Experts Say the ‘New Normal’ in 2025 Will Be Far More Tech-Driven, Presenting More Big Challenges
I Met Marvel's First Family Robot H.E.R.B.I.E, And It's Left Me Even More Excited For The Fantastic Four Movie
In less than a month's time, Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm and Ben Grimm will hit the big screen in Marvel's The Fantastic Four: First Steps across the globe. And with its premiere date of July 25 fast approaching, Disney and Marvel are squarely focused on the first family's reintroduction into the cinematic universe.
I've been itching to see the much-anticipated film ever since the first teaser trailer for The Fantastic Four: First Steps was released, and while the final trailer for First Steps has got my excitement levels at new heights, the film's merchandise looks just as exciting to tide me over. I had the chance to check out all the new First Steps products and drops – yes, there's a new Lego set featuring the Family Plus and Galactus – plus some impressive watches from Citizen and Fossil.
More importantly, though, I got to meet the comic book family's robot H.E.R.B.I.E. In real life, and it's left me even more excited for the film. Mainly because I want to see how this robot will play a role in the movie, as it's the Fantastic's trusty assistant and helper around the home. It was an impressive robot demo, and yes, H.E.R.B.I.E. Was plenty of fun, and had quite a busy week, from hanging out at this event in NYC to appearing at a few other events and even finding time to visit a theater or two.
Don't miss theseSadly, a life-size, fully functional H.E.R.B.I.E. Robot is not for sale. The robot, along with the four Fantastics, including 'The Thing', will eventually debut at Tomorrowland at the Disneyland Resort in California later this summer. Still, the good news is that there are some impressive products available now or on order, with shipping dates scheduled for later this year.
Ahead, I'm sharing my favorite picks from The Fantastic Four collections.
I'll be updating this as we get closer to the launch and more products end up dropping. One of those will be a return of the classic 'The Thing' Hands, that do indeed smash and bash when you hit them together. These were a lot of fun in a quick demo.
Probably the most exciting part of the products dropping to celebrate the film would be a new watch from Fossil. While it may not be as smart as devices with sensors and a screen, like the Apple Watch Series 10 or Galaxy Watch 7, it certainly has its utility.
It's modeled off of what Reed Richards (aka Mister Fantastic) will be wearing in the film and screams retro, but also hints at the future. Additionally, it features an LCD screen to display the time, and a secondary analog clock is located at the bottom. It features numerous embellishments, including a Fantastic 4 logo in blue at the bottom, centered. However, the majority of the hull is made of silver aluminum, with dials and buttons located on the right side.
The replica is fascinating because it looks like a timepiece you might have worn in the 1960s or 1970s, but that never actually existed in either decade. It looks like a tiny TV on your wrist, but with a monochrome digital main screen that can only tell you the time. There are quite a few buttons, but they're more like a puzzle where you have to figure out which ones do anything. We'd call it the rare gadget that compels through sheer will of its fake nostalgia.
The watch will drop on July 7, 2025, and is likely to be a hard, limited-edition item, with only 904 being produced. It'll launch alongside a more modern, circular 48mm case, Galactus-themed watch with a great graphic watch face, and sleek hues of purple. It's also limited to 683 being produced.
There's also a Fantastic Four-themed watch dropping from Citizen, which replaces the classic four prominent fixtures on a watch face with a nod to the four heroes of the film. All of those details will sit over a light blue main watch face, and the whole construction of the timepiece is from Citizen's Super Titanium material. It's a limited edition, though; a specific number of units has not been shared.
You might also likeWhich 48V BLDC Controller Fits Your Robot Or E-Bike? (2025 Review)
Selecting a 48V BLDC motor controller can be more difficult than it seems, particularly if you're converting an e-bike on a tight budget or developing a robot from the ground up. In addition to determining whether the motor spins, the controller also determines how easily your system starts, how hot it operates, and how much battery life you get.
In this post, we'll examine some real-world models that builders are utilizing in 2025 and go over what matters most when choosing a controller.
