Honda Demonstrates Robotic Lawn Mower

The car and motorcycle maker that also manufactures yard equipment said today it will begin demonstrating its Miimo robotic lawn mower during the Honda Classic – a PGA tour event that runs from Feb. 25 to March 3 at the PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.

Honda currently sells the Miimo only in Europe but is using the demonstrations in part to test the potential market in the U.S. It is the company’s first commercial robotic product for domestic use. Honda said it designed the Miimo to require “minimal human interaction” while saving time and effort in producing a manicured lawn.

The mower operates continuously, either mowing or charging its lithium-ion battery. It makes several sorties every week, cutting about two to three millimeters of grass each time. Honda said this method result in less stress and better growth for the lawn, and eliminates the need to collect the clippings, because they are tiny.

The Miimo uses sensors and a boundary wire underground or in the grass around the perimeter of the mowing area. It senses the electronic signal in the wire and stays within the boundary. The mower also monitors its battery level and returns to a docking station when it needs to recharge.