Introducing RTK Robotic Mowers and Common Signal Issues
Robotic mowers are becoming increasingly popular in households looking for an alternative to conventional lawn mowing. These automated and intelligent mowers are equipped with various sensors and technologies that allow them to navigate lawns seamlessly without human intervention. However, like any technology, robotic mowers are not entirely foolproof. One common issue that arises with robotic mowers is signal loss due to obstructions such as walls, trees, and buildings. For RTK (Real-Time Kinematic) robotic mowers, signal obstruction can have a severe impact on performance.
RTK robotic mowers use the GNSS network to locate the mower's position and navigate the mowing route. RTK GPS systems are more accurate than standard GPS, with signals that are corrected for signal interference and delays. The RTK system is designed to allow the mower to operate in a more efficient and accurate manner. However, the problem with RTK robotic mowers is that the signal can become blocked or disrupted due to physical obstructions around or above the lawn.
One common scenario is where the RTK robotic mower goes behind a tree or beside a building, and the RTK signal is lost. In such situations, an RTK robotic mower is likely to change direction, drive erratically or stop entirely. The reason for this is that without the RTK signal, the mower is unable to locate its exact position, and as a result, it doesn't know when to turn or when it has cut enough of the grass.
Another issue that could arise if the RTK signal is blocked is that the mower could stop, drive erratically or potentially head out of the lawn area or run over an obstacle. For example, if part of the lawn is raised and is not visible from other areas, the RTK robotic mower could head towards that spot, causing damage to the mower or becoming stuck.
To avoid these issues, users of the RTK robotic mower should ensure that the lawn is free of obstructions such as trees, walls, and buildings. They can do this by mapping the lawn accurately to avoid areas where the signal might be blocked. Another solution is using a hybrid positioning system that incorporates multiple sensors such as ultrasonic sensors to gather real-time data about the surroundings. With this system, the robotic mower can detect obstacles and avoid collisions even if the RTK signal is lost.
In summary, RTK robotic mowers are an excellent way to maintain your lawn without much manual intervention. However, signal integrity is crucial for their successful operation. In cases where the signal is blocked, users should ensure that they have mapped their lawns accurately and consider using hybrid positioning systems if RTK signals are frequently being lost. With these precautions, users can get the best from their RTK robotic mowers and enjoy beautiful lawns all year round.