Robot lawnmower gets green light

The machine, named Miimo, will go on sale from early next year in the UK and Europe, the company said. Honda has said that it is aiming to sell about 4,000 of the machines each year to begin with.

The machine, which looks somewhat like iRobot’s Roomba vacuum cleaner, continuously shaves about 3mm off the grass, manoeuvring itself on slopes.

The manufacturers say it will not break potted plants, goes to charge itself on its own and will not wander off.

Honda creations – such as its Asimo walking and talking robot – have sometimes been criticised as impractical toys.

Honda said yesterday that Miimo will sell for around £1,700.