Navimow i110 robot lawn mower review: simple to set up and easy to use

      Navimow i110 Robot Lawn Mower Review: Simple to Set Up and Easy to Use

      MSRP: $1,299.00

      “The secret to configuring the Navimow robot lawn mower lies in its excellent smartphone app that guides you throughout the entire setup process.”

      Pros:

      - Straightforward setup and operation

      - Wireless navigation

      - Continuously enhances mowing efficiency

      - Quiet operation

      Cons:

      - More expensive than wire-guided alternatives

      I couldn't have chosen a better model to begin my review of robot lawn mowers than the Segway Navimow i110. I commenced testing the Navimow i110 with considerable concerns about my tree-filled property and whether I could successfully set up the antenna, docking station, and mower to work together for mowing my untidy lawn.

      After my experience with the Navimow i110, I'm convinced it's up to the challenge. In my product tests, I usually make every possible mistake, often multiple times. This situation reflects the saying: If I can do it, anyone can.

      Robot lawn mowers operate similarly to robot vacuum cleaners. You might not feel ready for a robot lawn mower, but don't let worries about setup complexity or operational challenges deter you: the Navimow i110 makes the process simple and hassle-free.

      Navimow Models: Lawn Coverage Areas

      Segway’s entry-level Navimow i100 series includes the i105 and i110 models, which are designed for mowing areas of 0.125 acre and 0.25 acre, respectively. The more powerful X3 series offers four lawn models ranging from 0.5 to 2.5 acres.

      I tested the Navimow i110 on two adjoining sections of my lawn totaling approximately 0.20 acres, confirming that this model was a suitable choice. I also evaluated a Navimow X350, rated for 1.5 acres, in the more rugged part of my lawn, which has soft mossy spots, steep slopes, and dense tree roots. I will review the Navimow 350 separately because it differs from the i110 in more than just battery capacity.

      The Navimow i110 measures 21.4 inches by 15.1 inches by 11.2 inches and weighs 24 pounds. It features three cutting blades with a total cutting width of 7.1 inches. The mower's 5.1-amp-hour battery requires about 120 minutes to fully charge at the docking station and can operate for up to two hours at a maximum speed of 1.6 feet per second.

      Creating the boundary areas can be quicker if you possess good virtual joystick skills— which, unfortunately, I do not.

      Robot lawn mowers function similarly to robot vacuum cleaners, with the main distinction being that the mower connects to GPS satellites. When battery levels are low, robot mowers will automatically return to their docking station for recharging. Once they are charged, the Navimow i110 goes back to where it left off and continues mowing, repeating the cycles of charging and mowing until the task is completed.

      Navimow i110: Setting It Up

      The key to configuring the Navimow robot lawn mower was the fantastic smartphone app that takes you through the entire process via a Bluetooth connection to the mower.

      As mentioned, I was apprehensive about placing the docking station and the satellite antenna. Both components need a clear view of the sky to detect satellites and cannot be within six feet of buildings or trees. I planned to test the Navimow i110 in our back and side yards, filled with pine and oak trees. Despite my doubts, locating the necessary satellites was not an issue, thanks to the app.

      The app also assists in connecting to your home Wi-Fi. Three connections need to be established: Bluetooth, GPS satellites, and Wi-Fi. If you're in an area with particularly challenging satellite connections, you can purchase the Access+ 4G option for the Navimow i110, enhancing position navigation and adding smart security features—details on those later.

      Segway provided the Access+ option for me to evaluate the security features, but I did not use it for the initial setup, mapping, or navigation with the i110 as it wasn't necessary.

      Navimow i110: Navigation

      If you own a robot vacuum, you can allow it to navigate the house without specific zones; however, this approach is not advisable for a robot lawn mower because it would likely end up in the street, a neighbor's yard, or lost entirely.

      With robot mowers, you create boundaries around the areas where the robot will mow the grass. There's no need to bury wires like electric pet fencing (or with some earlier robot mowers). You can create maps with the Navimow i110 using a joystick-like feature in the Navimow app to guide the mower around the boundaries of the designated mowing area.

      I found it quite easy to create the maps due to the