Revolutionizing Lawn Care

How Husqvarna Protects IoT Innovation in Robotic Mowers

In the rapidly evolving world of Internet of Things (IoT)👉 “Connected devices exchanging data via internet for smart functionality” technology, Husqvarna has emerged as a pioneer in the lawn care industry with its innovative robotic mowers. This case study explores how the Swedish manufacturer leverages intellectual property👉 Creations of the mind protected by legal rights. (IP) rights to protect its IoT use cases, particularly in its collaboration with Telenor IoT for advanced connectivity solutions.

The Rise of Smart Lawn Care

Husqvarna, a company with roots dating back to 1689, has transformed from a weapons producer to a leader in outdoor power products. Today, it’s at the forefront of the smart lawn care revolution, offering robotic lawnmowers that promise convenience and efficiency to homeowners and professionals alike.

The company’s journey into IoT-enabled lawn care began in earnest in 2016 when Husqvarna partnered with Telenor IoT to enhance the remote control capabilities of its robotic mowers. This collaboration has led to the development of advanced products like the Automower NERA series, which exemplifies the potential of IoT in everyday gardening tasks.

The Automower NERA: A Case Study in IoT Innovation

The Automower NERA represents a significant leap in lawn care technology. Unlike traditional human-operated mowers, this robotic system offers several unique benefits:

• Autonomous Operation: The Husqvarna Automower operates independently, allowing users to reclaim time they would have spent manually mowing their lawn. This autonomous functionality means the mower can work consistently, even when the user is away or occupied with other tasks. The result is a consistently well-maintained lawn without the physical effort traditionally associated with lawn care.
• Remote Control: Users can monitor and control their Automower from anywhere using GPS technology and the Automower Connect app. This remote capability allows for real-time tracking of the mower’s location and activity, enabling users to make adjustments or check progress even when they’re not at home. The app provides a user-friendly interface for scheduling, adjusting settings, and receiving notifications about the mower’s status.
• Customized Lawn Care: The Automower creates a virtual map of the garden using GPS sensors, enabling highly personalized lawn care. Users can define specific work areas, stay-out zones, and assign different cutting heights and schedules to various parts of their lawn through the app. This level of customization allows for precise lawn management, accommodating different grass types, growth rates, or special areas like flower beds or newly seeded patches.
• Weather-Adaptive Mowing: By integrating with weather forecast services, the Automower can intelligently adjust its mowing schedule based on current and predicted weather conditions. This feature helps optimize lawn care by avoiding mowing during rain or adjusting cutting frequency during periods of faster grass growth. The weather-adaptive capability ensures the lawn receives appropriate care while conserving energy and extending the mower’s lifespan.
• Smart Home Integration: The Automower’s voice control capabilities allow for seamless integration with other smart home devices and systems. Users can issue voice commands to start, stop, or adjust the mower’s operations through popular smart home assistants. This integration enhances the overall smart home experience, allowing users to manage their lawn care alongside other home automation tasks.
• Automatic Charging and Theft Protection: The Automower is designed to autonomously return to its charging station when its battery is low, ensuring continuous operation without user intervention. For security, the mower is equipped with GPS tracking, allowing owners to locate it if it’s moved from its designated area. These features combine to provide peace of mind and convenience, making the Automower a reliable and secure lawn care solution.

Protecting IoT Innovation: Husqvarna’s IP Strategy

To safeguard its technological advancements and maintain its competitive edge, Husqvarna employs a comprehensive IP strategy👉 Approach to manage, protect, and leverage IP assets. that encompasses various forms of intellectual property protection:

Patents

Husqvarna’s patent portfolio is crucial in protecting its core technologies. Key patents include:

• Multi-sensor, autonomous robotic vehicle with mapping capability (WO2016098050): This patent is fundamental to the Automower’s ability to create and navigate using virtual maps of the lawn.
• Obstacle detection system (WO2015094052): Ensures the mower can safely navigate around objects in the lawn.
• Error detection and resetting system (WO2016178616): Improves the reliability and autonomous operation of the mower.

These patents protect the technological innovations that enable the Automower to function autonomously and efficiently, creating a significant barrier to entry for competitors.

