For decades, robot mowers relied on a perimeter cable to define the mowing area. These wired systems required burying or pegging down hundreds of metres of cable and were prone to breakage. In 2026, the industry has shifted toward wire‑free navigation using GPS, RTK, LiDAR and camera‑based systems.
This article compares boundary‑wire models with modern wireless alternatives and explains why plug‑and‑play mowers are becoming the norm.Why boundary wires are fadingLabour‑intensive installation – Wired mowers require hours of cable laying and often professional installation.
Changing the mowing area means relaying the wire; adding temporary no‑go zones is difficult.
Wires can limit integration with multiple zones or separate lawns.
With advancements in RTK, LiDAR and vision systems, many manufacturers now consider wired mowers a legacy option.Wire‑free navigation technologiesRTK (Real‑Time Kinematic) GPS – Provides centimetre‑level accuracy by using satellite data and correction signals. Mammotion’s Luba 3 and Segway Navimow use RTK combined with vision sensors; Kress’s RTKⁿ system delivers inch‑level precision without a local antenna.
LiDAR and camera fusion – LiDAR scanners create 3D maps, while cameras provide object recognition. Mammotion’s Tri‑Fusion Navigation and Segway’s multi‑modal navigation use LiDAR for primary mapping and vision for obstacle detection.
Odometry and Visual SLAM to determine position even under trees or near buildings.
Mammotion models offer network‑based RTK corrections, removing the need for a reference station and enabling true plug‑and‑play installation.Benefits of wire‑free mowersEasy installation – Define zones via an app; no digging or wire burying.
Adjust virtual perimeters, create temporary no‑mow zones or map multiple lawns;
LiDAR and AI vision recognise pets, toys and garden furniture; Mammotion’s dual cameras and 10‑TOPS AI chip provide real‑time object recognition.Better slope handling – Wire‑free mowers often include all‑wheel drive and advanced traction;
Some systems allow multiple mowers to operate in fleets (e.g., Kress RTKⁿ can manage up to 9 acres and coordinate multiple units).
When to consider a wired mowerWired mowers remain an option if budget is your primary concern. Entry‑level wired models like the Worx Landroid M500 Plus or Gardena Sileno City are cheaper upfront. However, weigh the installation effort and long‑term flexibility; if your garden layout may change, wire‑free models are a better investment.
Internal link suggestionsInstallation cost guide – Understand how installation differs between wired and wireless.Buying guide – Evaluate navigation technologies when choosing a mower.ImagesFigure: Traditional boundary‑wire setup (left) vs modern wire‑free mapping (right).
Summary & call to actionWireless navigation is now the standard in robot mowers. RTK, LiDAR and AI cameras deliver precise cutting, while apps make setup quick and flexible. Wired mowers persist at the entry level, but their limitations are significant.
Choose a wire‑free model from STIGA, Mammotion, Segway, Kress or EGO for plug‑and‑play convenience and future‑proof your lawn care. contact us if you need help selecting the right navigation technology for your garden.
