Update. So I'm back from the lawn mower show and thought I'd update robotic mowers for anyone interested. It's clear the industry thinks robotics is the future and all are trying to figure out what the market will be and how to meet those needs. I saw maybe 30 different companies that either had a machine in production or were showing prototypes.
They fit in 3 classes.
1. A true robot that did not look like a traditional mower. They were remote control and/or robotic. Could mow hill sides, wet lands, lawns anything. Around $100 K.
2. Bobcat, Scag, and others had machines that looked like a standard zero turn with large decks that you could set on and operate or you could get off and control remotely with a joy stick or you could train it to mow with autonomy. A lawn service can go to the job, drop off the machine and come back to pick it up after the job is done. These machines were prototype with expected production mid next year. Around $30 K
3. Husqvarna, Toro and others had small machines about the size and weight of a larger push mower. They can keep lawns from 1 to 9 acres in size looking freshly cut at all times because they basically run every 1 to 2 days. Some of these machines are currently mowing major golf courses and major league ball parks. It would take 3 of the mid size Husqvarna machines to keep my place freshly mowed at all times. The total cost of those 3 machines would be relatively the same as the cost of the Ferris mower I use now.
It's clear the industry will be much different on 4 to 5 years.. At least I know that when I get too old or wore out, there will be some affordable options available.
It was a very good show with very knowledgeable and helpful booth staffs.