Trademarks

Husqvarna’s brand👉 A distinctive identity that differentiates a product, service, or entity. identity is protected through several registered trademarks:

• Husqvarna (Registration No. 984904)
• H Logo (Registration No. 984324)
• Automower (Registration No. 0999681)
• EPOS (Registration No. 1534046)

These trademarks protect the brand names and logos associated with Husqvarna’s products, ensuring that consumers can easily identify and trust the company’s offerings in the marketplace.

Design Rights

The unique appearance of Husqvarna’s robotic mowers is protected through registered designs, such as:

• Design Registration No. 008052765-0001
• Design Registration No. 008052765-0002

These design rights prevent competitors from copying the distinctive look of Husqvarna’s products, which can be a crucial factor in consumer choice, especially for products that are visible in gardens.

Copyrights

While often overlooked in hardware-focused industries, copyrights play a significant role in protecting Husqvarna’s software-related innovations:

• Software code for the Automower’s operating system
• User interface designs for the Automower Connect app
• Digital assets and databases used in the IoT ecosystem

These copyrights ensure that the unique software solutions developed by Husqvarna cannot be directly copied by competitors.

Trade Secrets

Some of Husqvarna’s most valuable IP is protected as trade secrets, including:

• Proprietary algorithms for lawn mapping and navigation: Husqvarna’s proprietary algorithms for lawn mapping and navigation are at the heart of their Automower Intelligent Mapping (AIM) Technology, enabling precise virtual mapping of gardens. These algorithms allow the robotic mowers to create customizable work areas and stay-out zones, offering users unprecedented control over their lawn care directly from their smartphones. By continuously comparing 3D sensor data with real-time positioning information, these algorithms ensure optimal coverage and precise cutting results, adapting the mower’s pattern for maximum efficiency1.
• Manufacturing processes for key components: Husqvarna’s manufacturing processes for key components are a closely guarded secret, contributing to their position as a market leader in robotic lawn mowers. The company’s UK factory in Newton Aycliffe, which has produced over one million robotic mowers, employs specialized techniques that require input from an average of 72 staff members per mower. One example of their innovative manufacturing approach is the use of SNAPLOC® couplings for attaching the Automower’s housing, which optimizes production processes while meeting exacting design requirements.
• Future product development plans: Husqvarna’s future product development plans include expanding their range of boundary wire-free robotic lawnmowers, with 13 new models announced for the 2025 season. The company is focusing on integrating advanced features such as systematic mowing capabilities, which increase cutting area capacity by 50% and allow for patterned lawn designs. Additionally, Husqvarna is preparing to introduce AI-driven functionalities like night vision and obstacle avoidance in 2026, further enhancing their professional landscaping solutions.

By keeping this information confidential, Husqvarna maintains a competitive advantage that cannot be easily replicated through reverse engineering or patent analysis.

The Role of Connectivity in IoT Lawn Care

The partnership between Husqvarna and Telenor IoT is central to the functionality of the Automower NERA. Telenor provides a managed connectivity solution that includes:

• Global SIM cards embedded in the mowers: The Automower NERA series is equipped with embedded global SIM cards that connect to Telenor’s worldwide network. This connectivity allows Husqvarna to remotely monitor and control the mowers, as well as provide over-the-air updates and software upgrades, regardless of the mower’s location.
• Access to a service portal for device management: Husqvarna benefits from access to a service portal that enables efficient device management for their fleet of robotic mowers. This portal likely provides tools for monitoring mower status, managing software updates, and analyzing performance data to optimize lawn care operations11.
• 24/7 IoT-dedicated service desk support: Telenor IoT offers round-the-clock support through an IoT-dedicated service desk, ensuring that Husqvarna can address any connectivity or operational issues promptly. This continuous support helps maintain the reliability and performance of the Automower fleet, enhancing customer satisfaction and minimizing downtime.

This connectivity enables several key features:

• The Automower allows users to remotely monitor and control their mowers via the Automower Connect app and integrated GPS technology. This feature ensures real-time tracking of the mower’s location and activity, enabling users to make adjustments or check progress from anywhere. The convenience of remote control enhances user experience by providing flexibility and autonomy in lawn care management.
• Husqvarna’s IoT ecosystem includes over-the-air (OTA) updates delivered through the Automower Connect app. These updates allow users to access new features and improvements without requiring physical intervention or additional hardware. OTA upgrades ensure that the mower remains up-to-date with the latest advancements, enhancing functionality and extending product longevity.
• The Automower’s connection to the Husqvarna Cloud Service enables integration with external services like weather forecasts. This connectivity allows the mower to optimize its schedule based on current and predicted weather conditions, ensuring efficient operation while protecting sensitive lawn areas. The cloud-based system also supports advanced features like virtual mapping and customization through AIM (Automower Intelligent Mapping) technology.

