I am the Business Development Manager for the Networks team, with more than 20 years of experience in the GNSS industry. My focus is on helping manufacturers and technology partners leverage high-precision positioning solutions to support next-generation autonomous applications, including robotic lawn mowers.
As robotic lawn mowers become smarter, the technology enabling accurate, wire-free navigation is becoming just as important as the machines themselves. In this Q&A, Alberto Bushnell of Topcon's Networks team explains how Topnet Live correction services are helping manufacturers achieve centimeter-level positioning accuracy, eliminate boundary wires and local base stations, and scale autonomous mower fleets with greater reliability and efficiency.
Alberto Bushell, Topcon Networks
Alberto, can you introduce yourself and explain your role at Topcon?
How is Topcon supporting the next generation of autonomous robotic lawn mowers?
Topcon is enabling the next generation of wire-free autonomous robotic lawn mowers through an integrated positioning infrastructure powered by Topnet Live correction services.
What makes Topcon unique is that both the CORS (Continuously operating reference stations) and the network software are developed, operated, and supported by Topcon. Our geodetic grade CORS and algorithms deliver best-in-class performance. This is allowing us to provide a very reliable and precise service and to adapt quickly to market trends and respond more quickly when support or optimization is required.
By combining our CORS GNSS receivers, correction services, software network, and positioning infrastructure, our customers can achieve centimeter-level positioning accuracy without needing local RTK base stations.
What is the biggest trend currently shaping the robotic lawn mower market?
The industry has evolved significantly over the last few years. First, robotic mowers relied on physical boundary wires, which required installation around the lawn and generally used random navigation patterns. The next step was the introduction of GNSS virtual boundaries, supported by local RTK base stations, which provided much higher positioning accuracy but added complexity, installation effort, and maintenance requirements. Today, the market is rapidly moving toward cloud-based Network RTK (NET RTK) solutions, in which correction services are delivered via a network infrastructure. This eliminates both the physical boundary wire and the need for a local base station. This evolution is accelerating adoption by reducing installation costs, simplifying setup, and improving the overall ownership experience.
What Infrastructure does Topcon use to support this?
On the hardware side, we design and manufacture high-precision geodetic grade GNSS receivers for CORS and geodetic grade antennas featuring multi-frequency GNSS tracking, multi-constellation satellite support, and choke ring antennas, backed by access to a global infrastructure of more than 6,500 reference stations and proven positioning technology derived from decades of experience in geomatics, machine control, and precision agriculture. This foundation provides the reliability and accuracy required for autonomous robotic operations.
What is Topnet Live, and what role does it play in robotic lawn mower applications?
Topnet Live is Topcon's global correction service, developed and operated by Topcon. It delivers Network RTK corrections that enable robotic lawn mowers to achieve centimeter-level positioning accuracy in real time. Topnet Live also offers NET RTK technology as part of its suite of correction services. NET RTK enables high-precision positioning over large areas by simulating a virtual reference station near the user's location. Key benefits of Topnet Live include:
- Real-time correction data delivered via the internet or satellite (L-band)
- Consistent positioning performance across the regions
- Flexible subscription options to match fleet size, usage, and seasonal requirements
- For manufacturers, this means faster deployment, simpler installation, and lower infrastructure costs.
What about coverage?
A major advantage of Topcon's approach is its flexibility. When customers operate in remote areas, regions with no coverage, or where additional redundancy is desired, we can enhance coverage through the on-demand deployment of local reference stations. This hybrid model provides additional regional coverage where required and increased reliability and redundancy in correction services.
How does Topcon's solution benefit robotic lawn mower manufacturers?
The primary benefit is higher positioning accuracy. Customers can achieve centimeter-level navigation performance, enabling more precise mowing patterns and a better user experience. In addition, Topcon supports a scalable infrastructure architecture designed for large deployments.
How does Topcon support large-scale fleet management?
Our service is designed to support fleets at scale. Capabilities include:
- API integration with customer management platforms
- Flexible subscription models
- Device diagnostics and troubleshooting tools
- Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to support business-critical operations
This allows customers to efficiently deploy, monitor, and manage thousands of connected autonomous mowers across multiple regions.
What differentiates Topcon from other positioning solution providers?
What differentiates Topcon is our ability to provide a complete, high-precision positioning solution while maintaining the flexibility customers need. Our correction services are designed to work seamlessly with virtually any RTK-capable receiver, giving manufacturers the freedom to choose the hardware that best fits their application. At the same time, Topcon also develops and supports its own GNSS hardware for CORS, correction technology, and infrastructure, enabling customers to benefit from fully integrated GNSS correction service. With 99.9% service availability and decades of expertise in precision positioning, Topcon delivers a reliable, scalable, and future-ready platform for autonomous robotic lawn mower applications.
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