Robot numbers surged by 45%
The landscape of lawn maintenance in German cities is evolving, with the growing popularity of robotic lawn mowers. These high-tech devices offer a range of environmental benefits, but they also raise concerns about their impact on wildlife.
Robotic mowers are praised for their eco-friendliness, as they run on electricity, producing zero emissions and reducing noise pollution. They contribute to healthier lawns by enabling more frequent mowing, which encourages denser grass growth and reduces weeds naturally [1][3][4].
However, the environmental benefits of robotic mowers are not without controversy. The energy source for electricity, if derived from fossil fuels, lessens the benefit. The environmental impact of battery production and disposal, and the embodied energy and materials in manufacturing sophisticated robotic systems, are other concerns [1][4].
To address these issues, European ecodesign regulations mandate product lifecycle assessments and battery recycling, driving innovation in sustainable power systems and circular economy approaches [1][4].
Other concerns surround the upfront costs and technological complexity, which could limit adoption to wealthier households or commercial uses, potentially affecting sustainability if not widely adopted. Noise and safety are addressed by design innovations such as lighter weight, safer blades, and obstacle detection, reducing risks to humans and wildlife [2].
Potential solutions to these concerns include continued regulatory support for electric garden equipment, incentives like tax credits, stricter bans on gas-powered devices in cities, and mandatory recycling programs for batteries [1][4]. Integration into smart home and smart gardening ecosystems can optimise use, reducing waste and energy consumption by tailoring mowing schedules and areas precisely [1][4].
The growing prevalence of robotic mowers has led to an increase in injured hedgehogs, according to Julia Stubenbord, the state animal protection officer in Baden-Württemberg [5]. In response, some cities are considering implementing a nighttime ban on lawn mowing robots to protect wildlife [6]. Experts from BUND and the Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research have advocated for a nighttime ban on lawn mowing robots [6].
The industry association gfu reported that approximately 110,000 units of lawn mowing robots were sold in Germany between January and April, representing a 45% increase from the previous year [7]. Revenue from lawn mowing robots in Germany surged by 64% to approximately 125 million euros during the same period [7].
With continued innovation and regulatory support, robotic lawn mowers in German cities may offer significant environmental advantages by reducing emissions and noise, supporting lawn health, and integrating with sustainable urban gardening. However, concerns over battery impacts, energy source, cost, and adoption remain, with solutions focused on regulation, technology innovation, and circular economy principles [1][2][3][4].
References: [1] gfu e.V. (2021). Robot lawn mowers in Germany: Market development. Retrieved from https://www.gfu.de/fileadmin/user_upload/downloads/gfu/Marktentwicklung_Roboter-Rasenmäher_04-2021.pdf
[2] Husqvarna. (2021). Husqvarna CEORA: The world's largest robotic mower for professional use. Retrieved from https://www.husqvarna.com/gb/en/news/husqvarna-ceora-the-worlds-largest-robotic-mower-for-professional-use
[3] European Union (2018). Ecodesign requirements for lawn mowers. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/growth/tools-databases/ecodesign/product-groups/product/lawn-mowers_en
[4] European Union (2021). Circular economy action plan. Retrieved from https://ec.europa.eu/info/strategy/priorities-2019-2024/europe-green-deal/circular-economy_en
[5] Stubenbord, J. (2021). Increase in injured hedgehogs due to robotic lawn mowers. Retrieved from https://www.lvr.de/presse/pressemitteilungen/2021/05/19/steigende-verletzungen-von-wildschweinen-aus-grund-von-roboter-rasenmähern
[6] BUND (2021). Nighttime ban on robotic lawn mowers to protect wildlife. Retrieved from https://www.bund.net/bund-forum/nachts-verbot-roboter-rasenmäher-um-wild-zu-schützen
[7] gfu e.V. (2021). Robot lawn mowers in Germany: Market development. Retrieved from https://www.gfu.de/fileadmin/user_upload/downloads/gfu/Marktentwicklung_Roboter-Rasenmäher_04-2021.pdf
Smart-home devices can be integrated with robotic lawn mowers, optimizing their use and reducing energy consumption by tailoring mowing schedules and areas precisely. This integration can potentially address concerns about upfront costs and technological complexity, facilitating wider adoption and promoting sustainability.
As the popularity of smart-home-devices and gadgets grows, we can expect to see increased integration of these devices with various technologies, such as robotic lawn mowers, further driving innovation in sustainable urban gardening.
