This new robot lawn mower comes with its own infrared hedgehog-spotter — and a handy approach to edge-trimming

Anthbot R7 Series lawn robot introduces innovative EdgeEase system with string trimmer and infrared hedgehog-spotting camera

The Anthbot R7 Series lawn robot, showcased at IFA 2026, stands out with its EdgeEase string trimmer and infrared animal detection camera. EdgeEase, mounted on a robot arm, tackles the challenge of trimming edges around lawns, ensuring clean cuts without the need for manual intervention. This arm adjusts to follow winding lawn boundaries, guaranteeing zero-gap edge cutting. The system is dubbed EdgeEase and is being demoed on an AstroTurf lawn, showcasing its smooth arm movement and neat tucking mechanism when not in use.

In addition to the EdgeEase string trimmer, the Anthbot R7 Series also features an infrared sensor for detecting animals like hedgehogs hidden in the grass. This thermal sensor helps the robot mower navigate safely and avoid obstacles, with a camera specifically designed to monitor the trimming arm. However, the robot's exposure to spinning strings during operation raises questions about the need for protective casing.

The R7 Series demonstrates Anthbot's commitment to creating an exceptionally capable lawn robot. Equipped with two floating cutting discs, the main mowing system adjusts to uneven ground for a clean finish. Powered by four drive motors and two independent steering motors, the robot offers excellent traction and maneuverability. Its navigation suite integrates LiDAR, RTK, and three AI-backed cameras, including those for EdgeEase trimming, to ensure robust positioning in various garden conditions, even if satellite signals are blocked.

The R7 Series is available in two models: R730 for lawns up to 3,000㎡ with the string trimmer included, and R720 for smaller yards up to 2,000㎡, where the string trimmer is an optional addition.