A research report from Orient Securities Company Limited (DFZQ) indicates that borderless intelligent robotic lawn mowers are experiencing rapid sales growth overseas due to their autonomous and smart features. An increasing number of Chinese companies are entering the competitive landscape, which may lead to further industry consolidation. As the timeline for anti-dumping determinations approaches, leading firms are accelerating their global production capacity deployment.
Market Expansion and Competitive Landscape
IDC data forecasts that global shipments of borderless robotic lawn mowers will reach 1.318 million units in 2025, representing a year-on-year increase of 182.4%. The current competitive field consists of three main groups. The first includes established leaders in traditional garden tools like Husqvarna and Positec, which were dominant in the boundary-wire era but have been relatively slower in adopting borderless products. The second group comprises cross-sector technology giants such as Ninebot, Kuma, Dreame, Ecovacs, and Roborock, which have captured a significant portion of the incremental market through rapid product iteration and first-mover advantage in borderless technology. The third group consists of startups, including companies like Laimo Technology, Changyao Innovation, and Hanyang Technology. As borderless intelligent robotic mowers gain traction overseas, more Chinese enterprises are joining the fray, potentially driving further industry integration.
Accelerated Product Innovation and Technological Convergence
Product development is advancing along four key directions. First, deep integration of multiple sensors is becoming more widespread. For instance, MOVA, in collaboration with Huace Navigation, has introduced a solution combining satellite-based RTK, binocular vision, and LiDAR to achieve centimeter-level global positioning. Weilan Continental's H2 model features a triple-fusion positioning system that uses AI to dynamically coordinate multi-source data. Second, all-terrain capabilities are becoming more common. Dreame's A3 AWDPRO model boasts a climbing ability of 80%, while Weilan Continental has launched the Xero-Turn zero-turn all-wheel-drive anti-slip system. Third, preliminary breakthroughs in embodied intelligence are emerging. Dreame's APEX model utilizes a robotic arm for tasks like leaf collection and fruit picking, and Naisilao's Master X is equipped with a multi-functional gripper for various garden scenarios. Fourth, AI perception capabilities are being comprehensively upgraded. Dreame's OmniSense 3.0 can recognize over 300 types of obstacles. Ecovacs incorporates autonomous driving-grade AI chips and self-developed visual & ToF sensors for precise obstacle avoidance. Overall, the industry is rapidly evolving towards greater intelligence and versatility.
Anti-Dumping Investigations and Strategic Responses
The European Commission formally initiated an anti-dumping investigation into robotic lawn mowers originating from China on November 19, 2025, with the investigation period covering October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. In January 2026, the EU further issued Implementing Regulation 2026/142, mandating the registration of imports of robotic lawn mowers from China to preserve the basis for potential retroactive anti-dumping duties. A preliminary ruling is expected around June-July 2026. If an affirmative determination is made, exports of these products from China to the EU would face anti-dumping duties. In response to these trade barrier risks, leading companies are proactively establishing overseas production capacity. For example, Daye Co., Ltd. completed the acquisition of the German subsidiary AL-KO in February 2026, adding a production base in Austria. This allows the research, development, production, manufacturing, and sales of its robotic mowers to be operated locally through AL-KO, effectively mitigating the impact of anti-dumping measures. Ninebot's production line in Malaysia was completed and commenced full-scale production this year, establishing a dual production base strategy in "China + Malaysia." This overseas capacity helps hedge against operational pressures from trade policies and provides a solid guarantee for global supply chain stability and delivery efficiency.
The report also highlights potential risks, including intensifying industry competition, slower-than-expected technological iteration, and uncertainties in overseas trade policies.