
For years, the idea of a robot mower often conjured images of complicated wire installations around your garden. You’d picture a weekend spent digging trenches, feeding cable around flower beds, and hoping you didn’t accidentally cut through it later. But what if we told you that’s largely a thing of the past for many advanced models?
A ‘no perimeter wire’ robot mower means exactly what it says: you don’t need to lay a physical wire around your lawn to tell the mower where to cut and where to stop. Instead, these modern machines use intelligent mapping and virtual boundaries to know where to go, and just as importantly, where not to.
This change makes a huge difference. Without the need for physical wires, setup becomes dramatically easier. It also gives you greater flexibility to adapt or redesign your garden layout, create custom mowing zones, and avoid the hassle of repairs if wires are accidentally disturbed.
Segway’s Navimow range—including the i Series, H Series, and X3 Series—are prime examples of this wire-free revolution. These cutting-edge robotic mowers rely on smart positioning systems, AI-powered navigation, and user-friendly apps to deliver effortless, high-precision mowing—without a single wire in sight.
Before the rise of wire-free technology, most robotic mowers relied on perimeter wires to define their working area. These systems required a low-voltage cable to be laid around the entire edge of your lawn, as well as around specific obstacles like flower beds, trees, ponds, or garden features.
The charging station sends an electrical signal through the wire, which creates a weak electromagnetic field. The mower is fitted with sensors that can detect this field, allowing it to stay within the designated area and return to base when needed.
Installing a perimeter wire can be a real task. It involves either burying the wire slightly underground or pegging it securely into the turf using clips. While not overly technical, the job is time-consuming, often requiring a full day for even a modest garden.
And that’s just the start—if a break in the wire occurs (which isn’t uncommon), you’ll need to troubleshoot the entire length to locate the problem and make repairs. Even something as simple as an overenthusiastic dog or a misplaced garden fork can interrupt the mower’s function.
Perimeter wire systems come with several drawbacks:
Damage-prone: Wires can be easily damaged by pets, weather, or gardening tools.
Inflexible boundaries: Changing your lawn layout or creating new zones means digging up and repositioning the wire.
Visual clutter: If not buried, the wire remains visible around the edge of the lawn, which can be unsightly in an otherwise well-kept garden.
While this method has served its purpose for many years, the drawbacks have left homeowners searching for a smarter, more flexible alternative—which is exactly where wire-free systems like Segway Navimow step in.
Instead of relying on buried cables, no perimeter wire robot mowers use virtual boundaries. These are digitally defined zones, set via an app, that tell the mower where to cut and where to avoid. It’s a smarter, cleaner, and more flexible approach that puts full control in your hands—without any digging required.
Segway’s Navimow range (i Series, H Series, and X3 Series) takes this innovation to the next level by combining several powerful technologies to deliver pinpoint accuracy and intelligent navigation.
At the core of Navimow’s wire-free mowing is GNSS positioning. The mower uses satellite signals to track its location across your garden with impressive precision.
Analogy: Think of it like the GPS in your car, but much more precise—capable of detecting location within a few centimetres rather than metres.
But GPS alone isn’t accurate enough for detailed lawn mowing. That’s where RTK comes in.
RTK is a satellite correction technology that dramatically improves positional accuracy. Here’s how it works:
A reference station (included or optional, depending on model) is placed somewhere in your garden.
This station knows its fixed location and also receives satellite data.
It compares its known position to what the satellites report, detects any discrepancies (called drift), and sends correction data to your mower.
The mower then uses this information to refine its own position in real-time.
The result is centimetre-level navigation accuracy—crucial for clean, even mowing and tight turns.
Where Navimow truly stands out is in its EFLS system, which varies by model. Each version enhances reliability and performance by fusing multiple technologies—not just GPS.
Combines RTK GPS with a suite of onboard sensors, such as:
Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs)
Wheel encoders
These help the mower maintain accurate positioning, even in tricky conditions like sloped or uneven ground.
A next-gen solution blending:
Advanced GNSS
AI-powered visual assistance
A 140° wide-angle camera
Ideal for smaller gardens with trees or buildings, this system excels where satellite signal may be weak or inconsistent.
It also enables features like:
Real-time obstacle identification (over 150 types)
“Animal-Friendly Mode”, which pauses mowing when pets or wildlife are detected.
The most advanced system yet, integrating:
RTK
VSLAM (Visual Simultaneous Localisation and Mapping)
VIO (Visual Inertial Odometry)
This enables the mower to:
Map and navigate complex or low-signal environments (like narrow passages and dense tree cover)
Achieve unmatched accuracy and stability, even on varied terrain
Offer faster setup and higher reliability across very large lawns (up to 10,000 m²)
Setting up a Navimow couldn’t be simpler. With the intuitive Navimow app, you can:
Walk the mower around the boundary (or simply draw it on a satellite map)
Create multiple mowing zones
Set no-go areas (e.g. around flower beds or trampolines)
Define virtual passages between sections of your garden
No cables. No digging. No compromise.
