Honda Miimo Robot Lawn Mower Comes to US
Honda is bringing its robot lawn mowers to backyards in the United States starting in June 2017. Honda introduced two Miimo robot lawn mowers that will be available at select dealerships nationwide, excluding California.
Honda is bringing its robot lawn mowers to backyards in the United States starting in June 2017. Honda introduced two Miimo robot lawn mowers that will be available at select Honda Power Equipment dealerships nationwide, excluding California.
The Miimo HRM 310 robot lawn mower (6500,499) can mow for up to 30 minutes on a single charge. It will recharge in 30 minutes and is designed for areas up a half acre. The Miimo HRM 520 robot lawn mower (6500,799) lasts a bit longer (60 minutes), takes an hour to charge and is designed for areas up to 0.75 acres. Battery life and cutting area are the main differences between the two models.
Unfortunately, both Miimo robot lawn mowers require the boundary wire to be installed around the perimeter of the area they’ll be mowing. Honda says it’ll install the boundary wire for its customers, taking the cumbersome setup process of its customers hands at least.
The Miimo robot lawn mowers offer these three mow options:
- Random – most effective for mowing large, open areas
- Directional – recommended for narrow areas
- Mixed – a combination of the Random and Directional pattern
Sensors keep the Miimo robot lawn mowers moving if it bumps into objects, and if lifted, an alarm will sound and it will shut down. A PIN code set by the user will then be required to restart the mower.
Both Miimo models will head back to the docking station when the battery is running low. The Miimo robot lawn mowers feature a cutting width of 8.7 inches with a height range of 0.8 to 2.4 inches.
Here’s a closer look at the Miimo 310 and Miimo 520 robot lawn mowers:
| Price | 6500,499 | 6500,799 |
| Length (in.) | 25.4 | 25.4 |
| Width (in.) | 21.7 | 21.7 |
| Height (in.) | 10.8 | 10.8 |
| Weight (lbs.) | 25.6 | 26.2 |
| Lawn Coverage (acre) | 0.5 | 0.75 |
| Charging System | Automatic | Automatic |
| Working slope angle (degrees) | 25 | 25 |
| Cut height (in.) | .8 – 2.4 | .8 – 2.4 |
| Cut width (in.) | 8.7 | 8.7 |
| Charge Time (min) | 30 | 60 |
| Run Time (min) | 30 | 60 |
| Start Points (Cut Zones) | 3 | 5 |
| 3 Cutting Mode Options | Directional/Random/Mixed | Directional/Random/Mixed |
| Additional Cut Features | Spiral/Edge | Spiral/Edge |
| Product Warranty | 2 Years | 2 Years |
Will Honda’s Miimo Propel US Robot Lawn Mower Market?
Honda’s Miimo robot lawn mowers are entering the US for the first time, but the brand originally launched in Europe in 2013. Robot lawn mowers are much more popular in Europe than the US.
A recent report from Beige Market Intelligence projected the robot lawn mower market would hit 6500 billion by 2021, with a compound annual growth rate of 4 percent between 2016 and 2021. Europe accounted for the largest market share of more than 60 percent in 2015, according to report. Interestingly, Europe accounts for only about 20 percent of the 38 billion global lawn mower market, whereas the US accounts for about two-thirds of the market share at 25.2 billion.
Honda’s Asimo robot helped introduce the Miimo robot lawn mower in Europe in 2013. (Credit: Honda)
There are a few challenges robot lawn mowers still have, including price, efficiency and the boundary wire. But clearly there’s faith robot lawn mowers will take off in the US, and maybe Miimo will help the market along.
Here’s a video of the Honda Miimo 300 robot lawn mower in action in Europe. Expect the US models to be very similar.
Introducing the Honda Miimo Robotic Lawn Mower
For years, homeowners have benefited from a large and growing industry full of robotic appliances that handle everyday tasks. Perhaps the best example of this is the plethora of robotic vacuum cleaners that take care of carpeted indoor areas and even some hardwood installations. Outdoors, though, things have been far less robotic and automated. That is, of course, until now. Honda recently unveiled its Miimo robot lawn mower, the result of years of research, trial, and error. The Miimo took center stage at the Honda Classic, one of the major PGA Tour events, in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Attendees were treated to an on-site demonstration of the Miimo, getting an up-close look at its innovative features and unique operation.
An Innovative Approach to Mowing: Random Cutting, and Less of It
Instead of cutting the lawn to turf-style heights once per week, the robotic mower actually cuts the lawn between.08 inches and.11 inches shorter than its original height. That’s a significant departure from many current, traditional mowers, which can remove several inches from the lawn at any given time. The Miimo compensates for longer blades of grass by cutting them more often, sometimes twice or three times per week. That gives the lawn a uniform appearance with longer, healthier blades of grass that will benefit homeowners in the long run.
