Robotic and smart lawn mowers need to operate autonomously, navigate diverse environments and communicate efficiently with users or other systems. To fulfil these requirements, there are a number of wireless technologies available that each bring different features to the table.
In this article, we will unpack each of these wireless technologies and present the benefits they bring to robotic and smart lawn mower designs.
Cellular connectivity (4G/5G)
For more advanced or commercial-grade robotic lawnmowers, cellular connectivity plays a crucial role. Using 4G or 5G networks, these devices can communicate with cloud platforms, allowing users to remotely monitor the mower’s performance or issue commands. This also opens up the possibility for over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates, which is essential for fixing bugs, improving algorithms or adding new features without needing to recall the product.
As 5G networks become more widespread, the low-latency benefits and increased data throughput will enable real-time control of robotic mowers, even from a distant location. This connectivity also allows integration with other smart devices and systems, creating a connected ecosystem.
Key benefits
- Wide coverage with strong signal.
- Enables remote monitoring and updates.
- Suitable for real-time communication.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi solutions
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi communications are integral to the operation of robotic lawnmowers, especially in environments where real-time data exchange is necessary. Many designs use these technologies for short-range communication with their charging station or with other mowers in multi-device setups. Additionally, Bluetooth is used for short-range control via mobile apps whereas Wi-Fi is used in smart models that connect to home networks for remote control.
Key benefits
- Low power consumption
- Suitable for short-range communication
- Easy to integrate
Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
GNSS, including GPS, plays a key role in providing locational data for robotic lawnmowers, particularly for anti-theft purposes. While it can assist with basic location tracking, GNSS is often used as a backup system to help recover stolen mowers by providing real-time location updates. GNSS also supports the navigation process by helping optimise mower paths, especially in larger or more complex areas.
Key benefits
- Positional accuracy.
- Enables autonomous navigation.
- Global tracking for anti-theft.
Low Power Wide Area Networks (LPWAN)
LPWAN technologies such as NB-IoT offer long-range communication with low power consumption, making it ideal for transmitting data over large distances. It is valuable for monitoring large-scale operations, where lawnmowers need to communicate status updates or operational data to centralised systems. However, this technology is somewhat niche in the context of robotic lawnmowers due to its low data transmission rate and is typically used in specific industrial applications rather than consumer.
Key benefits
- Long-range communication.
- Low power consumption.
- Ideal for large, open areas.
Get industry-leading wireless support with Antenova
The design of robotic lawnmowers depends on a seamless integration of various technologies to ensure autonomous, efficient and reliable operation. GNSS provides accurate positioning, LPWAN offers long-range communication with minimal power consumption, cellular connectivity enables remote management and both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi solutions support short-range communication. Antenna performance is critical across all these technologies, ensuring strong and consistent wireless communication, even in challenging environments.
For engineers designing these systems, choosing the right combination of technologies and the antenna solutions can greatly enhance the performance and efficiency of the final product. Antenova’s range of high-performance antennas, optimised for Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular networks and other technologies can be an ideal addition to ensure your lawnmower designs operate smoothly in any setting. Get in touch with our team today for industry-leading wireless support for your design.