Navimow models use integrated cameras and AI algorithms to “see” and react to the world around them:
The i Series uses a 140° camera to recognise and respond to over 150 types of obstacles, such as:
Garden furniture
Pets
Wildlife
Toys
Its Animal-Friendly Mode pauses mowing to protect living creatures.
The X3 Series takes it further with VisionFence 2.0:
A 300-degree field of view
Enhanced object recognition and route planning
Avoids collisions while maintaining high mowing precision—especially useful in large, complex gardens
Switching to a no perimeter wire robotic mower isn’t just about cutting edge technology—it’s about a better, more convenient gardening experience. Here’s why Navimow’s wire-free mowers are transforming lawns across the UK:
This is perhaps the number one selling point of wire-free mowing.
There’s no need to dig, no wires to bury, and no weekend lost to tricky installation. Instead, you simply set your virtual boundaries via the Navimow app, either by walking the mower around the edge of your lawn or drawing the layout on a map.
What used to take hours (or require a professional installer) now takes minutes.
One of the biggest frustrations with traditional mowers is how fixed and inflexible the layout becomes once the wires are down.
With Navimow’s virtual boundaries, you can:
Add or remove no-go zones
Split your lawn into multiple mowing zones
Create seasonal adjustments (e.g. protect newly planted areas or blooming flower beds)
Easily edit your layout as your garden evolves
The i Series even features two types of boundary settings:
Standard Limit – keeps the mower strictly within the set boundary
Overlap Limit – lets the mower slightly overrun the edge for tighter cutting, ideal for areas where grass meets a level patio or path
This level of precision simply isn’t possible with physical wires.
Thanks to centimetre-level positioning enabled by RTK and EFLS, Navimow mowers don’t wander aimlessly like older models.
Instead, they follow smart, systematic paths, delivering:
Even, consistent cuts with no missed patches
A visually striped lawn effect, particularly noticeable with the X3 Series
Faster mowing times, with the X3 working up to twice as efficiently as traditional robotic mowers
And when the battery runs low? The mower simply returns to the charging station and resumes mowing right where it left off—no wasted effort.
Navimow’s integrated vision systems don’t just react—they predict and prevent.
The i Series uses a 140° camera to detect and identify over 150 types of obstacles in real time
The X3 Series ups the game with VisionFence 2.0, offering a 300° field of view and advanced AI-driven route planning
This means:
Fewer collisions with garden furniture, toys, pets, and plants
Smarter pathing around unexpected obstacles
Added peace of mind with Animal-Friendly Mode (i Series)
With no perimeter wire, you avoid:
Wire breaks from weather or gardening tools
The hassle of tracking faults and making splices
Reinstallations every time you make a change to the lawn
Every Navimow model is also IP66 waterproof, meaning they can be hosed down for cleaning and are built to endure British rain, mud, and mist without a fuss.
Navimow mowers aren’t just smart—they get smarter over time.
OTA (Over-the-Air) software updates mean new features and improvements can be added remotely
Full app control allows for real-time monitoring, scheduling, and adjustments—even when you’re away
The X3 Series adds voice control via Amazon Alexa and Google Home, putting your lawn care just a shout away
Anti-theft tracking and app alerts offer added security
Weather-aware pausing based on local forecasts ensures the mower doesn’t operate in poor conditions
Finally, there’s the simple matter of appearance.
With no cables visible around the edge of your garden, your lawn looks neater and uncluttered. No unsightly wire loops, no risk of snagging, just a well-kept lawn with minimal interference.
While the advantages of wire-free robotic mowing are substantial, it’s worth noting that this technology—like any—comes with a few considerations. Understanding these can help you determine whether a no perimeter wire mower is the right choice for your specific garden.
Wire-free mowers rely heavily on satellite signals to function. While modern positioning systems are incredibly accurate, some environments may challenge consistent reception.
For example:
Very dense tree cover
Extremely tall buildings close to the lawn
Narrow passages between garden zones
These can occasionally cause minor signal drops or GPS drift, especially in older or less sophisticated models.
