Viking iMow MI 422P

this lurid green bot is a cut above the automated bunch

Design

The green colour might not be to everyone’s taste, but it suits a garden. The control display isn’t as good as ROB’s, but the charging dock is more stable, and the iMow gives the cutest little wiggle before it plugs itself in.

Features

Underneath, there’s a blade much like a traditional lawnmower’s, 20cm wide and well recessed for safety. There are also four wheels, beating the ROB 1000’s three. A rain sensor stops it going to work when it’s wet, but it will make up the time later.

Performance

Having a wider blade means it needs fewer passes to complete a lawn than the ROB. The iMow can climb a steeper slope, too - 40 per cent against ROB’s 25. Both mowers are quiet enough to use at night, and have theft alarms and security features.

Usability

Installation involves laying a boundary wire around your lawn, and connecting the charging dock to a suitable power supply. You set working hours using the display and small array of keys, then leave it to do its thing unbothered.

1st

Rates Ease of installation; quiet siren that sounds just before it begins cutting; the way it politely backs up and trundles off after driving into your leg. Slates The slow startup of the screen.