August 21, 2012
Honda robotics powers lawn mower
TOKYO – Honda Motor Company finally has its first home product packed with its prized robotics technology — a sensor-equipped lawn mower.
Miimo goes on sale next year, only in Europe, where spacious lawns are often enclosed in gates, targeting 4,000 unit sales a year.
The machine, which looks a bit like iRobot’s Roomba vacuum cleaner, continuously shaves about three millimetres (0.12 inches) off the grass, manoeuvring itself on slopes. It won’t break potted plants, goes to charge itself on its own and won’t wander off.
Honda robots, like its Asimo walking and talking robot, have sometimes been criticized as impractical toys.
Honda said yesterday that Miimo will sell for (euro) 2,100 ($230,000) to (euro) 2,500.