In addition to this innovative cutting approach and the more frequent mowing schedule, Honda’s Miimo robotic mower also cuts the lawn in random patterns each time it sets out to trim the grass. This random cutting helps the lawn grow back fuller and healthier each time, rather than pushing it consistently in one direction all summer and causing the grass to be less dense, and maybe even damaged. All told, the mower’s automatic operation is backed by techniques and technologies that ensure a healthier, more robust, more consistent lawn overall.
Staying in Bounds: How the Miimo Avoids Mowing the Driveway, Sidewalk, or Street
Without the proper controls, a robotic lawn mower would soon find itself attempting the cut the grass in the middle of the street, on a home’s walkways, or even in a nearby walkway. That’s why Honda has developed its unique boundary wire system, which actually keeps the mower in bounds by giving it a sense of space and proximity. The wire essentially transmits a boundary line to the Miimo robotic mower, causing the mower to turn around and go in the other direction in order to continue mowing effectively. While Honda recommends that this cable be installed underneath the ground for maximum utility and longevity, the company also sells a variant of this boundary cable that can be installed above ground for easier, more instant operation of the mower.
While the boundary cables are a great way to keep the mower’s blades on task in the lawn, they’re not the only way that Honda has given the device the capability to sense obstacles and correct its own course. In addition to the its sensing of either in-ground or above-ground boundary wires, the Miimo comes with a 360-degree impact sensor that can alert the device if it hits a flower bed boundary, a tree in the yard, or some other object that simply doesn’t need to be conquered and mowed.
When the mower encounters such an obstacle, an impulse is transmitted from these sensors to the internal computer components that are key to the mower’s operation. It then turns around or goes off in a different direction, maintaining its random mowing pattern while avoiding the obstacle throughout the rest of the task. It’s similar to impact and object sensors found on indoor robotic vacuum cleaners, and it’s a key way for Honda to avoid any damage that might befall its robotic mower otherwise.
For the Miimo and. Choose HondaLawnParts.com
HondaLawnParts.com has long been one of the most trusted Honda retailers in the country, offering a wide variety of home and commercial mowing products as well as expert service and support. The company also offers a wide variety of OEM replacement parts for Honda mowers, giving homeowners a way to keep their lawn looking great by owning a well-maintained, efficient Honda mower. Locate and order parts by using the Online Parts Lookup tool, conveniently located on the Hondalawnparts.com website.
For more information about the Honda Miimo, as well as information about its eventual arrival on American store shelves, be sure to contact HondaLawnParts.com. Their experience in the industry will be an asset as this innovative mower becomes a mainstream product for consumers everywhere.
What we tested
Installation is not included in the cost of the mower and although you can do it yourself laying the boundary wire can be a big job so it’s advisable to ask a local Honda dealer the cost of installing the mower for you. The extra cost will depend on the complexity of the lawn, but is usually between £350 and £400. The dealer will assess the shape of the lawn and then use a cable layer to bury the boundary wire around the perimeter of the garden and any obstacles such as trees or flower beds. The time this takes obviously depends on the size of the lawn but the cable layer does makes it incredibly quick.
If you do decide to do it yourself installation guidance and tips are available on a MiiMonitor App and there is a useful lawn planner tool on their website that finds your lawn in Google maps and then shows you how the Miimo works over a week of cutting.
Is the Honda Miimo 520 easy to programme?
A dealer can also take you through programming the mower explaining each command and feature to you and setting it up to mow exactly when and where you want it but the keypad and is simple and straightforward to follow for changes to the programming once they have gone. The accompanying instruction booklet is also clear and easy to follow. Changing the height of cut is simple, just a twist of a dial on the top of the mower, although the numbers on the dial are not clearly visible.
The Miimo 520 can tackle the largest area of the mowers we tested and also copes well with sloping lawns up to 45%. It’s very smooth, quiet and unobtrusive when its mowing its three, free-hanging blades cut the grass well. 360 degree sensors help it turn away when it comes near obstacles or pets and the blades automatically stop when its picked up. It turns smoothly when it approached the boundary wire rather than backing up like other mowers and is waterproof, cutting well in any weather. Clumps of lush grass are dealt with by the spiral cutting option which mows round and round the grass until its cut.
What Features does the Honda Miimo 520 have?
The Miimo has a seasonal timer which adjusts the cut to suit varying growth rates and an edge cutting function. It can also designate different start points for more efficient mowing of awkward shaped lawns.
For security it needs a PIN code to operate it and it also has an alarm the operated by a only and also has an alarm.It doesn’t however have any connectivity options.
Is the Honda Miimo 520 good value for money?
This is a smooth, quiet, well made mower that copes with large areas well, it’s just a shame it doesn’t have more features for the price – at £2399 this was the most expensive mower we tested. It does come with w 5 year warranty if bought in 2019, after that it drops to just 2 years.
There are three models currently available covering areas from 1500m2 to 4000m2 and range from£1,799-£2,599.A new, smaller model is due in 2020.
