Can a robot mower really work without an RTK antenna — even under trees and in a difficult, heavily vegetated garden?

In this real-world LUBA mini 2 AWD review, I set up Mammotion's latest robot mower and put its LiDAR navigation, AWD system, automatic mapping and new DropMow feature to the test.

And I don't test it on a perfect lawn.

I take it into what I call "Robot mower hell" — trees, bushes, rough grass, awkward boundaries and areas where previous satellite-dependent robot mowers have struggled.

In this video you'll see:

• LUBA mini 2 AWD setup from the box  
• Charging station installation  
• Automatic and manual lawn mapping  
• LiDAR and camera-based navigation  
• Mowing under trees and heavy vegetation  
• Obstacle detection around shrubs and garden beds  
• Edge cutting along paths and gutters  
• How to edit an existing mowing boundary  
• 4G connectivity  
• AWD performance  
• The new *DropMow* feature  
• What the mower does well — and where its AI still struggles

DropMow is particularly interesting. Instead of creating a permanent mowing map, you can place the mower into a separate patch of grass, start the feature and let it scan and mow the area for you.

For properties with complicated lawns, multiple lawn areas or places that are difficult to map with traditional robot mowers, this could be a significant step forward.

This isn't a manicured demonstration lawn. It's a practical test in the sort of environment where robot mowers have traditionally had problems.

If you're considering a Mammotion LUBA mini 2 AWD, or wondering whether LiDAR robot mowers have finally overcome some of the limitations of RTK and boundary-wire systems, I hope this test helps.

👉 More information on the LUBA mini 2 AWD: https://geni.us/LUBAmini2-Tim

If you enjoy practical, independent equipment tests, farming technology and real-world problem solving, subscribe to Farm Learning with Tim Thompson.

#RobotMower #LUBAMini2 #Mammotion

00:00 – Can a Robot Mower Really Do This?
00:30 – Setting Up the LUBA Mini 2 AWD
01:26 – Why This Mower Surprised Me
02:04 – App Setup
02:29 – Automatic vs Manual Mapping
03:46 – Into Robot Mower Hell
04:24 – How the AI Maps Obstacles
05:01 – First Mowing Test Results
05:16 – Introducing DropMow
06:21 – Why LiDAR Changes Things
06:59 – Testing DropMow
08:08 – DropMow Results
08:30 – Edge Cutting Test
08:53 – No Mapping Required
09:02 – How to Edit a Mowing Boundary
09:49 – Where the AI Struggles
10:16 – Can It Mow Closer to Trees?
11:30 – Final Thoughts