During the 2025 growing season, we put several robotic mower models through a field test to understand how these emerging tools fit into both professional and residential lawn care. Our lineup included two Segway Navimow models, the Husqvarna 420 iQ, and a short-term trial with a Sunseeker X7. Each mower offered unique strengths, as well as some surprises, throughout the season.

The Models and Setup  

We tested four different robotic mowers across multiple properties:

• Segway Navimow i110 on a 5,000 sq. ft. residential lawn divided by a driveway
• Segway Navimow X3 Series on a 12,000 sq. ft. lawn, (later moved to a more complex 5,000 sq. ft. area with large arborvitae and challenging travel paths).
• Husqvarna 420 iQ on a 10,000 sq. ft. front lawn with a long access corridor.
• Sunseeker X7, tested briefly for three weeks while awaiting Husqvarna delivery.

All models used virtual mapping rather than perimeter wire. The Segways also included the 4G Access+ upgrade.

Cost Overview  

• Segway Navimow i110: $1,300
• Segway Navmow X3 Series: $3,499
• Husqvarna 420 iQ: $3,500
• Replacement blades:

• • Segway: $23.99 for 12 blades

  • Husqvarna: $26.99 for 6 blades
    Due to drought-related slow growth, not all replacement blades were needed.

First Impressions: Mapping & Setup  

One of the immediate differences among the mowers was how quickly we could get them mapped and mowing.

Segway: Fastest Out of the Box  

The Segway Navimow models stood out for their quick, intuitive setup. Using a ground-mounted GPS antenna, initial mapping was completed in about an hour from unboxing. Some fine-tuning was needed as the mower learned the layout, but overall, Segway delivered the smoothest start.

Husqvarna & Sunseeker: Slower, More Involved Setup  

Both required:

• Dropping pins to define boundaries
• Multiple remapping sessions
• More hands-on adjustments

Once up and running, however, the Husqvarna produced the most refined cut and most noticeable striping, making it a strong candidate for open lawns with minimal obstacles.

In-Season Performance  

The Segway i110 ran from April–November, and the Husqvarna from May–November. Across the season, both produced healthier turf due to their frequent, gentle mowing cycles, which helped reduce weed pressure and maintain density. It’s important to note that maintaining proper height of cut and mowing frequency is critical in organic turf care (read our blog “Mowing Height Matters” for more info on why).

Segway: Excellent Object Avoidance, Occasional Sticking  

• Strong camera-based obstacle detection; ideal for yards with toys, furniture, kids, or pets
• More frequent issues getting stuck near perimeter edges
• Required occasional map updates throughout the season
• Avoided small children and pets who got to close while it was mowing

Husqvarna: Superior Cut Quality, Weaker Object Detection  

• Delivered the cleanest, most professional-looking cut
• Radar-based sensors meant it attempted to run over small objects until bumping them
• Frequently became stuck under vehicles when traveling to/from the dock
• Took longer to initiate mowing once it backed up from the docking station (this also could have been caused by tree canopy coverage of the docking location).

Shared Limitations  

Despite their strengths, in this robotic mower field test, both systems still required:

• End-of-season traditional mowing for the final cuts — particularly when dealing with heavy leaf drop and maintaining edges and transition zones.
• Routine edging and trimming, as the robots couldn’t handle every nook and cranny.

Robots excel at maintenance mowing, not seasonal cleanup or precision detail work.

For Landscape Professionals  

Robotic mowers aren’t a replacement for trained staff…at least not yet.

They can help maintain consistent height of cut and reduce weekly mowing labor, but they still require:

• Regular monitoring
• Clearing obstacles
• Adjusting maps and settings
• Supplementing with traditional equipment

At this stage, robotic mowing is a complementary tool, not a crew substitute.

For Homeowners  

For DIY homeowners comfortable with technology and willing to invest time in setup, robotic mowers can indeed take over a lot of the routine weekly mowing. Sub 7500sf lawns with minimal trees, they can replace 95-100% of the mowing in a season. They offer a significant time savings and keep lawns looking fresh with consistent cut intervals.

Seasonal Reality: Traditional Mowing Still Matters  

In the Northeast, robotic mowers struggle with:

• Spring debris
• Fall leaf drop
• Heavy mulching and bagging needs

Small razor-blade cutting discs aren’t built for seasonal cleanup. Traditional mowers still have a clear advantage during transitions.

Looking Ahead: Where Robotic Mowing Is Going  

Notably, the robotic mowing market is evolving quickly, and we expect their presence to grow, particularly among homeowners attracted to consistent cut quality and hands-off maintenance. Manufacturers are already developing:

• String-trimmer attachments
• Large-scale residential models capable of mowing 3+ acres

As prices fall and reliability increases, landscapers will need to elevate the quality of their cuts to stay competitive.