STMicroelectronics’ Latest Automotive-Grade Satellite Navigation Chip Powers Segway’s Robotic Lawnmowers

How STMicroelectronics’ Teseo Technology Enhances Segway’s Navimow X3 Series with Unprecedented Efficiency and Precision

STMicroelectronics (ST), a global leader in semiconductor solutions serving multiple electronic applications (NYSE: STM), has partnered with Segway to improve positioning accuracy and satellite signal coverage for Segway’s new series of robotic lawnmowers, taking operational efficiency and safety to a new level.

The Critical Role of Satellite Navigation in Autonomous Lawnmowers

The reliability and precision of satellite navigation are crucial for the autonomous navigation and safe operation of boundary-free robotic lawnmowers. Tall buildings or trees around the working area can affect the robot’s ability to receive satellite signals. To operate safely near stairs or steep slopes, there must be no blind spots in satellite signal coverage, and the satellite signal coverage rate must be effectively guaranteed.

Automotive-Grade Teseo Technology for Precision Lawn Care

STMicroelectronics’ Teseo satellite receiver chips, with their automotive-grade quality and reliability, are an ideal choice for manufacturers developing robotic lawnmowers. The decimeter-level positioning capability ensures that robots operate within predetermined lawn areas, making lawnmowers safer by preventing injuries or property damage. Additionally, the systematic approach replaces random mowing patterns, allowing smaller lawnmowers to maintain larger lawns, reducing operation time and improving mowing efficiency.

Navimow X3: Advanced Three-Frequency GNSS Technology

Segway’s recently launched Navimow X3 lawnmower integrates STMicroelectronics’ TeseoV single-chip three-frequency GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) receiver. This satellite receiver complies with automotive industry standards and can efficiently track multiple constellations simultaneously, maximizing satellite tracking and capture volume with excellent signal reception performance even in adverse conditions. The receiver also employs real-time dynamic satellite signal error correction technology, ensuring stable and precise operation of the robotic lawnmower even in challenging signal environments and complex lawn layouts, such as properties with front and back yards and narrow passages between two mowing areas. After adopting STMicroelectronics’ TeseoV GNSS receiver technology, Segway’s new generation of robotic lawnmowers has increased satellite signal coverage by 20-30% compared to the previous generation.

The Growing Market for High-Precision GNSS in Robotic Lawnmowers

The robotic lawnmower market is experiencing significant growth, with an estimated 2.6 million units in operation in 2024 and projected growth of approximately 18.5% in the coming years.www.u-blox.com Industry analysts predict that high-precision GNSS technology will reach a 33% penetration rate in this market by the end of the decade, highlighting the increasing demand for precise positioning solutions in autonomous robotic applications.

Competitive Landscape in the GNSS Chip Market for Robotic Lawnmowers

While STMicroelectronics has made significant inroads with its Teseo technology, the market for GNSS chips in robotic lawnmowers features several strong competitors:

Airoha Technology’s AI-Enhanced Satellite Positioning

Airoha Technology has developed the AG3335A, an AI satellite positioning chip with centimeter-level high precision RTK capabilities. This chip was adopted by Segway two years ago for its Navimow i series, which features the EFLS 2.0 (vision-enhanced RTK positioning system) and AI assistant mapping functionality—an industry first launched in March 2024.www.prnewswire.com

The AG3335A’s dual-frequency, multi-constellation design delivers accurate position measurements even in challenging scenarios such as under tree shade, around external corners of buildings, and near various types of fencing where obstructions may cause satellite signal interference or weakening. When paired with Segway’s vision-enhanced mapping and high-precision algorithm technology, this creates a highly robust navigation system.

u-blox’s Dominant Market Position

u-blox has secured significant project wins with the majority of robotic lawnmower manufacturers, positioning itself as a dominant force in high-precision GNSS technology for this sector. These partnerships are expected to generate over $100 million in revenue starting from 2024, underlining the company’s strategic influence in shaping the future of robotic lawnmowing.www.u-blox.com

Advanced Features Enabled by Precision Navigation

The integration of high-precision GNSS technology has enabled robotic lawnmowers to offer increasingly sophisticated features:

Multi-Zone Management and Intelligent Route Planning

Modern robotic lawnmowers can now efficiently manage up to 20 different mowing areas, including front and back yards, roadsides, and can recognize no-go zones such as pools and flower beds. Patented algorithms optimize mowing paths for different areas, ensuring efficient mowing and creating aesthetically pleasing lawn patterns.