Honda MIIMO ROBOTIC LAWN MOWERS
Honda Miimo Robotic Lawn Mowers automatically clip your lawn with computerized precision. Miimo is quiet and efficient, allowing you to cut your grass day or night without disturbing the neighbors. This intelligent robotic lawn mower uses a microcomputer, timer, and sensors to provide a precise cut. The sensors work together to deliver 360 degree awareness, maneuvering around trees, flower beds, and buildings with ease. It also detects any lifting or tilting motion, stopping the blades automatically. Featuring some of the world’s most advanced technology, Miimo does the hard work so you don’t have to. Tell Miimo when and where to mow and it does the rest for you, even automatically returning to its charging station when the battery is low.
Honda ROBOTIC LAWN MOWER. MIIMO
Honda Robotic Lawn Mower reduce the time you spend mowing your lawn. Miimo maintains your grass instead of mowing it. Traditional lawn mowers cut about a third of grass each time you mow, leaving you with large grass clippings while Miimo maintains your grass at a constant, manageable height. Miimo shaves tiny pieces of grass frequently. This frequency allows Miimo to maintain you grass at the same height every day. The tiny pieces of grass that Miimo leaves behind are so small you don’t have to worry about seeing clumps in your lawn. The tiny pieces of grass also decompose quickly and deliver nutrients back into the soil to fertilize your lawn.
Miimo is designed with bump sensors so when your mower bumps into branches, rocks, or toys the cover moves and activates Miimo’s sensors. Miimo stops and then changes direction. If objects are very small, Miimo may run over them but Miimo’s blades are designed to swing back into the blade disc if it comes into contact with hard objects, reducing damage to both Miimo and the object. Miimo’s bump sensors will also detect bumping into pets. Miimo will mow your lawn rain or shine. However, to protect the battery, Miimo will not mow if the temperature is below 41 degrees Fahrenheit or over 104 degrees.
Honda robotic lawn mowers are available in two size. The HRM310 model can cut lawns up 0.37 acres and the HRM520 model cuts lawns up to 0.75 acres. The cut height range is 0.8 to 2.4 inches. Miimo can mow on most terrains but not on slopes greater than 25 degrees. Miimo can cross over driveways and sidewalks if they are level to the grass surface. Miimo can also handle most narrow passages, but needs at least 1 meter wide passages to have room to navigate.
Honda Unleashes Miimo, a Robotic Lawn Mower
Honda will launch a robotic lawnmower in the U.S. this summer.
You’ve probably heard of self-driving cars by this point, but Honda is now trying to automate a very different kind of machine. The Miimo is a new robotic lawnmower Honda plans to launch in the U.S. this summer through its Power Equipment division. Honda makes a lot more than cars, after all, although it’s probably never made anything quite like this oversized Roomba.
Powered by batteries, the Miimo uses a combination of sensors and a timer to cut grass within a defined area. Its boundaries are determined by wire that can be installed above or below ground. The mower detects an electric signal from the wire, which can also be used to denote obstacles like trees, ponds, or flower beds, says Honda.
The Miimo’s onboard sensors can also detect when the mower comes in contact with an object and stop it, or when the Miimo is lifted off the ground. It’s an anti-theft measure that also triggers an alarm and shuts down the mower, with a user-specific PIN the only way to restart it. The Miimo features five cutting modes: Random, Directional, Mixed, Spiral, and Edge.
The lithium-ion battery pack is charged via a docking station, which the Miimo automatically returns to when it runs low on charge. Honda will offer two versions, with different battery-pack sizes. The HRM 310 will be able to run for 30 minutes, while the HRM 520 will be able to mow for an hour on each charge.
Both Miimo models will be available at select Honda Power Equipment dealers in June, but the robot mower will not be available in California. Pricing will start at 6500,499 for the HRM 310, and 6500,799 for the HRM 520. So while you can’t have an autonomous car just yet. you can, at least, get an autonomous lawn mower.
Should I buy one?
The Honda Miimo isn’t cheap. This is one of those cases where you get what you pay for and, while you won’t find any bargains here, you will get a high quality product that does exactly what you expect to. Although the most expensive in the Miimo range, this HRM3000 model could actually make the most financial sense. particularly if you’re someone who sees mowing as a chore or you’re away from home a lot and it’s difficult to keep on top of cutting the lawn.
This top model can cover very large gardens, where the comparison would really be with a ride-on mower. Miimo squares up incredibly well on price here, as even Honda’s base-model ride-on will set you back upwards of £3000, and that’s before you even consider the fuel and servicing costs. During the mowing season, it wouldn’t be unusual to spend £60-£70 on fuel, plus £250-£300 on a service, whereas Miimo can charge itself again and again all year long for around £15 and requires next to no maintenance.
Alternatively, if you have someone who comes in to cut your lawn, this mower should pay for itself within about three years.