Honda unveils new...robotic lawnmower

Mar 1, 2013, 1:01pm ET

Honda is setting its sights on your backyard.

Honda is best-known for its lineup of motorcycles and automobiles, but the Japanese company also has a strong robotics division. Honda's Asimo robot is the company's most famous project, but the automaker is introducing the United States to one of its other creations at this week's PGA TOUR event in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.

Golf courses are known for their meticulous landscaping, making this week's PGA TOUR stop the perfect place for Honda to introduce its Miimo robotic lawnmower.

Already on sale in Europe, Miimo takes the hassle out of yard care by mowing grass all on its own. Similar to today's robotic vacuums, the

Miimo is fully automated, but requires a boundary wire to keep it from wandering into your neighbor's yard.

Miimo ditches the weekly mowing routine, instead clipping just 0.08-0.11 inches off the top of grass several times per week. Honda says Miimo's mowing technique is healthier for lawns as it is less stressful for the grass and also creates small clippings that turn into a natural fertilizer.

Miimo requires minimal human interaction as it can sense when its lithium-ion battery is running low and return to its home base for recharging.

In order to make sure Miimo doesn't get hung up on a fence or birdbath, the mower is equipped with 360 degree sensors that can detect solid objects. If Miimo runs into something, it simply turns around.

Theft could be an issue with a small robot roaming your yard, but Honda has equipped Miimo with its own security device. If it senses that it is being lifted off the ground, Miimo automatic shuts down and requires a unique PIN to restart.

"Honda Power Equipment always has worked hard to produce products that help people get things done with maximum convenience and ease," said Scott Conner, vice president, Honda Power Equipment. "The Miimo robotic lawn mower is the ultimate expression of those efforts, and the product demonstrates new and innovative thinking from Honda."

Honda hasn't announced any plans to sell Miimo in the United States, but the demonstration suggests the lawn robot could soon be available on theses shores.