Telenor’s Role in IP Protection

While Husqvarna focuses on protecting the mower-specific technologies, Telenor’s IP portfolio complements this by safeguarding the connectivity aspects of the IoT solution. Telenor’s relevant patents likely cover areas such as:

• Secure communication protocols for IoT devices: Telenor likely holds patents on protocols like Transport Layer Security (TLS) and Datagram Transport Layer Security (DTLS), which provide end-to-end encryption and authentication for IoT device communications. These protocols ensure data confidentiality and integrity, protecting sensitive information transmitted between IoT devices and cloud servers.
• Efficient data transmission methods for battery-powered devices: Telenor’s patents may cover energy-efficient communication protocols such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) or Zigbee, which are designed to minimize power consumption in battery-operated IoT devices. These protocols allow devices to transmit data in short bursts and enter low-power sleep modes between transmissions, significantly extending battery life.
• Network management systems for large-scale IoT deployments: Telenor’s patent portfolio likely includes technologies for managing and optimizing large-scale IoT networks, such as traffic management tools and network visualization systems. These systems enable efficient monitoring, configuration, and troubleshooting of numerous IoT devices, ensuring optimal performance and scalability of IoT deployments.

The synergy between Husqvarna’s product-specific IP and Telenor’s connectivity-focused IP creates a robust ecosystem that is difficult for competitors to replicate without infringing on multiple patents and other IP rights.

Automower Intelligent Mapping (AIM) Technology

A key innovation👉 Practical application of new ideas to create value. in Husqvarna’s latest models is the AIM technology, which creates a virtual map of the customer’s lawn using onboard GPS sensors. This technology enables several advanced features:

• Automower Zone Control: Users can create work areas and stay-out zones directly in the app’s map view. The Automower Zone Control feature allows users to easily customize their lawn care by defining specific areas for mowing and areas to avoid, all through an intuitive map interface. This level of control enables homeowners to protect delicate plants, flower beds, or newly seeded areas while ensuring the rest of the lawn receives proper maintenance.
• Flexible Scheduling: Different areas of the lawn can be assigned unique schedules and cutting heights. This feature provides unprecedented customization, allowing users to tailor the mowing schedule and grass length for various sections of their lawn. By accommodating different growth rates or grass types within a single property, the Automower ensures optimal lawn health and appearance across diverse landscaping elements.
• Real-time Positioning: The exact location of the mower is always known, improving efficiency and security. The real-time positioning capability enables users to track their Automower’s location at any given moment, enhancing operational efficiency by allowing for immediate adjustments if needed. This feature also serves as a robust security measure, providing peace of mind to owners by allowing them to quickly locate their mower in case of theft or displacement.
• Improved Navigation: The mower uses 3D sensor data to continuously refine its position and movement. By utilizing advanced 3D sensor technology, the Automower constantly updates its understanding of the lawn’s topography and its own position within it. This continuous refinement results in more precise navigation, allowing the mower to adapt to changes in the landscape and maintain optimal cutting patterns even in complex or changing environments.

The AIM technology is protected through a combination of patents, copyrights (for the software implementation), and trade secrets (for the underlying algorithms).

EPOS Technology: Precision in Motion

Husqvarna’s EPOS (Exact Positioning Operating System) technology takes lawn care precision to the next level:

• Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning: Husqvarna’s EPOS technology utilizes Real-Time Kinematic positioning to provide highly accurate location data for its robotic mowers. This advanced GPS technique allows for precise positioning by comparing the mower’s location to a fixed base station, enabling superior navigation and boundary definition.
• Utilization of multiple global navigation satellite systems (GNSS): The EPOS system leverages multiple GNSS networks, including GPS, GLONASS, Beidou, and Galileo, to ensure comprehensive satellite coverage and reliable positioning. By utilizing multiple satellite systems, Husqvarna’s mowers can maintain accurate positioning even in challenging environments or when signals from one system may be obstructed.
• Centimeter-level accuracy for navigation and boundary definition: EPOS technology achieves centimeter-level accuracy, allowing for precise navigation and the creation of virtual boundaries without the need for physical wires. This high level of accuracy enables users to define work areas and stay-out zones with exceptional precision, improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the robotic mower’s operation.

