Setting Up Robotic Lawn Mowers Without Perimeter Wires: A 2024 Comprehensive Guide

The ‘set it and forget it’ feature of modern robotic lawn care ensures even the busiest grounds maintenance teams or gardeners can maintain beautiful lawns effortlessly. These devices are designed to precisely follow programmed boundaries and maintain the exact cutting height you’ve set, without deviation.

In this blog, we’re diving into the setup of robotic lawn mowers, exploring the role of perimeter wires and how newer models operate effectively without them.

What is a perimeter wire and how does it contain a robotic mower?

A perimeter wire is a wire embedded into the ground, marking the boundary of the area you want your robotic mower to stay within. It allows the robot mower to easily navigate the mowing area and identify its exact location within the plot. The system works by transferring a signal between the wire and the device, ensuring uninterrupted operation regardless of weather or visibility, as the wire is embedded in the ground.

However, the manual installation of this wire means that setting up your robot mower takes time and energy. Additionally, it can be challenging to transfer the mower between different spaces, making it less practical for grounds maintenance teams with multiple sites.

This is where non-wired mowers become a game-changer.

How do wireless robotic mowers identify boundaries?

Modern cordless robotic mowers utilize advanced GPS technology, often referred to as RTK (Real-Time Kinetic positioning), to determine their location and mowing boundaries. Unlike early models that required perimeter wires, these devices rely on precise satellite signals to navigate and stay within defined limits.

RTK allows the mower to identify its position with exceptional accuracy, ensuring no area is missed or over-mown. This targeted GPS technology makes wire-free mowers ideal for dynamic environments and commercial operations.

What is RTK and how does it work?

RTK, or Real-Time Kinetic positioning, connects local GPS with a fixed satellite to provide real-time, highly accurate location data to the mower. This technology allows the device to recognize its position on a plot of land and stay within set boundaries without the need for physical wires.

However, certain conditions, such as large obstacles or weak signals, can affect RTK performance. To address this, some users install mobile beacons along boundary lines, providing an additional signal source to ensure seamless operation. This setup can enhance the reliability of wireless robotic mowers over vast areas.

How does a wireless robotic mower navigate obstacles?

We’re often asked how these devices handle obstacles like benches, garden furniture, or unexpected hazards such as pet waste. Modern robotic mowers feature AI-driven sensors and cameras that allow them to detect and navigate around obstacles. They can differentiate between dense patches of grass and solid objects, deciding whether to mow over or avoid them.

If any issues arise, such as blocked paths, the mower sends a notification to the connected app, enabling quick resolution. For more information, refer to our troubleshooting guide.

Perimeter wire or no perimeter wire?

Choosing between a robotic mower with a perimeter wire and a wire-free model depends on your specific needs. Perimeter wires are highly reliable and less affected by signal interruptions, making them suitable for environments with challenging conditions. However, they require significant effort to install and lack the flexibility of wireless mowers.

On the other hand, GPS-enabled wireless mowers are ideal for clients who need quick setup or frequently change mowing locations. They’re versatile, user-friendly, and perfect for grounds maintenance teams or businesses managing multiple sites. Learn more about choosing the right mower for your needs.

For tailored advice or help setting up your mower, don’t hesitate to contact the Groundtech team. We’re here to help you find the perfect solution for your lawn care needs.

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