From micro mulching to satellite navigation: 10 things to know about robotic lawnmowers

The Guardian

26-04-2025

For those of us who grew up expecting to live in a world where cute, obedient robots would cater to our every need, relieving us of the burden of everyday tasks, modern life has turned out to be a bit of a disappointment. But in one area at least, the intelligent, helpful robots of our childhood dreams do exist: autonomous lawnmowers.
Smart, robust and secure, Honda's range of Miimo mowers* make maintaining a picture perfect lawn a breeze (as one online review states: 'Smooth and seamless. Honda really do make the best mowers'). But how exactly do they work, and are they suitable for your garden? Here are 10 things you need to know …
1 It's a lawn expertThe Miimo range has been programmed with all the knowledge to maintain your lawn like a pro, so you really can sit back and let it do its thing. For instance, the Smart Timer means a Miimo can access real-time weather data to select the best time to mow your lawn, avoiding heavy rain and cutting less often when it's hot and dry. If you have a smaller outdoor space, the Miimo HRM40 or HRM70 will automatically mow your lawn twice when it does the first cut of the season to get it in shape (in manual mode), or if it hasn't been used for two weeks. And if you're a fan of Wimbledon-esque stripes, even better, as Miimo is too.
2 It knows the lay of the landIf you're worried your robotic mower might run off course and end up in a hedge, fear not. Thanks to an innovative combination of satellite assisted homing and advanced boundary guidance, mowers in the Miimo range have tip-top navigation. But what exactly does this all mean, and how does it all work?
Well, it starts with the setup: each new Miimo comes with free professional installation, during which a discreet boundary wire will be laid around the perimeter of your lawn. This wire sends signals to your Miimo, which will obediently stay within the mowing zone. And there's more: mowers in the small Miimo range come with Map and Mow technology, meaning that once the boundary wire is in place, the Miimo will automatically calculate the size of your lawn and create an efficient moving schedule. The bigger Miimos use combined satellite and wired guidance to mow efficiently. And Miimo HRM1000 models and up come with the new Shortcut Wire feature, which allows them to mow passages as narrow as 60cm with ease.
3 You're in controlAlthough Miimo robotic lawnmowers are completely autonomous – meaning you can set them down in your garden and they'll get to work – they're also fitted with a host of intelligent features that put you in control. All mowers in the Miimo range can be controlled via your smartphone through the Mii-Monitor app, which means that even when you're abroad on a sun lounger, you can make sure you return to a manicured back garden at the tap of a button. Through the app, you can do everything from adjusting the cutting height, to managing mowing schedules and setting 'free zones' (ie areas of lawn you want Miimo to avoid) – while the Miimo Live models can also respond to voice commands via Amazon Alexa.
4 A hardy perennial Thanks to their weatherproof casing, mowers in the Miimo range can take on most weather conditions, rain or shine. However, if you're looking for a robotic mower that can stand up to the harshest nature has to throw at it, the HRM4000 Live (the top mower in the Miimo range) has advanced IPX5 waterproofing and is fitted out with special heavy-duty wheels as standard.
5 Your lawn will love itThanks to their micro mulching capabilities, Miimos really are a lawn's best friend. These clever robotic mowers automatically cut grass clippings into tiny particles and distribute them back into the soil. Not only does this mean there's no need for a grass collector, but over time this natural fertiliser will enrich your lawn, making it greener, healthier and more vibrant. All you need to do is prepare for your neighbours to be green with envy.
6 No uphill battlesDips, slopes, holes or uneven ground – Miimos can handle them all. Thanks to their strong traction, mowers in the Miimo range can tackle inclines between 15 and 25 degrees (depending on the model and a couple of other variables).
7 A Zen masterIt may not be silent but, for a lawnmower, Miimo surprisingly quiet and unintrusive (operating at no louder than 63 dB(A) and as low as 58 dB(A)) – meaning you'll still be able to enjoy relaxing in the garden while a Miimo does its thing. Now that's what we call peace of mind.
8 It's child, pet and ornament friendly Gardens can be busy places, and mowers in the Miimo range have been designed to fit in safely and seamlessly. With 360-degree joystick style sensors, Miimo models HRM1000 and higher are both bump and lift responsive – meaning that if an obstacle is detected in their path they will change direction or, if they are lifted off the ground, their blades will stop automatically.
9 There's a Miimo for every gardenWith nine Miimo lawnmowers to choose from, whether you've got a small patch or a verdant valley, there's a member of the Miimo family to suit you and your garden. At the bijou end of the range, the nippy Miimo HRM 40 can handle lawns up to 400 sq metres, while at the upper end, the Miimo HRM4000 LIVE can easily cover ranges up to 4,000 sq metres. Still not sure what Miimo is right for you? Then Honda's Lawn Planner will help you find your perfect match.
10 It's practically theft-proofIf you're concerned about the idea of leaving such a desirable bit of tech in your garden, don't worry – Honda has fitted Miimo with a robust system of security features. First up, all Miimos have an onboard alarm that goes off if they are lifted, and your Miimo will only restart once a unique security code has been entered – which means it won't work for anyone but you. Furthermore, the Live models come with GPS tracking via the in-app map, which means you can get security notifications and real-time location tracking for extra peace of mind.
Find out more about the Honda Miimo range
*Product features described above vary according to model. Visit Honda's website for full specifications of Miimo HRM40-70 and Miimo HRM1000-4000, or download the Miimo brochure here