In context
In early 2025, the market for autonomous outdoor equipment was expanding rapidly, with robotic lawnmowers moving beyond simple boundary-wire systems to fully autonomous navigation. Reliable satellite positioning was becoming a critical enabler for safe and efficient operation in complex residential environments.
What was reported
STMicroelectronics announced a collaboration with Segway to equip its latest Navimow X3 robotic lawnmowers with precision positioning technology. The mowers integrate ST's automotive-qualified Teseo V single-chip triple-band GNSS receivers, which support multiple constellations simultaneously for robust satellite acquisition and tracking.
The system uses Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) correction to achieve decimetre-level accuracy, ensuring the mower stays within defined boundaries and operates safely near stairs or slopes. This replaces random mowing patterns with systematic coverage, improving efficiency and reducing risks of injury or property damage.
Compared to Segway's previous generation, satellite signal coverage increased by 20-30 percent with the Teseo V technology. ST's Luca Celant noted that the collaboration marks a milestone in expanding automotive-grade GNSS capabilities into the industrial market at an industrial-grade cost.
“Segway Navimow’s collaboration with ST is the perfect example of ‘Mutualism’.” — George Ren, CEO of Segway Navimow
Why it mattered
This deployment demonstrated how automotive-grade positioning technology could be adapted for outdoor robotics, improving reliability and safety in consumer and commercial applications. It also signaled a broader trend of cross-industry technology transfer, where advanced semiconductor solutions enable new levels of autonomy in non-automotive sectors.
Source: Robotics & Automation News (roboticsandautomationnews.com) · Published 2025-04-04 · “STMicroelectronics’ chips power robotic lawnmowers from Segway”