Segway Navimow robot lawnmower launches in UK

Segway, the company best known for its discontinued two-wheeler, is today launching its award-winning Navimow smart robotic lawn mower in the UK.

Navimow was available for purchase in 12 European countries last year and finally hit the market. There is no news yet on whether the company plans to launch in the US and when.

There are four different models in the Navimow series, priced between £1,299 and £2,299 depending on the size of the lithium-ion battery and therefore the recommended cutting area, which starts at 500m.² and rises up to 3000 m.².

To be clear, the Navimow is not a ride device. It’s essentially a robot vacuum for your garden, except it mows the lawn instead of vacuuming the floor. But while robotic vacuum cleaners have become relatively commonplace in the UK, robotic lawnmowers are still quite rare.

Unlike some competitors, Navimow does not require users to install physical restraint cords or bands. Instead, virtual boundaries are set through the included app.

After downloading the app, available for both Apple and Android, and pairing the robot, the user creates a map and defines boundaries. Segway estimates that the entire setup process will take 20-30 minutes.

Once it’s ready to go, the user can set a mowing schedule, remotely control the Navimow, and check its progress through the app. There is also the possibility of fine tuning the mowing process, precisely adjusting the height of the cutting blade depending on the length of the grass from 30 to 60 mm.

Navimow navigates with GPS using what Segway calls its Exact Fusion Location System (EFLS), which also allows it to identify and avoid obstacles like flower pots. It will follow the precise mowing path that a healthy lawn should provide.

It also has some other nice features like an anti-theft alarm that you can set remotely, its IPX6 water resistance so you can just hose it down to clean, and its industry-leading 54dB noise level.

Segway Navimow BU CEO George Wren said, “The Navimow’s enhanced understanding of their surroundings and ability to adapt to unexpected scenarios make life as easy as possible for the user as they hardly lift a finger to get the perfect lawn.”

And, if the thought of letting a bladed robot roam your garden freely makes you shudder, its safety measures include BladeHalt, which will stop the mower when a sensor is triggered, and moving object detection, which will help you avoid any small animals unfortunate enough to cross his path.

If your garden layout is more complex or you have poor satellite reception, you may need a VisionFence sensor as an add-on. It is equipped with a special artificial intelligence chip and a visual recognition algorithm that will improve the robot’s ability to navigate, detect obstacles and avoid them. It’s an expensive £269.99 accessory, but you’ll be given a garden checklist before you buy to let you know if you need one.

Buy before the end of May and you can get the VisionFence sensor at a discounted price of £169.99.

The Navimow is already available for purchase on the Segway Navimow website, where you can find a complete list of local dealerships.