Robotic Lawn Mower Market Size, Share & COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Battery Capacity (Up to 20 V, 20 V to 30 V, and More than 30 V), By Application (Residential and Commercial), By Sales Channel (Retail Store/Offline and Online Websites), and Regional Forecast, 2021-2028

The global robotic lawn mower market size was USD 1.29 billion in 2020 and is projected to grow from USD 1.48 billion in 2021 to USD 4.04 billion in 2028 at a CAGR of 15.5% during the 2021-2028 period. The global impact of COVID-19 has been unprecedented and staggering, with robotic lawn mower witnessing a positive impact on demand across all regions amid the pandemic. Based on our analysis, the global market exhibited a stellar growth of 13.6% in 2020 as compared to the average year-on-year growth during 2017-2019. The sudden fall in CAGR is attributable to this market’s demand and growth, returning to pre-pandemic levels once the pandemic is over.

The growing prominence of lawn maintenance and gardening activities in plush areas is anticipated to drive the market at a noteworthy pace. This is backed by the rising income level of end-users, growing demand for robotic lawn mower is being witnessed to enhance the aesthetics and user experience. Additionally, the development of novel technologies and high-end products is expected to fuel the market growth.

COVID-19 IMPACT

Increased Time Spent Indoors Due to Pandemic Has Increased Traction of Customers Towards Lawn Maintenance and Gardening.

Prominent economies witnessed a major downfall due to sudden halt in economic operations which subsequently led to decrement in manufacturing activities creating scarcity of product availability in the market. Additionally, reduced import export activities and restrictions on trade due to surge in infection hampered the supply side operations of the market. However, demand side of the market projected exactly opposite scenario. The extended staying at home encouraged lot of customers to turn toward home gardening, which, in turn, helped to elevate sales of smart gardening equipment.

The disruption in the global supply chain at due to stringent restrictions in the initial phase of pandemic further plummeted development of the market. However, after the initial hurdles the market slowly regained the development phase and gained a healthy growth pace. Thus, considering the long term market prospects, COVID-19 is expected to have a limited effect on the market progression.

LATEST TRENDS

Development of AI integrated, IoT Enabled Unmanned Lawn Mowers to Create Lucrative Opportunities

The prominent and established manufacturers operating within the markets are keen towards development of innovative products in diverse regions within the market. These key market players are making hefty investments in R&D operations. These technological advancements in robotic lawn mower products is set to fuel decent market growth across regions. By analyzing the diverse growth opportunities in the global market, numerous companies operating in multiple regions are keen to venture into the market. For instance, in 2021, China based company, Segway-Ninebot, is trying to venture into the market with promising future prospects. The company is trying to leverage its strong research and development infrastructure to develop and market innovative products. The company will also strategically advance in the market using established retailing systems, which will provide it an upper hand in supply chain operations, thereby offering it a chance to maneuver the market operations and cross-border trade from China.

The company is already having an exhaustive set of market patents with more than 1,774 market patents registered under its portfolio. The wide range of patents accumulated by the company ranges from computer-vision-based multi-sensor indoor positioning techniques to self-balancing control technologies integration, which can elevate the level of automation and artificial intelligence embedded in automated mowers to a new level.

DRIVING FACTORS

High Influx of Customers toward Smart and Organic Gardening is Providing New Growth Opportunities

The increased interest of customers in the use of organic products in gardening and subsequent emphasis on the use of smart tools to promote smart gardening operations might substantiate the sales of automated mowers globally. For instance, as per the data provided by GfK SE, in 2016, the applications of robotic lawn mowers operated and maneuverer using smartphones were estimated to be around 50% among the global market of automated lawn mowers. Additionally, strong performance of the key players in the developed countries within North America and Europe provides an evident growth and bolstering opportunities of automated products sales due to the ever-increasing range of target customer base in the market.

