I mean, the manual for the ride-on lawnmower did not specifically state that you couldn’t raise it up with a crane to trim the top of a very large hedge, so that’s just what two lunatics from Cambridge New Zealand did.

“The mower was doing an all-right job, but I reckon it would work better on a hedge that’s not so spiky.”

Maybe they need one of those Zero-Turn mowers with a larger cutting deck instead of a basic lawn tractor. Yeah, that’s the problem with this whole setup. [Stuff NZ via Fark]

According to a detailed 84-page filing, various configurations are on the table, including all-electric model and a gasoline-electric hybrid. The filing also depicts several acoustic and optical sensors that will allow the robot to “avoid hard surfaces, water and other barriers,” in addition to its main job: cut grass. The robot can even sense uncut grass and make sure the blades are aligned properly.

Other features gleaned from the filing by Robot Stock News:

• A possible edge trimmer along the outside edge of the chassis.
• The possibility of collecting clippings and depositing them at a specified location
• The possibility of using RFID tags or proximity sensors to avoid running into pets or people
• The possibility of learning your lawn in the first cutting and remembering it for future cuttings
• The inclusion of grass-combing technology to ensure that the grass is fluffed and properly oriented for cutting

[Robot Stock News]

Apparently, one of the owners lifted the mower from the ground while it was still on and “suffered minor lacerations from the moving blade.” Yet another case of stupid humans trying to win the Darwin Award. Fortunately for him, nothing serious happened, but the US CPSC and the company have decided to recall models LB2000, LB2100, LB3000, and LB3200 because “the cutting blades continue to rotate when the mower is lifted from the ground and the spacing on the side of the lawn mower could allow room for a consumer’s foot to go beyond the shield and be struck by the blade” which “pose a serious laceration hazard to stupid lawn bozos consumers.”

We like to think that, tired of being lifted from the ground by a moron while still doing its job, the robot decided to attack at once and eliminate him from the genetic pool, therefore improving Humanity. Really, give the damn thing a medal and a case of Olde Fortran.

CPSC, Kyodo America Recall LawnBott Lawn Mowers Due to Laceration Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: LawnBott Lawn Mowers

Units: About 530

Importer: Kyodo America Industries Co. LTD., of Lawrenceville, Ga.

Manufacturer: Zucchetti Centro Sistemi S.p.A., of Italy

Hazard: The cutting blades continue to rotate when the mower is lifted from the ground and the spacing on the side of the lawn mower could allow room for a consumer’s foot to go beyond the shield and be struck by the blade. Both instances pose a serious laceration hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Kyodo America has received one report of a consumer lifting the mower from the ground and suffered minor lacerations from the moving blade.

Description: This recall involves LawnBott lawn mowers with model numbers LB2000, LB2100, LB3000, and LB3200. The robotic lawn mowers freely and automatically cut grass by detecting the signal of a perimeter cable. The mowers have a docking station for recharging and a shiny plastic cover sold in red, green or blue. “Evolution” or “deluxe” is printed on the side of the mower.

Sold by: Kyodo America dealers nationwide from January 2006 through December 2007 for between $1,750 and $2,750.

Manufactured in: Italy

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled LawnBott lawn mowers immediately and contact Kyodo America to register their lawn mowers for repairs that will be ready by the end of June. Consumers who have registered their mower with Kyodo America have been sent direct notification by mail.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Kyodo America at (877) 465-9636 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.lawnbott.com

[CPSC—Thanks Steve!]

If that wasn’t enough, the mower will also trim your grass short enough that you don’t have to bother with bagging. And when the job is done, it will return to its charging base for around 40 minutes—which is about the same amount of time you will get out of a single charge. It is also capable of mowing around 7,500 square feet of grass and it can be programmed to work at certain times or days of the week. Sure, it costs £2,000 ($4,350), but in the battle for suburban dominance, there is no room for second place. Hit the link to check out the mower in action. [Megawat and Pocket-Lint]

You “upholster” the chair by adding sod, and a “built-in moisturizing” system (translation: garden hose hooked to tubing) keeps the grass hydrated when your sweat alone can’t cut the mustard. Chia Pet Lawnchair grooming was not covered, but for those looking for more permanent fixtures, the base can be constructed of concrete .

While the Lawnchair isn’t for sale at the moment, it’s more than just a concept. Bookmark the product page, and you can be the first on your block who never let’s their dog “go on the lawn”.

Product Page [via geekologie]