A 48V BLDC Motor Controller: What Is It?Brushless DC motors, which are more dependable and efficient than brushed ones, are
There are two varieties of BLDC motors: sensored and sensorless. Simpler and less expensive, sensorless controllers may have trouble at low speeds. Better low-speed control and smoother starts are provided by sensored motors, which use Hall sensors to determine the location of the rotor. For robotic movements or stop-and-go riding, that is helpful.
A Sensored BLDC Motor—like those used in torque-sensitive e-bikes—is the safer option for e-bikes that can climb slopes or delivery robots. Sensorless systems typically work well for high-speed cruising configurations. However, motor type has only one component. You must also consider current ratings, control modes, and the controller's integration with the rest of your system in order to achieve the desired performance, whether it be torque, range, or thermal stability.
Next, let's dissect those crucial elements to determine which controller best suits your project.
Current Rating and Load HandlingControllers are rated by continuous and peak current. If your e-bike motor draws 30A peak during acceleration, a controller rated at 50–70A peak is ideal. In robotics, torque spikes can be unpredictable, so leaving headroom is safer.
Some models like the Kelly KLS series allow tuning peak current and throttle curves via software. That helps prevent overload and tailors response for different applications.
Control Modes: What Your Project NeedsControllers may support one or more control modes:
If you're using an encoder or advanced feedback system, check that your controller supports position mode. Otherwise, you may face instability or dead zones in control.
Three-Phase Motor Control in 48V BLDC SystemsThree-phase motor control is an ideal choice for applications that require higher efficiency and greater power output. Compared with traditional single-phase motors, three-phase motors can provide smoother operation and stronger power output, especially suitable for high-load environments such as e-bikes and robots. In a 48V BLDC control system, three-phase motor control can effectively manage the speed, torque and steering of the motor while reducing heat generation and improving the overall efficiency and stability of the system.
This type of controller is particularly suitable for applications that require high torque and stability, such as robotic arms or electric mountain bikes. By integrating three-phase control, you can achieve greater power output in a smaller device, making it perform better in complex environments such as high loads and climbing.
Efficiency and Thermal ManagementA good controller doesn't just "work"—it works efficiently. Look for controllers with >90% efficiency, especially in battery-powered projects. High-efficiency Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) reduces heat and extends range.
Also check for thermal features like heat sinks, fans, or overtemperature protection. In one e-bike built using the Brushless.Com 48V controller, surface temps stayed under 55°C during a 15-minute hill test, with no throttle lag or auto-cut.
Integration and Communication OptionsThink beyond the motor. A modern controller must communicate with displays, brakes, throttles, and sometimes mobile apps. Popular interfaces include:
If your bike or robot uses a CAN-enabled dashboard or sensors, make sure your controller supports the same protocol.
Size, Form Factor, and Wiring PracticalitySome 48V ESCs are compact and waterproof, others are larger with external cooling. Choose one that fits your build. For example, the Sabvoton SVMC controller has a metal shell and good waterproofing but requires more space.
Wiring layout also matters. Some controllers offer clearly labeled terminals and plug-and-play connectors. For first-time builders, this avoids wiring mistakes—especially with Hall sensor cables or phase wires.
Controller Comparison (2025 Overview) Brand Modes Peak Current Key Features Brushless.Com Speed, Torque 70A High efficiency, labeled wiring Sabvoton SVMC Speed, Torque 80A Regenerative braking, CAN support Kelly KLS All 3 Modes 100A PC programming, current tuningAll three are solid choices. Brushless.Com's controller combines easy setup with strong performance—70A peak current, smart thermal protection, and clean wiring make it a practical pick for DIY e-bikes or mobile robots. Sabvoton stands out with its rugged build, regen braking, and CAN bus support, often used in efficient e-bike conversions. Kelly offers the most flexibility, including position control and tuning via PC, though it's best suited for experienced users.
Real-World Example: E-Bike Hill Climb TestIn a recent e-bike build, the team selected the Brushless.Com 48V sine wave BLDC motor controller for its simplicity and flexibility. Although rated up to 5kW, it was paired with a 500W hub motor without issue—thanks to intelligent current limiting and plug-and-play wiring. Hall sensor support enabled smoother hill starts, and the controller maintained under 55°C during extended uphill tests.
