LAS VEGAS—Two decades after robot vacuums revolutionized indoor cleaning, manufacturers are betting that autonomous lawn mowers will follow suit. At CES 2025, companies like Segway, Lymow, and Yarbo unveiled advanced models designed to win over homeowners with convenience, safety, and smart-home integration—signaling what analysts predict could be a tipping point for the category.
From Skepticism to Staple: Echoes of the Roomba Boom
The trajectory mirrors the early 2000s, when iRobot’s Roomba faced doubts before becoming a household staple. By 2021, the global robot vacuum market hit 10.62 billion by 2032, growing at 12% yearly.
Segway’s Navimow X3, launching this spring, leads the charge with double the efficiency of prior models—capable of mowing 2.5 acres and featuring an integrated string trimmer. “We’ve already reduced over 1.13 million kilograms of carbon emissions,” said Segway CEO George Ren, emphasizing the shift toward automated outdoor tools. The X3 syncs with Alexa and Google Home, allowing voice commands. Pricing remains undisclosed, though current Navimow models start at $999.
Safety, Precision, and All-Season Capabilities
New models address past limitations:
Safety: Blades are concealed, and mowers shut down if lifted. Camera-based systems avoid obstacles like pets or toys.
Precision: Unlike older random-pattern models, newer units mow in consistent lines for a manicured look.
Efficiency: The Lymow One ($2,999, available April) handles steep slopes with treads and mulches a quarter-acre per hour.
Versatility: Yarbo’s $5,000+ system swaps attachments for mowing, leaf-blowing, or snow removal.
