From idea to industry pioneer – Husqvarna robotic mowers turn 25

In 1995, Husqvarna took the first step into a new product segment with the launch of the world’s first commercial robotic lawn mower, Husqvarna Solar mower, which started to change the way lawns were maintained all over the world. Now, over two decades later the Automower® Range has grown to include robotic lawn mowers capable of mowing small complex gardens right through to commercial models developed specifically for landscaping and green care companies.

Innovation leadership since 1995

In 1992, the Husqvarna CEO Bengt Andersson at the time, saw the potential in robotic mowing and formed a group of engineers that developed what would become the first Husqvarna robotic mower, the Husqvarna Solar mower. Creating news headlines all over the world the Solar or “turtle” mower was the world’s first fully automatic lawn mower powered by solar cells, which at the time was unique.

Three years after the launch of Husqvarna Solar mower, the company released its first generation of Husqvarna Automower®. A robotic mower which returned to a grid-connected charger to charge its battery. This made it possible to mow the lawn around the clock – regardless of weather. The mower knew when the battery required charging and returned automatically to the charging station.

The second generation of Husqvarna Automower® was introduced in 2003. This platform featured a new design and the technology was now better protected from tough environment conditions. Later, other models based on this platform were launched, for example, a mower that could manage lawns up to 5000 m² and a hybrid mower with both solar cells and battery. Now, Husqvarna robotic mowers are making their way into residential properties all over the world.

The third generation Husqvarna Automower® platform arrived in 2011. The first models focused on small lawns and compact size. Later came higher capacity mowers equipped with connectivity, GPS and even greater ease of use.

2015 saw the launch of Automower®  Connect enabling remote control and location surveillance of the mower from anywhere in the world via a smartphone app. In 2016, Husqvarna Automower® 430X and 450X were introduced, both equipped with the X-line feature package including Automower® Connect with GPS theft tracking, GPS assisted navigation, LED headlights, front rubber bumper and X-line body design.

With connectivity and smartness in focus, Husqvarna integrated Automower® Connect with Amazon Alexa and Google Home in 2018 – enabling users with a smart home hub to have voice-controlled interaction with their mower. It also features an open API which lets users connect the app with IFTTT and create customised smart home solutions.

In 2019 Automower® 435X AWD made its mark as a pioneer in the world of robotic lawn mowers. This all-wheel-drive Automower® set the benchmark for robotic mowers, making mowing of steep slopes a thing of the past. Confidently manoeuvring slopes with an incline up to an impressive 70% (35˚) whilst being intelligent enough to negotiate the challenges of large and complex lawns up to 3500m²

Husqvarna’s first robotic mowers for green space professionals, Husqvarna Automower® 550 and 535 AWD, entered the Australian market earlier this year. Equipped with professional controls for simplified interaction and remote control and surveillance through HUSQVARNA FLEET SERVICES™, these mowers were developed specifically for landscaping and green care companies, with the aim of improving lawn quality and sustainability, while reducing costs and freeing up time.

True to the Husqvarna heritage, Automower® takes advantage of the latest technology while at the same time offering the high reliability of Swedish engineering with all components carefully designed to be as intelligent and user friendly as possible. The year of 2019 saw another milestone as Husqvarna Group reached the two million mark in its manufacturing of robotic mowers.

The many different models in the wide Automower® range cover everything from smaller urban gardens to challenging areas up to 5000m². Ensuring full coverage of complex lawns with remote areas and narrow spaces is a hallmark of the brand. No matter how complex and unique your garden is, your entire lawn will always have a healthy and well-kept look.  For more information on finding the right Automower® for your garden needs, visit WWW.HUSQVARNA.COM. The Husqvarna Automower® series is available to purchase from your Authorized Husqvarna Elite Automower® Dealer.

To highlight 25 years of pioneering the robotic mower industry, Husqvarna are giving away a limited-edition model of the Husqvarna Automower®. For your chance to win* and for full competition details, enter online at WWW.HUSQVARNA.COM.AU

See husqvarna.com.au for full T&C’s & entry details.
Starts 01/09/20. Entries close 11:59pm 31/12/20.