RESTRAINING FACTORS

Strong Presence of Gasoline Based Manual and Hand Push Reel Mowers Hampers the Demand from Commercial Sector

The ability of gasoline powered mowers to cover more landscape area due to non-restriction of the charging time as compared to its battery-operated counterparts makes them more practical and economical for applications on sprawling commercial turfs. The high power of these mowers and ability to perform better on the uneven terrains may hinder the sales opportunities of battery-operated robotic mowers during the forecast period. Although, this scenario might change over the coming years, as most of the robotic mower manufacturers are making heavy investments in research and development operations and are trying to come up with a better robotic mower solution.

SEGMENTATION

By Battery Capacity Analysis

20V to 30V Segment is Projected to Hold a Substantial Share Through the Forecast Period

By battery capacity, the market is further segmented into up to 20V, 20V to 30V, and more than 30V.

Due to heavy popularity of robotic mowers in small & medium-sized lawns, the 20V to 30V segment will govern a noteworthy share in the global market. Furthermore, this segment is expected to exhibit steadfast growth over the forecast period.

The majority of the manufacturers are engaged in manufacturing of automated mowers with a battery capacity of more than 20V and less than 30V. The wide range of product availability in mentioned category is the critical factor contributing towards effective market share within different geographies. The ability of 20V to 30V mowers to complete the automated landscape maintenance of small to medium lawns in a single charge is another standout feature helping the segment is anticipated to witness healthy growth in the market. Moreover, efforts towards development of novel, interconnected, and modern products by leading manufactures as per the requirements of the customers is attracting customers toward the product and spurring the development of the market.

However, development and innovation strategies implemented by numerous manufacturers are projecting an encouraging future for the more than 30V segment, which will be a segment to watch out for especially for application in commercial spaces.  

By Application Analysis

Residential Application is Projected to Retain its Dominance over its Counterpart During the Forecast Period

The market is divided into two types of applications: residential and commercial. Due to the growing interest of domestic customers in gardening and landscape care, the residential segment is likely to have a significant proportion of the market.

After the outbreak of COVID19, the length of time customers spend at home encouraged them to enjoy a longer gardening season and discover an interest in lawn care. The special attention paid by individual customers to the care of gardening tools and lawns has helped the private segment emerge as a pioneering application. The increasing proclivity of customers toward battery powered, silent, and automated lawn mower solutions to create a cost effective and efficient maintenance resource is pivoting the development of the market.

Increasing infrastructure development in the sub-urban areas of prominent cities especially in North America and Europe and efforts of homeowners in incorporating more greenery and lush lawns have increased the sale of robotic mowers dedicated for application in the residential sector.

By Sales Channel Analysis

Retail Store/Offline Segment to Emerge as a Better Performing Segment in the Market

By sales channel, the global market is classified into retail store/offline and online websites. The offline segment is estimated to hold a major share in the market owing to developed, and interconnected supply chain by distributors and retailers in the offline sector. However, reseller and dealers operating on online channels are garnering a considerable traction in multiple regional markets and can amass a noteworthy share over the forecast period. The significant popularity of online shopping platforms will help the segment in strengthening its sales footprints in the market and increasing its direct customer reach.

Many global brands manufacturing forestry and gardening products have deployed their exclusive retail outlets and also have a strong and dedicated retail service in the regional market, which make the offline segment still a preferred choice of most of the customers in the market. However, profound participation of regional manufacturers and increasing startups trying to bolster their presence through online platforms can create opportunities of growth for the online segment as well.

REGIONAL INSIGHTS

In terms of Regional analysis, the market is segmented into North America, South America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and Middle East and Africa (MEA).

Europe is projected to register notable share within the global market and is projected to develop at a substantial pace over the period of forecast high demand for professional lawn mowers, professional landscaping devices, and automated tools in the region. Furthermore, the shift of customers from using traditional gasoline powered manual lawn mowers to newer, silent, efficient, smart, and battery powered robotic mowers is widening the growth perspective in Europe.

U.K. to Witness a Noteworthy Development Due to Proclivity of Customers Towards Automated Gardening

During the period of market forecast, the U.K. is expected to progress with a healthy CAGR in the market. The demand for energy-efficient systems for lawn maintenance, scarcity of trained and skilled tool operators, and continuous advancement in infrastructure development in the suburban region and residential complexes in urban localities are boosting the sales perspective of lawn operators across diverse geographies. The keen interest of the owners on the maintenance of sprawling lawn area and backyard beautification activities further supports the promising growth estimations of the country.

