Abstract: Systems and techniques for detecting a difference in orientation between a lawn mower and a surface on which the mower is mowing, or between portions of such surface, based on one or more of sensor data or map data are discussed. The difference in orientation may then be used to control the lawn mower by, for example, raising a deck height or idling a blade speed, though other actuations are contemplated. In some examples, an amount the deck height is raised may be based on the difference in orientation. Based on a subsequent difference detected being at or below a threshold difference, the mower may return to previous operating conditions including, but not limited to, returning a blade speed to a previous blade speed and/or returning the deck height to a previous deck height, among other controls. Such techniques may prevent undercutting turf due to such differences.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for detecting a difference in orientation between a lawn mower and a surface on which the mower is mowing, or between portions of such surface, based on one or more of sensor data or map data are discussed. The difference in orientation may then be used to control the lawn mower by, for example, raising a deck height or idling a blade speed, though other actuations are contemplated. In some examples, an amount the deck height is raised may be based on the difference in orientation. Based on a subsequent difference detected being at or below a threshold difference, the mower may return to previous operating conditions including, but not limited to, returning a blade speed to a previous blade speed and/or returning the deck height to a previous deck height, among other controls.

Abstract: Embodiments of assemblies for use with mowers are provided herein. In some embodiments, an assembly includes: a substantially circular baffle body configured to at least partially surround a blade and defining a cutting chamber, the baffle body including an intake side and a discharge side, wherein an upper portion of the baffle body includes a discharge opening proximate the discharge side and a diameter of the baffle body is less than or equal to approximately one half of an inch larger than a diameter of the blade.

Abstract: Embodiments of blades for use with lawn mowers are provided herein. In some embodiments, a blade for a lawn mower includes a substantially flat central portion having a rotational axis configured to be coupled to a motor for rotating the blade; a distal portion extending radially from opposing sides of the flat central portion, the distal portion being a cutting region of the blade when mowing and defined by the following: a non-zero leading angle defining an angle of attack; and a non-zero camber percentage; and an intermediate portion disposed between the central portion and the distal portion and configured to minimize an amount of torsional stress between the central portion and the distal portion, wherein each distal portion comprises about 25 percent or less of a total length of the blade.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for detecting suboptimal mowing due to impacted vegetation and/or orientation changes are discussed. In some examples, blade speeds, blade heights, torques, and/or a current required to spin the blades of a mower at a determined rate may be calibrated and associated with a lawn mower and/or map. Changes in any one or more of the blade speed, current required, torque, etc. (and/or additional data from one or more sensors on the mower) may be used as an indication for determining whether vegetation has impacted the underside of a mower, whether the blade has struck an object, whether the mower is undergoing an orientation change, whether the mower requires maintenance, and the like. Based on the indication, the mower can perform one or more functions to attempt to remediate the problem autonomously and/or send a signal to a user for additional help.

Abstract: An autonomous lawn mower is described. The autonomous lawn mower comprises a chassis supporting a podium. In some examples, the podium comprises an upper portion and a lower portion, where the upper portion may support one or more sensors, antennas and/or cameras that may be used to provide environmental information regarding the surroundings of the autonomous lawn mower. The upper portion may be detached from the lower portion such that the upper portion is calibrated prior to the upper portion being coupled to the lower portion.

Abstract: An autonomous lawn mower is described. The autonomous lawn mower comprises a chassis supporting a podium that is raked forward with respect to a horizontal plane. In some examples, the podium comprises a top portion that may support one or more sensors, antennas and/or cameras that may be used to provide environmental information regarding the surroundings of the autonomous lawn mower. In additional or alternative examples, the podium may facilitate communication services to and/or from the autonomous lawn mower. Such a podium may improve the operation of the mower by a user when manually (or semi-autonomously controlled) while optimizing a field of view of such sensors with respect to the mowable area.

Abstract: An autonomous lawn mower is described. The autonomous lawn mower comprises a chassis supporting a podium. In some examples, the podium comprises a top portion that may support one or more sensors, antennas and/or cameras that may be used to provide environmental information regarding the surroundings of the autonomous lawn mower. In additional or alternative examples, the autonomous lawn mower receives, via a wireless receiver, a signal from a remote controller, the signal comprising one or more of an emergency stop signal or a pause signal. Based at least in part on the signal comprising the emergency stop signal, causing the autonomous lawn mower to invoke an emergency stop procedure, or based at least in part on the signal comprising the pause signal, causing the autonomous lawn mower to invoke a pause procedure.

Abstract: An autonomous lawn mower is described which is provided with boundary information of a region, explores the region, and based on information collected while exploring, is configured to mow the region in accordance with a mow pattern. Exploration may be performed based on random motions, striping, etc. Sensor data captured during exploration is captured in order to determine the presence of any objects within the region (e.g., trees, manmade objects, lakes, and the like). Sensor data and boundary information is used to optimize a mow pattern for the lawn mower to follow when mowing the region. Additional sensor data captured while mowing may be used for obstacle avoidance, monitoring of the system, or otherwise generating notifications.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for detecting a difference in orientation between a lawn mower and a surface on which the mower is mowing, or between portions of such surface, based on one or more of sensor data or map data are discussed. The difference in orientation may then be used to control the lawn mower by, for example, raising a deck height or idling a blade speed, though other actuations are contemplated. In some examples, an amount the deck height is raised may be based on the difference in orientation. Based on a subsequent difference detected being at or below a threshold difference, the mower may return to previous operating conditions including, but not limited to, returning a blade speed to a previous blade speed and/or returning the deck height to a previous deck height, among other controls. Such techniques may prevent undercutting turf due to such differences.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for detecting suboptimal mowing due to impacted vegetation and/or orientation changes are discussed. In some examples, blade speeds, blade heights, torques, and/or a current required to spin the blades of a mower at a determined rate may be calibrated and associated with a lawn mower and/or map. Changes in any one or more of the blade speed, current required, torque, etc. (and/or additional data from one or more sensors on the mower) may be used as an indication for determining whether vegetation has impacted the underside of a mower, whether the blade has struck an object, whether the mower is undergoing an orientation change, whether the mower requires maintenance, and the like. Based on the indication, the mower can perform one or more functions to attempt to remediate the problem autonomously and/or send a signal to a user for additional help.

Abstract: A control device for an autonomous lawn mower is described which receives input signals from a first and/or second hand control and determines a control signal for controlling the autonomous lawn mower. The hand controls may provide for intuitive control of the mower by a user. The control signals may be used to operate the autonomous lawn mower to perform a task such that, when later detached or otherwise decoupled, the autonomous lawn mower may perform the same or similar tasks substantially autonomously based on data (e.g., sensor signals, control signals, etc.), generated during manual operation. In some examples, the control signals may be determined to aid a user in maintaining a straight mow, proximity to a desired pattern for mowing, and/or be otherwise altered based on the presence of a user.