More importantly, the builder didn't need extra software or PC tools—the onboard diagnostics provided real-time fault alerts and setup confirmation via LED indicators. For DIY and semi-pro projects, this ease of use made a noticeable difference.
Cost often plays a big role in controller selection, especially for DIY and small-scale builds. Here's what you can expect when budgeting for a 48V BLDC motor controller in 2025:
If you're looking for a 48V BLDC motor controller that "just works" out of the box, Brushless.Com offers the most accessible option. For mid-level builds with smart features like regen, Sabvoton hits a nice price-performance ratio. Kelly is a good option if you're developing for accuracy and complete programmability, but it costs extra.
Note: The prices listed above reflect standard/base versions. Advanced configurations with features like waterproof casing, higher amps, or smart protocols may be priced differently.
ConclusionA universally applicable controller does not exist. Look for plug-and-play wiring, efficiency, and regeneration features in urban e-bikes. Prioritize precise control and communication in robots. Verify the voltage, current rating, and whether sensor support is required at all times.
Start with a mid-range controller that has sensor capabilities and comprehensive documentation if you're not sure. Time will be saved, and annoying errors will be avoided.
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We Tested Four Robot Lawnmowers In A Brutal Backyard ShowdownThe Verge
Tech /ReviewsI put four robot lawnmowers through a brutal backyard battle — and only one person got injuredThese autonomous cutters show promise, but there's still a ways to go before you should trust one in your yard.
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by Jennifer Pattison TuohyMay 8, 2025, 1:00 PM UTCLinkFacebookThreadsIf you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.
The Husqvarna 430X, Dreame A1, Segway Navimo i110N, and Mammotion Luba 2 were our test subjects.Photo by Jennifer Pattison Tuohy / The Verge
Jennifer Pattison Tuohy is The Verge's Smart Home reviewer. She has been testing connected home gadgets since 2013, having previously written for Wirecutter, Wired, Dwell, BBC, and US News.It's a scorching afternoon in August 2024, with temps hovering at 101 degrees. I'm flat on my back, sweating under a 1970s Land Rover, trying to rescue a Segway Navimow. It turns out that the first rule of using a robot lawnmower is "don't let anyone park on your lawn."
Robot lawnmowers have been around for several decades, and with them the heady promise of spending the summer with your feet up, sipping a nice tall glass of something, while a robot mows your lawn. But it's only in the past couple of years that they've become almost smart enough and cheap enough for me to try out.
New navigation tech means you probably won't need to dig a trench around your lawn to lay guide wires (except, it turns out, in my yard), and while you can still spend $6,000 on a mower, you can now find one for under $1,000.
However, after three months of running four bots around my property, my advice is that — in all but a few scenarios — robot lawnmowers still aren't worth your money.
If you have the right conditions and an endless supply of patience, a robot lawnmower might work for you. But if you are expecting a plug-and-play solution or if, like me, you have a lot of tree cover, hardy grass, sandy soil, and friends and family who like to park on your lawn, then you'll want to wait for these automowers to get a lot smarter.
The good news is that there are new and improved robot lawnmowers arriving this spring that claim to solve some of these issues. In the meantime, here's a rundown of what you need to know about robot lawnmowers before buying one. Then, read on for a look at which bot triumphed when I pitted the Navimo Segway i110 , Mammotion Luba 2 AWD , Dreame A1, and Husqavarna Automower 430X head-to-head.
Seven things you should know about robot lawnmowers1. Robot lawnmowers don't cut your lawn …… they shave it. Robot lawnmowers use several small razor blades to cut a set amount of the grass each run (generally between 1 and 3 mm). This means they need to run every day for multiple hours, sometimes twice a day, to keep your lawn trim. The Dreame A1, for example, takes about 24 hours to cut a quarter-acre lawn. (Most brands offer several sizes of mowers, going up in price based on how big a yard they can tackle.)
While in theory, taking all day to cut your yard shouldn't be a problem — these mowers are battery-powered and, like robot vacuums, can return to their charging docks to power up when needed — the issue I had was getting them to finish their job.