Increasing demand for professional lawn mower embedded with features, such as smart connectivity, GPS-based navigation, is propelling the robotic lawn mower market growth in North America traditions are all boosting the regional market's potential development. Awareness and subsequent demand for electric-based automated mowers in the region can be considered as a major factor for forecasting the sizable growth potential of the region

In South America, the high amount of supply demand imbalance and the uncertain demand for lawn maintenance in open spaces can obstruct the growth of South America. Lack of an established supply chain and low direct customer reach of the established key players would also contribute to the pessimistic performance of the region.  

Asia Pacific is expected to progress with a modest growth rate over the forecast period. The increasing participation of China-based manufacturers in this optimistic market and their efforts in research and development division can increase the prominence of the region in the market. Although, lower growth prospects of robotic mowers in a densely populated country, such as India, is effectively lowering sales opportunities of the aforementioned product in the region.

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Collaborations and joint ventures are a priority for key companies in various regions

Leading manufacturers are investing much in their R&D divisions in order to attain technological dominance and boost their growth prospects in the global market. For instance, Husqvarna Group has invested a hefty amount of nearly USD 185 million. The company has invested this sum to concentrate on its ongoing ventures in battery and robotic technology, digital services, and research on achieving considerable energy efficiency. Manufacturers are working towards establishment of interconnected and effective sales channel network to strengthen its presence in the global market in multiple geographies.

For instance, Robin Autopilot USA announced its decision on finalizing the extension of partnership with Husqvarna Group to increase customer reach within the market and increasing the presence within diverse regional market in the potential region of North America. Furthermore, many established market players are striving to develop joint ventures; and strategic mergers & acquisitions decisions to diversify their product portfolios and presence across many geographies. In the global market, the increasing engagement of businesses from various geographies is producing a fierce and severe competition landscape. Husqvarna Group, Robert Bosch GmbH, and STIGA S.p.A. are identified as the top contenders with promising market shares in the market.

LIST OF KEY COMPANIES PROFILED:

• Husqvarna Group (Stockholm, Sweden)


• Robert Bosch GmbH (Gerlingen, Germany)


• Deere & Company (Illinois, the U.S.)


• STIGA S.p.A. (Veneto, Italy)


• HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD. (Tokyo, Japan)


• Hitachi, Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan)


• LawnMaster (South Carolina, the U.S.)


• The Toro Co. (Minnesota, the U.S.)


• GLOBGRO AB (Skåne, Sweden)


• ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG (Waiblingen, Germany)


• Robin Autopilot (Texas, the U.S.)


• Robomow Friendly House (Jerusalem, Israel)


• WOLF-Garten company (Saarbrücken-Bübingen., Germany)


• Cub Cadet (Ohio, the U.S.)


• Positec Germany GmbH (Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany)


• AL-KO (Großkötz, Germany)


• WIPER S.R.L. (Treviso, Italy)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS:

• December 2020: Husqvarna Group, a Sweden-based robotic lawn mower manufacturer, launched a novel robotic mower solution, CEORA. The product will elevate automated, sustainable, and cost-effective landscape maintenance operations. The product is aimed to target customers with a demand for smart and digitalized professional lawn mowing products and solutions.


• March 2021: The Toro Co., which operates as a lawn mower manufacturer with an operational headquarters in the U.S., has recently acquired Left Hand Robotics Inc. The strategic acquisition will help Toro to strengthen its expertise in the field of next generation technologies and will help to manufacture autonomous and connected equipment.

REPORT COVERAGE

The report provides an in-depth analysis of the industry dynamics and competitive landscape. The report also provides market estimation and forecast based battery capacity, application, sales channel, and regions. It provides various key insights, including recent industry developments in the market such as mergers & acquisitions, macro and microeconomic factors, SWOT analysis, and company profiles.

REPORT SCOPE & SEGMENTATION