Laser vs Non-Laser Robotic Mower Obstacle Avoidance for Australian Orchards

When shopping for a commercial robotic mower for your Australian orchard or farm, obstacle avoidance performance is one of the most critical factors. Our robotic mower uses RTK + IMU multi-sensor fusion navigation. In heavily dense orchards, signal may be affected by antenna shelter and poor 4G coverage, while stable performance can be guaranteed in standardized orchards. Two navigation packages are available to match different site requirements.
Non-Laser (Standard) Navigation Package
Hardware: 1 set navigation controller, 1 fixed base station, 1 communication adapter board
Functions:

• Remote waypoint mapping
• Automatic path planning
• Autonomous operation
• Task management
• Status display
  Obstacle avoidance: This package can bypass fixed obstacles. Laser radar must be selected additionally if detection of moving obstacles is required.
  LiDAR High-End Navigation Package
  Hardware: 1 set navigation controller, 1 × 16-line LiDAR, 1 industrial computer, 1 fixed base station, 1 communication adapter board
  Functions:
• Remote waypoint mapping
• Automatic path planning
• Autonomous operation
• Task management
• Status display
  Obstacle avoidance: Full stop and bypass function for both fixed and moving obstacles.
  Standard vs High-End: Which Navigation Package Fits Your Orchard?
  Choose the Standard Package if: Your orchard is standardized planted, with trees neatly spaced. Obstacles on site are mostly static tree trunks and stationary debris. You do not need frequent detection of moving objects. This option delivers reliable performance with better cost efficiency.
  Choose the High-End 16-line LiDAR Package if: Your site has unpredictable moving objects, such as livestock or field workers. You need the mower to detect, stop and steer around moving obstacles automatically during operation.
  Frequently Asked Questions

1. Will RTK+IMU navigation lose signal inside fruit orchards?
   Signal interference may occur in extremely dense orchards, mainly caused by antenna occlusion or weak 4G network. For standardized planting orchards, the RTK+IMU positioning stays stable during mowing tasks.
2. What is the key difference between the two versions?
   The core difference lies in moving obstacle handling. The standard version only bypasses fixed obstacles; moving obstacle detection requires an optional LiDAR upgrade. The high-end version with built-in 16-line LiDAR supports stop and bypass for both static and moving obstacles.
3. Do both versions support remote mapping?
   Yes. Both standard and high-end navigation packages support remote control waypoint mapping, autonomous path planning and task management.

Further Reading:

• Can commercial robotic mowers handle uneven orchard ground?
• Why advertised mowing area of robotic mowers is often overstated