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Robotic Lawnmower Controlled Via the Internet--Source: Reuters; Massey University
The internet, viewed as the ultimate source of information, may soon be a vehicle for managing domestic grunt work. Researchers in New Zealand developed a robotic lawn mower that is monitored through a web page and a small camera on the side of the house.
"What our technology allows us to do is to control lawnmowers and other robotic devices while people are away at work," Massey University's Glen Bright told Reuters.
The electric mower is smaller and more compact than the average mower. It cuts in a pattern that allows it to stop in areas that need trimming. The computer entirely directs the machine that motors out once during the day and once at night.
The mower should be up and trimming by the end of the year and commercially available soon after that, Bright told Reuters. As it is currently programmed, the device requires physical boundaries to navigate the lawn, but researchers expect it to self-navigate by the end of the year. Plans are also in the works to include the ability to adjust to different grass heights and to complete gardening tasks such as soil testing.
The mower was developed in association with lawnmower and chainsaw company Husqvarna, part of the Sweden-based AB Electrolux home appliance maker. The next step is an automatic vacuum cleaner, Bright added.
The internet, viewed as the ultimate source of information, may soon be a vehicle for managing domestic grunt work. Researchers in New Zealand developed a robotic lawn mower that is monitored through a web page and a small camera on the side of the house.
"What our technology allows us to do is to control lawnmowers and other robotic devices while people are away at work," Massey University's Glen Bright told Reuters.
The electric mower is smaller and more compact than the average mower. It cuts in a pattern that allows it to stop in areas that need trimming. The computer entirely directs the machine that motors out once during the day and once at night.
The mower should be up and trimming by the end of the year and commercially available soon after that, Bright told Reuters. As it is currently programmed, the device requires physical boundaries to navigate the lawn, but researchers expect it to self-navigate by the end of the year. Plans are also in the works to include the ability to adjust to different grass heights and to complete gardening tasks such as soil testing.
The mower was developed in association with lawnmower and chainsaw company Husqvarna, part of the Sweden-based AB Electrolux home appliance maker. The next step is an automatic vacuum cleaner, Bright added.
