Smarter Dual-armed Garden Robot Gets Ready to Roll in 2025

A smarter, two-armed garden robot is on track for commercial release in 2025, marking a major evolution since its early development days.Robotics startup Eeve initially introduced the Willow X in 2022, significantly upgraded it, and is now preparing for its launch.

Much More Than a Lawn Mower

From the start, designers envisioned this robot as a full-featured garden assistant, unlike basic lawn mowers. Its two articulated arms are capable of tasks such as picking up fallen leaves and fruit, removing weeds, and vacuuming patio surfaces. With the addition of specialized tools and attachments, its functionality can be extended to even more outdoor chores. It can even serve refreshments to the family during sunny afternoons before returning to its dock to recharge for the next round of tasks.

Back in 2022, the prototype lacked a built-in battery and operated mainly via wireless remote. Now, Willow X includes a 600-Wh battery that offers up to 8 hours of operation on a 3-hour charge. Though still technically in the prototype stage, the robot is much closer to final form.

Upgraded Technology and Smart Navigation

The updated robot now features Wi-Fi connectivity, with optional 4G, and has a motor on each of its four wheels for better handling on uneven terrain. Its arms can lift up to 3 kg (6.6 lb), and it uses depth cameras, front-facing HD cameras, and NVIDIA Orin processing to navigate and perform tasks with AI assistance.

This AI enables the Willow X to learn through demonstration—users can show the robot a task using its vision system, and with a few repetitions, it can perform the job autonomously.Owners can upload these learned tasks to a shared cloud library, contributing to and benefiting from a collective bank of robotic skills.

According to Eeve CEO Wesley Lorrez, “Willow X makes robot control as easy as training a puppy,” emphasizing the accessibility of robotics to everyday users without programming knowledge.

Pre-orders are open now for €8,990 (around US$10,000), with a limited production run of 150 units. Eeve is continuing to fine-tune the system ahead of deliveries expected in August or September.

Since launching its robotic garden assistant journey in 2019, Eeve reports that over 3,000 units are currently in use. The company sees Willow X as a major step toward a future where domestic robots help grow food, build furniture, and enable greater independence.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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