Boundary threads could quickly become something in the past, but modern navigation technology of the robot lawn mower is not without problems. Most lawns find their way using satellites, with an RTK receiver to make location information more precise. Sometimes this is combined with backup technology like VSlam and / or cameras.
The most recent launch of mammotion leads things to another level, with a three-part approach that includes RTK, a 3D camera and a semiconductor Lidar. The inclusion of Lidar is the most interesting (so interesting that the mammotion called it in the product name: the Luba Mini AWD Lidar) – It is the navigation technology that propels the best robot vacuums today, but I have never seen it in a robot mower before.
The idea is that the Luba Mini AWD Lidar will exchange between these different navigation technologies to offer “± 1 cm of precision in any situation”. Each technology has its strengths and weaknesses, which is why the addition of various options is logical.
The Lidar works by emitting beams of light and measuring how long they take to bounce back, then using this information to build a card of an area and all that it contains. It is very precise and ideal for closed spaces with things in them (hence its popularity with robot vacuum cleaners), but less in open areas that lack items to bounce.
RTK is your standard lawn technology. It is less precise than Lidar and relies on a direct line of view towards a certain number of satellites in the sky, which means that it can be difficult to operate under trees or in narrow passages. However, it is perfect for wide and open areas.
The 3D camera is useful for the identification and avoidance of objects, but it needs light to function properly. On the other hand, RTK and Lidar both operate in the dark and are effective in the umbed areas.
With “Tri-Fusion” technology of Mammotion, the Luba Mini AWD Lidar will automatically choose the best approach for a given space. Thus, when there is a bad satellite signal, the Lidar could embark on open obstacles open areas, RTK would take over as a main positioning source.
This brand already manufactures some of the most advanced robot mowers (head to the Mammotion Luba 2 AWD Review of Techradar for a tasting), so I am delighted to see how this new addition resists, having seen it in action at IFA 2025.