Segway Navimow directly addresses this with its EFLS (Exact Fusion Locating System), which enhances stability and performance in less-than-perfect conditions:
EFLS 2.0 (i Series) combines GNSS with AI and visual assistance, making it ideal for gardens where satellite signal is partially obstructed
EFLS 3.0 (X3 Series) goes even further, using RTK + VSLAM + VIO, allowing it to navigate complex, shaded, or narrow environments with remarkable precision
The X3 Series also benefits from a 40% improvement in signal reach, making it highly reliable in large or challenging spaces
It’s true: no perimeter wire robot mowers typically have a higher upfront cost than entry-level wired models. Advanced navigation systems like RTK, vision sensors, and AI-powered cameras naturally come at a premium.
Rather than viewing this as a cost, consider it an investment in:
Time saved on installation and setup
Flexibility to adjust your mowing zones whenever needed
Zero wire-related maintenance, which can save significant effort and cost over time
Many homeowners find that the convenience, performance, and long-term reliability more than justify the initial outlay.
Navimow’s range is designed to handle typical British garden conditions with ease:
H Series: Slopes up to 45%
i Series: Slopes up to 30%
X3 Series: Slopes up to a robust 50%
That said, if your lawn includes very steep gradients, irregular surfaces, or multiple tight turns, it may be worth requesting an assessment or reaching out to the UK Navimow team for tailored advice.
Segway Navimow isn’t just participating in the wire-free revolution—it’s leading it. Each model series is purpose-built to deliver exceptional mowing without the need for buried wires, making it easier than ever to maintain a beautiful lawn with minimal effort.
Here’s a quick recap of how each Navimow series brings wire-free innovation to different types of gardens:
If you’re looking for a solid starting point in wire-free mowing, the Navimow H Series is an excellent choice.
Powered by the original EFLS (Exact Fusion Locating System), it combines RTK GPS with multiple onboard sensors for accurate navigation.
Ideal for mid-sized gardens, it offers systematic mowing, quiet operation, and robust obstacle detection via VisionFence and multiple safety sensors.
Best for users who want dependable performance and precision without overcomplicating setup.
Tailored for smaller UK gardens (up to 800 m²), the Navimow i Series offers a perfect blend of affordability and intelligent features.
Uses EFLS 2.0, combining advanced GNSS, AI assistance, and a 140° camera to handle areas with tree cover or building interference.
Features include multi-zone mapping, Animal-Friendly Mode, and standard vs. overlap mowing boundaries for edge precision.
It’s the ideal choice for homeowners who want next-level technology in a compact package.
The Navimow X3 Series is built for those who demand the very best in robotic mowing.
Powered by EFLS 3.0, it combines RTK, VSLAM, and VIO for industry-leading accuracy, even in narrow passages or low-signal areas.
Equipped with VisionFence 2.0, it offers a 300° wide-angle view, AI-based obstacle detection, and advanced route planning.
Fully compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Home, it brings smart home integration to your lawn.
With coverage for areas up to 10,000 m², it’s the ultimate solution for large or intricate landscapes.
No. While many traditional robotic mowers do require a boundary wire to define the mowing area, modern wire-free models like the Segway Navimow i, H, and X3 Series use virtual boundaries set via an app—no digging or cable installation required.
A boundary wire is a physical cable that is installed around the edge of a lawn (and often around obstacles). It emits a signal from the charging base, creating an invisible fence that tells the mower where to stop. It’s a core feature in older robotic mowers.
Wired models rely on a buried perimeter wire to define their mowing area. Wire-free models like Navimow use GNSS/RTK and AI to create virtual boundaries, offering easier setup, greater flexibility, and smarter navigation.
Yes. Premium wire-free mowers like Navimow use centimetre-level positioning systems (EFLS with RTK and AI) to navigate with remarkable precision, even around tight corners or obstacles.
Absolutely. One of the biggest advantages of wire-free systems is that you can adjust boundaries, add zones, or exclude new areas at any time—directly from the app, with no physical effort needed.
Most high-end wire-free mowers, including all Navimow models, are IP66 rated, making them fully waterproof and suitable for the UK climate. They also pause operation in extreme weather based on local forecasts.
Generally, yes—wire-free mowers tend to have a higher upfront cost due to the advanced navigation and vision systems. However, they often result in long-term savings by eliminating installation, wire maintenance, and professional setup fees.
The rise of no perimeter wire robotic mowers marks a significant shift in lawn care—from manual, wire-based setup to intelligent, app-controlled mowing that fits effortlessly into modern life.
By eliminating the need for physical boundaries, models like Segway Navimow bring unmatched convenience, precision, and adaptability to gardens of all shapes and sizes. Whether you have a compact urban lawn or a sprawling country landscape, there’s a wire-free solution designed to work for you—not the other way around.
Explore the full Navimow range at UKNavimow.com and discover the perfect model for your garden.
Take the guesswork out of mowing—choose a smarter, cleaner, and wire-free way to keep your lawn looking its best.