In my testing, too much sand, a big twig, or an errantly parked car meant that about 60 percent of the time they got stuck and just sat outside in the sun to die. Most weeks, I spent more time rescuing mowers than it would have taken to mow the lawn myself.
You also need to start with a mowed lawn (in the same way you need to start with a clean house for a robot vacuum to work well). The good news is that two of the mowers I tested (the Dreame and Mammotion) produced the perfect professional lawn stripe that will make your neighbors envious.
The Mammotion Luba 2 was able to cut professional-looking lawn stripes — when I could get it to run. GPS signal issues caused me a lot of frustration.2. You might need to put an antenna in your yardTwo of the robots I tested used a geo-positioning technology called Real Time Kinematic (RTK), which in combination with a camera and GPS, lets them navigate without guide wires. In theory, this should make for a much easier setup; rather than dig a trench for hundreds of feet of wire, you just need to stick an antenna somewhere in your yard.
However, finding the perfect spot that is close enough to a power outlet and has a clear view of the sky was a serious struggle in my yard, which is largely covered by giant oak trees. If you have a treeless yard, you should be fine. However, I spent hours positioning and repositioning RTK stations around my property, trying to find a spot that would let the Navimow and Mammotion navigate my backyard. Spoiler alert: I failed.
3. You'll have to babysit themI was not prepared for how much setup and ongoing attention these bots needed. In addition to a fair amount of assembly and hunting around my yard for power outlets and clear views of the sky, I had to physically draw a map for each bot.
In most cases, this meant driving them around the perimeter like an RC car, using my phone as a remote (okay, that part could have been kind of fun, but not in 90-degree heat). I was surprised that, unlike robot vacuums, they can't autonomously create a map of your yard. I also had to manually create any keep-out zones.
Once set up, I constantly had to go and rescue them. You can't expect to go away for a week and return to a perfectly mowed lawn. (You'll also have to leave your gate open if you want to mow the front and back yard.)
4. Connectivity mattersRobot lawnmowers are about a decade behind robot vacuums when it comes to user experience, thanks to poor connectivity options and generally crappy apps. Most people don't have strong Wi-Fi in their gardens, and while the robots don't need Wi-Fi to run, without it, they can't connect to a smart home system or voice assistant, and you'll have to get into Bluetooth range to change the mowing schedule or start or stop the robot through the app.
Several models offer 4G connectivity, which also enables theft prevention features. However, this may cost extra; Dreame's 4G module is $229, and Segway charges $32.90 a year for connectivity on its Navimo mowers.
5. Obstacle navigation is a work in progressJust as most robot vacuums five years ago regularly got tripped up on stray socks or cables, robot lawnmowers today need a smooth lawn and a clear path to complete their job. While some can navigate around larger objects, like soccer balls or wading pools easily, smaller objects like twigs, stray dog bones, and toys will stop most of them in their tracks. And, while this may not be a problem for you — if, like most Americans, you don't park on your lawn — they will drive right under your car.
Hills and uneven ground can also trip them up. In general, most bots can handle inclines from 30 to 45 percent (up to 24 degrees). If you have steeper areas or sandy soil, you'll need to look at a bot with all-wheel drive and the capability to tackle sheerer slopes. The Mammotion has the highest slope limit of those I tested, at 80 percent (38.6 degrees). However, the area I live in is called the Lowcountry for a reason; I had no hills nearby to test this on and plenty of sandy soil that every bot got stuck in.
Cats, dogs, passersby, UPS drivers, everyone will be fascinated by your robot lawnmower.6. Everyone will stareRobots attract attention. I met more neighbors in my three months testing lawnmowers than in the 10 years I've lived on this street. Everyone who walked past and saw one working wanted to ask about it. Since they run all the time, that was a lot of people. Even my usually all-business UPS driver had several questions ("Is it just mapping your yard? It doesn't look like it's cutting anything.").
On this point, theft is obviously a concern, especially in a front yard if you don't have a fence. Most mowers require you to enter a numerical PIN on the screen to use it after it's been picked up, in theory rendering it useless to thieves. Some also sound a loud alarm, and most have GPS tracking, so you can follow your mower if someone nabs it, although you may need to pay extra for the cellular service required to do so once it leaves your Wi-Fi.