Enhanced Security Features

Advanced GNSS chipsets enable GPS tracking and anti-theft protection features. For example, some models offer “lost” functionality that prevents unauthorized use, and systems that alert users via smartphone apps when the lawnmower exceeds designated mowing zones.

Seamless Integration with Other Sensors

The latest robotic lawnmowers combine GNSS technology with additional sensors such as:

• Lidar systems for enhanced obstacle detection and mapping
• Vision systems that complement satellite positioning in challenging environments
• AI algorithms that improve navigation accuracy and efficiency over time
• Inertial navigation systems for maintaining positioning when satellite signals are temporarily lost

Technical Innovations in Satellite Positioning for Robotic Applications

The GNSS chips designed for robotic lawnmowers leverage several technological innovations:

Multi-Constellation Support

Modern chips can simultaneously track multiple satellite constellations including GPS, GLONASS, Galileo, BeiDou, and QZSS, significantly increasing the number of available satellites and improving positioning accuracy and reliability.

Multi-Frequency Reception

Three-frequency reception allows for better multipath mitigation and faster convergence of RTK solutions, resulting in centimeter-level positioning accuracy even in challenging environments.

Advanced Error Correction

Real-time kinematic (RTK) algorithms and other error correction technologies significantly improve positioning accuracy, with some systems achieving centimeter-level precision compared to the meter-level accuracy of standard GNSS receivers.

Power Efficiency

Chips designed specifically for battery-powered robotic applications balance high performance with power efficiency, extending operating time between charges.

Industry Leaders Comment on the Partnership

George Ren, CEO of Segway Navimow, states: “The collaboration between Segway Navimow and STMicroelectronics is an excellent example of a ‘win-win’ situation. STMicroelectronics provides electronic modules with embedded cutting-edge technology for Segway’s latest and most advanced robotic lawnmowers.”

Luca Celant, General Manager of Digital Audio and Signal Solutions at STMicroelectronics, comments: “STMicroelectronics has accumulated successful experience in helping build reliable and affordable automotive navigation systems. Building on this foundation, STMicroelectronics now introduces these powerful features to the industrial market through single-chip Teseo satellite receiver technology in a compact and convenient package format. Segway’s choice to adopt the market-validated Teseo chip in its next-generation robotic lawnmowers marks an important step for STMicroelectronics in expanding into the industrial GNSS market, delivering automotive-grade quality at industrial-grade costs.”

Similarly, Airoha Technology’s Senior Vice President, Yang Yuquan, expressed: “Airoha Technology is committed to consistently providing IC chips and services featuring ‘AI satellite positioning’ to a global clientele across diverse sectors. Our chip solutions are optimized for quick positioning, precise localization, and power efficiency. Through close collaboration with our clients, Airoha Technology aims to enhance the value of their products and accelerate their time-to-market.”

Beyond Lawnmowers: The Future of High-Precision GNSS in Robotics

The technology developed for robotic lawnmowers has applications well beyond lawn care. High-precision GNSS chipsets are finding use in:

• Geomatics surveying
• Automated unmanned agricultural machinery
• Vehicle logistics tracking
• Operational management of shared mobility solutions (e.g., electric bicycles and scooters)
• Various autonomous robotic applications across manufacturing, logistics, infrastructure monitoring, and smart cities

Technical Specifications of STA8135GA

The STA8135GA, a member of STMicroelectronics’ TeseoV product family, is an automotive-grade (AEC-Q100) GNSS receiver that integrates a three-frequency positioning measurement engine on a single chip, enabling position-velocity-time (PVT) and dead reckoning capabilities. The chip comes in a 7mm x 11mm x 1.2mm BGA package and separately integrates low-dropout (LDO) regulators to power the chip’s analog circuits, digital core, and I/O transceivers, simplifying external power supply selection.

For more product details, visit the STMicroelectronics website for information on the STA8135GA – TeseoV series automotive three-frequency multi-constellation GNSS precision engine receiver.I understand your instruction about limiting repetitive tool calls that aren’t producing useful results.