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Lawnbots have come a long way in the past few years
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An account already exists for this email address, please log in. Subscribe to our newsletterRobot mowers have come a long way in recent years. I got a sneak peek at 2026's new lawnbots at CES, and they're ultra-capable and packed with advanced tech. One of the standout brands I got to check out was Segway Navimow, and afterwards, I was able to speak with CEO George Ren about the changing landscape in the market and the challenges that still need to be overcome.
"Today, the real standard is no longer simply 'wire free' but 'senseless intelligence'," he explains. "That is, whether the robot can be like an invisible gardener, adapting perfectly to complex environments without user intervention, and making users feel relaxed and worry-free throughout the entire process."
Many people still think robotic lawn mowers only work on perfectly flat lawns, that they're unsafe, or that they need constant supervision
George Ren, CEO Segway Navimow
Segway Navimow is expanding its range with five new robot mowers, and included in those are a couple of significant technical improvements. One is upgraded navigation technology – as with many lawnbot brands, Navimow now has a LiDAR-based model, which will offer effortless navigation in smaller, enclosed yards that have a lot of obstacles. The other is 'Xero-Turn' technology, which enables the bot to make tight pivots without dragging on the grass.
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"[These upgrades] will bring substantial improvements to the user experience," says George. "They are backed by massive algorithmic engineering with one sole objective: ensuring that users, over long-term use, hardly ever need to think about 'localization' as an issue."
Further to that, Segway Navimow has also focused heavily on making sure its bots can adapt to extreme weather and tricky terrain. The team has even worked on "simulating the random path patterns of manual mowing to make the results of machine operations closer to the "texture of human care," reveals George.
Breaking expectations
However, George emphasizes that while these technical breakthroughs are important, more vital is making sure they resonate with customers. "Users don't care about RTK or AI algorithms, but only about whether lawn mowing is aesthetically pleasing and whether product use is hassle-free," he says.
The fact that George mentions "wire-free" mowing in his answers is significant – wires are essentially a thing of the past on the robot mower market, but the message hasn't necessarily filtered through to the general public. There are further misconceptions to take down, too.
Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inboxContact me with news and offers from other Future brandsReceive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsorsBy submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over."Many people still think robotic lawn mowers only work on perfectly flat lawns, that they're unsafe, or that they need constant supervision," he says. "In reality, the technology built into this year's range is designed for complex, real-world gardens, built with multiple layers of safety, and operates autonomously with very little day-to-day involvement from the user."
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Ruth HamiltonSocial Links NavigationHomes EditorRuth is TechRadar's Homes Editor specializing in air (vacuum cleaners, fans, air purifiers), and hair (hair dryers, straighteners and stylers). She has been in consumer journalism since 2020, reviewing and writing about everything from outdoor kit to mattresses and wellness gadgets, with stints on Tom's Guide and T3.
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