7. Do not put a robot lawnmower on your lapThis is obvious, but needs to be stated. These mowers have blades — small ones, but blades nonetheless. At least two of the mowers I tested required a fair amount of assembly. My husband, who is much handier with a screwdriver than I am, was game to help me with this.
As he was fiddling with a tricky part, he picked up the bot and put it on his lap to get a better purchase, which proceeded to shave his skin fairly badly. The moral of the story is that, while a robot lawnmower isn't going to chop your foot off if it somehow runs over it (which is unlikely as they all have built in safety features that stop the blades as soon as they encounter an obstacle), it can do decent damage to anything that does somehow get in contact with those blades.
Sadly, this was the beginning of the end of my husband's love affair with robot lawnmowers. He had been so excited by the prospect of a machine that would do his biggest chore for him, but after three months of frustrations and failures, not to mention permanent scars, he was totally over them.
The BattleThe lineup, left to right: Segway Navimow i110N, Mammotion Luba 2, Husqvarna 430X, Dreame A1.From August through October of 2024, I tested three new automatic mowers against a staple in the space, the Husqvarna 430x, which is its third generation and was launched in 2016. I ran these in my flat, three-quarter-acre, coastal South Carolina yard, with sandy soil, centipede grass, ample oak trees, and multiple hurricanes.
Bear in mind, this isn't a traditional review or buying guide; it's a gauntlet. Each bot is judged by how well it worked in my yard, which, admittedly, is challenging. The following reviews focus on what impressed me (and annoyed me) about each bot, and what caused them to be eliminated until I (sort of) crowned a winner.
Software matters
Mammotion Luba 2 AWD$2999$2999$2999 at Amazon$2999 at MammotionNavigation: 3D vision and RTK antenna (wire-free) / Yard size: 1.25 acres / Cutting height: 2.2" to 4" cut height, 15.7" cutting width, 80 % slope / Theft features: Lift alarm, GPS anti-theft / Weatherproofing: IPX6 / Connectivity: 4G (purchase separately, $49.90 a year), Wi-Fi, BLE. Works with: Alexa and Google / Price of unit reviewed: $4,009
The Luba 2 I tested was a seriously impressive, seriously expensive machine, with really bad software. The good news is that Mammotion has since released an upgraded version (linked to above) that's cheaper and, according to the company, has better mapping and more reliable navigation.
I really hope that's the case, because when this beast actually mowed, it did an amazing job, creating perfect lines that made the lawn look like a professional landscaper had cared for it all summer. Its huge wheels and big body could tackle almost any terrain, and its obstacle recognition tech was superb; it also had the range to manage my entire backyard.
My nemesis, the Mammotion RTK antenna. After weeks of struggling to use it in my yard, I put it in my neighbor's yard, where it had no problem finding a signal.But it's the first to be eliminated in this battle because, on the model I tested, the combination of an unusable app, complicated software, spotty GPS, and an almost constant need for updates meant it was nearly impossible to get it to run reliably and autonomously. Also, those perfect lines that it created? Those were in my neighbor's yard.
Because my ample tree coverage blocked its view of the sky, the Luba couldn't create a complete map of my yard, which meant it wouldn't mow. After weeks of trying to get it to work, I had to give up and ask my neighbors, who have fewer trees than I do, if I could mow their lawn for a week. In their smaller, more open front yard, the Luba was able to create a map on the first try.
However, even with a map and its RTK antenna in a position the app deemed acceptable, the Luba required nonstop attention. I had to visit it multiple times a day for everything from software updates, docking help, or reconnecting its RTK station to the app — which, despite a Wi-Fi connection, only worked when I was standing right next to the mower. I got so many mosquito bites from these trips that I nicknamed it the Mosquito Mower.
The Luba 2 wallowing in the sandpit it created for itself by going around in circles for a while. The upgraded version has better navigation, according to the company.Sadly, after its first few runs, which created some lovely lawn stripes, the Luba began to stop a few feet away from its base and just go round in a circle. This created a huge sand pit, which it repeatedly got stuck in. At this point, my neighbors asked if I would please take it away. Eliminated.
