yard. Both do an excellent job but the Lawnbott is so much more fun to watch. I wrote a review of them.
Moe Says: July 5, 2007 at 8:47 pm
Check out the videos on robolawn.ca
Jeff Says: April 20, 2009 at 12:20 pm
The LB3500 line from Lawnbott-central.com has superior mowing ability and safety features. Far more advanced than the Robomow from Friendly Robotics. Handles steeper hills, deeper grass and mows more area.
Worth the look.
Melodie Lane Says: May 5, 2007 at 9:46 am
WAKE UP! Friendly Robotics has been selling their RL series Robomowers for almost 10 years. They work great on average lawns. I think they have better safety features and are better looking. Not to mention lower cost.