Leading the Robotic Revolution
At Husqvarna Group, we don't just mow lawns; we revolutionize the way people care for their outdoor spaces. Our unwavering commitment to innovation has driven us into the leading edge of the robotics industry, particularly in lawn care.
Since 1995, we have been at the forefront of helping consumers and professionals in transitioning from manual tools to robotics. Over the years, our robotic lineup has expanded significantly, becoming a cornerstone of our strategy. Our 30-year robotics journey is fueled by a team of dedicated heroes who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes, breathing life into our products. Meet Olle, Dennis and Caraline:
Olle Markusson, Director of Product Management, Husqvarna
What have been critical success factors for our robotics journey so far?
An important focus for us in Product Development has been to always stay very close to the market, both end customers and channel partners. Constant feedback loops between end customers, our servicing dealer channel partners, and our Sales and marketing teams who over the years have created a trust in the market and enabled us to develop the broadest and most reliable product solution in the market. We have also strived for a culture of openness, transparency and to never stop improving both our products, but also our internal processes, with the clear target of becoming more effective. We have had a strong collaboration across the whole value chain from product development to the channel partner. I think it is safe to say that many of us partaking in the Husqvarna Robotics journey have sensed a very high level of commitment and dedication and that we have been part of something bigger.
What motivates you on this journey going forward?
My biggest personal driving force has always been to meet, or even exceed, customer expectations. In the early days, it could for instance be an elderly widow, who’s Automower made it possible for her to stay in her house a few more years. Now, in my Pro role, it is seeing how our solutions help large operations, like Golf clubs or Landscapers, handle the current labor shortage crisis, or to reduce their CO2 footprint. Being part of this big ongoing disruption together with highly skilled and dedicated colleagues from various competence areas in a co-creating, innovative atmosphere is another strong driver for me.
Dennis Koehler, Senior Director Product Strategy, Gardena 
How do you envision our Group’s robotics portfolio evolving going forward?
Given the rapidly rising number of tech driven competitors, robotic mowing as such will become an increasingly crowded and commoditized market. The future differentiator will be fully automated yard care systems. Instead of simply being a lawn cutting device, the robotic mower will rather act as an integrated element of such automated systems. It will, besides cutting the grass, deliver sensor data and react to its environment and surroundings and thus enable the system to provide the user with perfect, precise and most comfortable automated yard care.
What motivates you on this journey?
It is part of GARDENA’s DNA to provide our users with system solutions for the entire garden. We have envisioned the need for integrated and automated yard care systems already more than 10 years back and thus launched our smart system in 2016. GARDENA is in a prime position to dominate this market with its broad range of solutions, for example, robotic mowing and automatic irrigation. I have been part of this journey from the very beginning and with the pipeline being well filled with great projects, I’m looking forward to now taking this to the next level together with our passionate team.
Caraline Robinson, Manufacturing Director, Husqvarna 
What are the critical success factors for our robotics journey going forward?
In operations, efficiency is key. One crucial aspect is optimizing product preparation through 3P workshops, where Operations personnel influence robotic product design for better production processes. Collaboration between Aycliffe’s industrialization teams and design engineers in Sweden, particularly in designing for automatic assembly, is exemplified in the Husqvarna Automower® NERA range. Around 40% automation has been achieved, notably in lower chassis automation, with more to come. This automation streamlines work across the Husqvarna Automower® NERA platform and sets a precedent for future product development. Accelerating the Product Creation Process and reducing time to market for new products is also essential.
Sustainability is crucial for operations success. In Aycliffe, when launching new robotic products, we prioritize developing equipment sustainably. Much of our equipment is recycled from assembly lines reaching the end of their life. For instance, a line previously producing Mark II products now produces Husqvarna Automower® NERA products by repurposing basic equipment, thanks to our modular line concept. While new robotics platforms require specific equipment, our approach remains cost-effective and efficient. Additionally, training is provided to bridge skills gaps for equipment use and maintenance.
People are at the core of all that we do and by developing our people in line with business change and promoting our culture code of being bold, dedicated, and caring; working sustainably and efficiently in all areas, I am sure that we have a bright future ahead of us on the continuation of our robotics journey.