EPOS technology is protected by both patents and trademarks, ensuring that Husqvarna maintains its competitive edge in high-precision robotic mowing.

The Business Impact of IoT and IP Protection

Husqvarna’s investment in IoT technology and comprehensive IP protection has yielded significant business benefits:

• Market Leadership:
  Husqvarna’s continuous innovation👉 Gradual improvements to existing products or services. in robotic mowers, protected by a comprehensive IP strategy, has solidified its position as a market leader. By leveraging technologies like AIM (Automower Intelligent Mapping) and EPOS (Exact Positioning Operating System), Husqvarna stays ahead of competitors in offering advanced lawn care solutions.
• Premium Pricing:
  The unique IoT features of Husqvarna’s Automower series, such as remote control and weather-adaptive mowing, justify higher price points in the market. Strong IP protection for these innovations ensures that Husqvarna can maintain its premium pricing strategy without immediate threat from lower-cost imitators.
• Brand Loyalty:
  Husqvarna’s commitment to innovation, exemplified by features like virtual mapping and customizable zone control, has created a loyal customer base. The reliable performance of their robotic mowers, backed by robust IP protection, encourages customers to stick with the brand for future purchases and upgrades.
• Licensing👉 Permission to use a right or asset granted by its owner. Opportunities:
  Husqvarna’s extensive IP portfolio, covering various aspects of robotic mower technology, opens up potential for licensing agreements with other companies in the lawn care industry. This could allow Husqvarna to generate additional revenue by allowing others to use their patented technologies, while still maintaining control over their core innovations.
• Deterrence of Copycats:
  The strong IP protection strategy employed by Husqvarna, including patents, trademarks, and trade secrets, creates significant barriers for potential copycats. This protection helps Husqvarna maintain its technological lead in the robotic mower market by making it legally and financially risky for competitors to directly copy their innovations.

Conclusion: The Future of IoT in Lawn Care

Husqvarna’s case study demonstrates the critical role of IP protection in the IoT era. As lawn care becomes increasingly automated and connected, companies must not only innovate but also vigorously protect their innovations through a multi-faceted IP strategy.

The success of the Automower series, particularly the NERA models with AIM and EPOS technologies, showcases how IoT can transform traditional industries. By combining cutting-edge hardware with sophisticated software and connectivity solutions, Husqvarna has created a product that offers tangible benefits to consumers while building a defensible market position through strategic IP management👉 Strategic and operative handling of IP to maximize value..

As IoT continues to permeate various aspects of our lives, the lessons from Husqvarna’s approach to IP protection in lawn care can be applied across industries. Companies looking to leverage IoT technologies should consider:

• Developing a comprehensive IP strategy that covers all aspects of their IoT ecosystem, from hardware to software to connectivity:
  Husqvarna’s approach demonstrates the importance of a holistic IP strategy that encompasses all elements of their IoT-enabled lawn care solutions. By protecting hardware innovations, software algorithms, and connectivity features, they create a robust barrier against competitors and ensure the uniqueness of their offering.
• Collaborating with partners who bring complementary technologies and IP portfolios to strengthen the overall offering:
  Husqvarna’s partnership with Telenor IoT showcases the power of strategic collaboration in the IoT space. By leveraging Telenor’s expertise in connectivity and combining it with their own lawn care innovations, Husqvarna creates a more compelling and technologically advanced product.
• Continuously innovating and updating their IP portfolio to stay ahead of the competition👉 Rivalry between entities striving for a shared goal or limited resource.:
  Husqvarna’s ongoing development of new technologies like AIM (Automower Intelligent Mapping) and EPOS (Exact Positioning Operating System) illustrates their commitment to innovation. By consistently filing new patents and trademarks for these advancements, they maintain their competitive edge in the rapidly evolving IoT landscape.
• Leveraging IP not just for protection, but also as a tool for creating new business opportunities and revenue streams:
  Husqvarna’s IP strategy goes beyond defensive measures, actively using their innovations to create new market opportunities. Their extensive IP portfolio not only protects their current products but also positions them to explore new business models and potential licensing agreements in the future.

In the end, the Husqvarna case illustrates that in the IoT age, success is not just about creating smart devices, but about smartly protecting the innovations that make those devices valuable to consumers and businesses alike.