As mentioned, the company announced an upgraded version of the Luba 2 at CES this year, which is available now. Mammotion says it has improved navigation, even under trees, can automatically map your yard, and it's about $1,000 cheaper. It also comes with a built-in 4G module and a year of cellular service; I plan to test it soon.
Reliability isn't everything
Husqvarna Automower 430X$2499$2499$2500 at Husqvarna$2499 at Lowes$2500 at AmazonNavigation: Guide wire / Yard size: 0.8 acres / Cutting height: 0.8 to 2.4 inches / Cutting width: 9.45 inches, 45 % slope / Theft features: Lift alarm, PIN code, GPS anti-theft / Weatherproofing: IPX4 / Connectivity: BLE, built-in 4G (free for 10 years) / Weight: 28.7 lbs / Price of unit reviewed: $2,499.99
One of the original automowers from a Swedish company with a long history in lawn care, the Husqvarna 430X is a reliable workhorse with a dialed-in app experience and basic features. It ran on time every time, navigated my tricky terrain smoothly, almost always making it back to the base, and it cut the grass very well. But its guide wire required digging a trench around the perimeter of my lawn, and its lack of obstacle detection meant it kept getting stuck under cars.
While Husqvarna has a line of wire-free RTK-enabled robots that use its Exact Positioning Operating System (EPOS), and include Wi-Fi connectivity and obstacle detection, those models, the 450X and 450XH EPOS, cost nearly $6,000 and require professional installation. Husqvarna also advised that my trees might cause issues if I tested one of these, and said the 430X, which uses a boundary wire, would be best for my setup. Outside of the lawn parking, they were right.
I installed the 430X in my front yard because the back yard is huge, and that was just too much wire. While digging a trench for the wire was hard work (says my husband), it was one of the simplest setup processes we went through — if not the fastest; wires don't complain about where you put them.
We ran the wire all around the lawn, which, while it made sense at the time, turned out to have been a bad idea. In our neck of the woods, people park on your lawn. When we had plumbing work done, the mower — which has bump sensors but no ability to see obstacles — wedged itself under the wheel well of the plumber's van. When the plumber left, the mower got squished.
Unfortunately, it's not easy to redo the wiring, and there's no option to set virtual keep-out zones on the 430X for temporary objects in your yard — like parked cars or paddling pools. If you have a wide-open lawn with no delicate obstacles, the 430X is a good choice, but it's just not smart enough for my yard. So, somewhat reluctantly, it was eliminated.
Husqvarna's new Automower iQ series, which features obstacle detection, RTK navigation, and starts at a more reasonable $3,000, is coming this Spring. I've got more details on this below, and I plan to test it soon.
Smarter but not better
Segway Navimow i110N$1299$1299$1299 at Amazon$1299 at LowesNavigation: RTK antenna and vision navigation (wire-free) / Yard size: 0.25 acres / Cutting height: 2 to 3.6 inches / Cutting width: 7.1 inches, 30 % slope / Theft features: Lift alarm, PIN code, GPS anti-theft (with 4G module) / Weatherproofing: IP66 / Connectivity: Wi-Fi, BLE, Built-in 4G ($32.90 a year) / Weight: 24 lbs / Works with: Alexa and Google. Price of unit reviewed: $1,299
The Navimo is the cutest robot mower of the pack and also the cheapest by a wide margin. Despite a more plasticky build, it was sturdy enough to survive a run-in with a (stationary) Land Rover, and it moved very smoothly, navigating around obstacles nimbly (when it sees them).
Segway's RTK station has to be installed on a roof to get a clear view of the sky, and it still wasn't happy.The Navimow's best feature is its app. It's the easiest to use of all the mowers I tested, had the most features, and worked the most reliably, although, as with most of the others, it had frequent connectivity issues. It allowed me to schedule mowing in multiple zones and create virtual paths so the mower could move between the back yard and the front yard — no, it can't open a gate.
