GNSS positioning boost for robot lawnmowers
Swiss positioning module maker u-blox has won several significant projects for robot lawnmowers (RLMs)
u-blox says it has partnered with the majority of manufacturers of robot lawnmowers to use its GNSS positioning modules and expects to see over $100m in revenue as a result.
The deals highlight the importance of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology with centimetre accuracy to locate an RLM during operation.
Traditional robotic lawnmowers typically rely on buried boundary wires to define the mowing area which 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.
The advancements in GNSS technology, particularly the development of real-time kinematic (RTK) GNSS systems capable of delivering centimeter-level accuracy, have made it possible to significantly enhance the performance of RLMs in a sustainable manner. 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 effortlessly creating pleasing stripe patterns or intricate designs. Overall high-precision positioning technology saves time, energy, and operational expenses, even with the cost of a commercial RTK service which broadcasts correction data for the GNSS module.
The robotic lawnmower market is experiencing significant growth. According to an ABI report (2023), the robotic lawnmower market will have 2.6 million units in 2024 and is estimated to grow by about 18.5% in the next years.
u-blox expects high-precision GNSS technology to reach a 33% penetration rate in this market by the end of the decade, tapping into the same requirements as manufacturing, logistics, infrastructure monitoring, smart cities, and other Internet of Things (IoT) segments.
“Achieving centimeter-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,” said Stephan Zizala, CEO at u-blox.
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