Mova LiDAX Ultra 1000 Tested: The Robot Lawnmower Focusing on LiDAR and AI
In a time when competition is rapidly increasing in the sector, we tested the Mova LiDAX Ultra 1000, a cordless robot lawnmower designed for gardens up to 1000 m², and we can reveal:
- quick installation
- precise mapping
- above-average edge cutting.
The model relies on UltraView 2.0 technology, which combines 360° 3D LiDAR and a camera with artificial intelligence, without the need for an RTK station for GPS signal reception.
The robot features a fairly classic but well-finished structure, with rear knobby wheels, omnidirectional front wheels, a rain sensor, and a front camera that works alongside the superior LiDAR sensor. It also has electronic height adjustment for cutting, ranging from 3 to 10 cm, while the cutting width is 20 cm. If you want to quickly find out how the test went, you can check it out in our video: Unboxing and Installation.
The unboxing confirmed what is now a habit for Mova products: a neat and complete package to reduce the size of the packaging. We find a charging base, power supply, screws, spare blades, an automatic and manual LiDAR cleaning brush, and documentation.
The base was assembled in a few minutes, and during the test, the robot was installed without stakes because it was placed on a hard surface; in a garden, however, the equipment allows for direct fixing to the ground.
The initial setup was straightforward: once powered, the robot is associated with the MOVAhome app via QR code and Wi-Fi, then mapping of the area begins. After a brief calibration, control via a virtual joystick in the app allows you to guide the robot around the perimeter and complete the first map in a very short time.
How It Works on the Lawn
In field tests, the Mova LiDAX Ultra 1000 exhibited very precise behavior, especially in managing edges and obstacles. The system combines 3D environmental scanning and visual recognition to distinguish grass, hedges, trees, walls, and objects, avoiding collisions and maintaining a very clean trajectory. The main credit goes to the LiDAR sensor, capable of accurately recognizing the environment by creating a "point cloud". The camera, on the other hand, recognizes objects and colors, and the artificial intelligence allows it to identify the grass boundaries.
The cutting comes very close to the edges: in trials, the robot left only a few centimeters from hedges, flowerbeds, and pots, while in some critical areas, such as walls or tight corners, only minimal manual finishing was required. The cutting disc, which can shift sideways, also helped in better finishing the perimeter compared to many competitors in the same range. This is an interesting innovation. The disc is not fixed at the center of the robot; instead, the pivot on which it rotates is attached to a sled that can slide the entire assembly towards the outermost point of the robot. This effectively creates a lateral cutting disc directly with the main one, eliminating the need for a second rotor.
Traction and Behavior
On the test ground, made more demanding by clayey soil and residual moisture, the robot showed very good traction. The knobby wheels do their job well and allow the robot to maneuver comfortably even in tight curves and on uneven lawns. The model officially claims a maximum slope it can handle of 45%.
During the first passes, the Mova completed the work with an orderly strategy, first following one direction and then overlapping with a different angle, creating the classic cross-pattern specified in the settings. Path management provided the impression of a uniform and well-controlled cut, without uncertainties during turns or restarts. Clearly, the checkerboard pattern was our choice, but alternatively, one can opt for simple parallel strip cuts, identifying the preferred cutting angle relative to the lawn edge.
App and Smart Functions
The MOVAhome app is one of the project's strengths, as it allows for adjusting cutting height, working speed, pass direction, edge management, and safety parameters. The cutting height is adjustable from 3 to 10 cm and is fixed with an electro-mechanically assisted mechanism.
There are also options dedicated to obstacles, rain management, and resuming work after recharging. This last setting allows for the identification of a working range for the battery, preventing it from discharging too much and not overcharging before resuming work. In the long run, this will help battery health.
The smart functions related to safety and surveillance are also very interesting: the robot can recognize people, animals, and objects, capture photos of obstacles, and stream images from the front camera. There is also the possibility to insert a hidden tracking system in the lower part, with a compartment compatible with an AirTag or similar devices. In any case, the robot is protected by a PIN code, by non-removable association with the owner's app (unless they remove it from their personal devices), and by an audible alarm.
Battery, Autonomy, and Price
The battery is 18 volts, 4 Ah, with a charging time of about 60 minutes and an operating autonomy of around 80 minutes. Proximity connectivity relies on Bluetooth, while Wi-Fi allows for remote control, with optional 4G.
The Mova LiDAX Ultra 1000 covered about 160 m² in an hour and a half, which is in line with the expected performance for a machine rated for 1000 m² in this range, especially with cautious cutting modes and an unfinished lawn. The indicated price range online for the Italian market is between 900 and 1,000 euros, with fluctuations due to individual stores and current promotions.
The Mova LiDAX Ultra 1000 impresses because it combines precise mapping, simple installation, intelligent edge management, and a well-featured app. Its behavior on the lawn resembled that of a mature robot, with clean cuts and work near the edges better than what is often seen on products in the same price range.