However, it kept complaining that I must have moved its RTK station, which I hadn't. This is presumably a symptom of the tricky GPS coverage in my yard. And I had to install it in my front yard, as it couldn't find any area in my back yard where it could get a signal. (Unlike the Mammotion, where placement was trial and error, the Navimow can recommend the best spot to place the RTK antenna.)
The Navimow ran reliably and rarely got stuck in the sand or on twigs. However, running in my front yard, it had less of those to deal with than those that ran in the back.
The mower uses a "vision-enhanced RTK GPS," meaning it has a camera to navigate within its boundary if its GPS signal is weak. But it refused to go past the keep-out zone I placed around my large oak tree, to the grass on the other side, and its random bump-and-roll style of mowing left several spots untouched.
The camera also allows for obstacle recognition, which was fairly effective, as long as the obstacle was directly in front of it. It didn't detect the underside of a car and wedged itself stuck under my husband's 1970s Land Rover multiple times.
It also doesn't have a rain sensor, which is a big issue in a South Carolina summer, with frequent and fierce storms. Instead, it relies on Wi-Fi-fed weather data to determine if it needs to stop mowing. In my testing, this was not accurate — it kept running during several major rainstorms. This, combined with it not being able to reach my entire yard, means it was eliminated.
Segway launched a new mower series this spring. The Navimow X3 series starts at $2,299 and goes up to $4,999 for the X390, which can mow 2.5 acres. I plan to test this soon.
Simple and sleek, but not a beach bot
Dreame Roboticmower A1$1700$200015% off$1700$1700 at DreameNavigation: 3D lidar (wire free / no antenna) / Yard size: 0.5 acres / Cutting height: 3 to 7 cm / Cutting width: 22 cm / Slope: 45 % / Theft features: Lift alarm, PIN code, GPS anti-theft (with 4G module) / Weatherproofing: IPX6, 50 to 95-degree operating temp / Connectivity: Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz), BLE, 4G (with $229 module) / Weight: 26 lbs / Works with: Alexa and Google. Price of unit reviewed: $2,500
The Dreame A1 is the default winner here because it actually worked in my tree-covered back yard and didn't require installing a pain-in-the-ass RTK antenna or laying boundary wire.
Instead, like Dreame's robot vacuums, this lawnmower uses lidar navigation. But the Dreame is far from perfect. Its little plastic tires struggled in the sandy areas of my yard, and while it largely blew through leaves and branches following hurricanes, it would invariably end up stuck in a sand pit in a corner of the yard or get a twig wedged in its wheel well, and I'd have to lug it back to the base station. It's not light.
The Dreame A1 robotic mower has good obstacle avoidance and was able to cut pretty lawn stripes in my yard.The Dreame is one of only two bots I tested (the Mammotion being the other) that can create those perfect lawn lines — because it uses a programmed U-shape approach to mowing, as opposed to the bump-and-roll method. Its 3D obstacle recognition is very good, and it nimbly dodged pets, lawn furniture, and large twigs. But small twigs and sand regularly derailed it. I didn't test this in the front yard, however, so I can't comment on how it deals with cars.
Its built-in rain sensor means it reliably took itself home when it rained and started up again when the rain stopped. The Dreame app is slightly more polished than some others, as it uses the same one as its robot vacuums. But it's still not a great experience; there's a lot of waiting around for something or other to download every time you open the app.
The app lets you adjust the cutting height and mowing angle, which gets you those perfect stripes, and allows you to set different cutting heights for each zone. It also enables scheduling, editing the map, starting or stopping the robot remotely, and even spot and edge mowing.
However, after finding it beached in the yard with a twig stuck in its wheel or buried in sand for the gazillionth time, it went back in the box, and we fired up the riding lawnmower.
It should get better — even with treesSince I started testing mowers last summer, most of the companies featured in this article, along with several others, have announced new models that are available now or will be shortly.
Many of these address a lot of the issues I had, including bringing more reliable navigation, automatic mapping, and better maneuverability over sandy soil and thicker grass. Here's a brief look at what's coming next. The grass is growing again, so I'll be testing these this summer.
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