Do robotic lawn mowers and dog in-ground fences work together
Image: Photo by Thomas Blake on Unsplash

Do Robotic Lawn Mowers and Dog In-ground Fences Work Together?

Robotic lawn mowers are an efficient way to maintain your lawn, but you may be wondering if this machine interferes with your dog in-ground fence. This is important because you need to know whether or not the two devices are compatible so one doesn’t sabotage the functionality of the other.

Both robotic lawn mowers and dog in-ground fences use buried wire systems that in turn produce a radio signal so that the devices can function properly. It turns out that most dog in-ground fence systems utilize an AM radio frequency, which is the same frequency robotic lawn mowers use. You can use robotic lawn mowers and dog in-ground fences together, but because of the matching frequency, both devices may interfere with one another and actually stop working properly.

It is really unfortunate that the radio frequencies of robotic lawn mowers and dog in-ground fences may interfere with each other. You may not want to sacrifice the potential use of one of these devices over the other, so it is essential to know how to create compatibility between both systems.

How to Make Sure Your Robotic Lawn Mower and Dog In-ground Fence Will Work Together

You may think that robotic lawn mowers and dog in-ground fences should simply always work together, we all do. But that is just not the case. Because most robotic lawn mowers and dog in-ground fences share the same AM (amplitude modulation) frequency, and will not work as a result, you may be wondering how to resolve this problem. 

There are many robotic lawn mowers to purchase out there. If you already have a dog in-ground fence installed, you may want to consider investing in a robotic lawn mower that has the option to switch signal frequencies. Robomow’sOpens in a new tab. 2019 models and up actually come with 3 different signal options to switch between. 

Make sure to check the features of your robotic lawn mower before purchasing to ensure it has the option to change signals. Being able to actively switch the frequency on your robotic lawn mower will eliminate any interference issues with your already installed dog in-ground fence.

If you already have an older model of lawn mower that doesn’t have different signal options, you probably won’t want to purchase a newer one, especially for that sole reason. If this is the case, you should consider buying a dog in-ground fence system that utilizes FM (frequency modulation) frequency over an AM frequency. 

Because of the number of reported radio signal interference problems, many dog in-ground fence companies are progressing towards producing fences with FM frequencies. This new innovation eliminates any interference with other signalled devices, like robotic lawn mowers, by using a continuous radio signal, opposed to AM frequencies that use an “on” and “off” transmission.

It is also important to note that the wires shouldn’t cross as this may cause further interference problems.

Companies like DogWatchOpens in a new tab. and TheDogLineOpens in a new tab. have taken the steps to incorporate FM frequencies to avoid interference problems with other signal based devices.

If you are looking to invest in a robotic lawn mower and/or a dog in-ground fence, ensure that the two devices will work properly without interfering with one another. To do this ensure that:

  • the robotic lawn mower has different signal options
  • the dog in-ground fence uses an FM frequency; or
  • the two devices simply don’t use the same radio frequency

What Actually Happens When Robotic Lawn Mowers and Dog In-ground Fences Interfere with Each Other?

You may be wondering what happens when there is interference between the two devices. Simply put, the lawn mower and dog in-ground fence just won’t work properly.

If both the devices are using the same frequency, the dog in-ground fence will most likely deactivate, and the robotic lawn mower will look like it’s confused and wander around aimlessly. 

Since the most common cause of this interference is matching AM frequencies, the two devices will pretty much in short be activating and deactivating one another’s frequencies due to the “on” and “off” transmissions of amplitude modulation.

How Do Robotic Lawn Mowers and Dog In-ground Fences Work?

Robotic Lawn Mowers

The way robotic lawn mowers work is actually pretty straight forward.

All robotic lawn mowers will use a built in mapping system. This mapping is created by using a boundary wire, which is laid around the perimeter of the area you want your mower to cut in. This detection wire can also be placed around obstacles within the perimeter on your lawn in order to avoid confusion. When the mower reaches these wires, it will detect them and turn around and cut along the edges.

Technology has also permitted more advanced versions of the robotic mower that will also sense any new obstacles and/or hazards within the area and avoid them completely. 

After your robot mower is finished cutting grass, it will automatically return to its charging station and replenish its battery.

Modern day robotic mowers are also very safe compared to older models because they come with built-in safety sensors. This means that the machine can sense any unknown obstacle and steer away from it. Even though robotic mowers have various safety systems, they can be dangerous for children. Children should always be supervised while the mower is operating, but this can be completely avoided by choosing alternate times during the day for the mower to run.

Dog In-ground Fences

If you don’t have the time or money to build a fence physically, or it’s just not practical, using a hidden dog in-ground fence is an easy alternative.

Just like robotic lawn mowers, these hidden dog in-ground fences use underground fencing, but instead of the mower, a special collar is used on your dog to keep your family friend within your desired perimeter. 

This fencing works by sending a transmission signal to a collar that your dog will wear. If your dog gets too close to the fence, the collar will say a verbal warning. If your dog doesn’t listen to the initial verbal warning and crosses the underground fence, they will get an electronic correction from the collar. This works because of a transmitter that sends signals between the fence and the dog collar.

Keep in mind that you will need to put some time aside to train your dog to obey the perimeter of the underground fence. All hidden fencing systems come with specific instructions on how to train your dog to respect the limits of the underground fence.

The Best Robotic Lawn Mowers That Work Well with Dog In-ground Fences

Here are 5 of the best robotic lawn mowers to purchase in 2021 that work well with dog in-ground fences:

Keep in mind to look for signal change options when shopping for robotic lawn mowers, especially if you have an AM dog in-ground fence already installed. If your dog in-ground fence is an FM frequency, it shouldn’t matter.

Most 2019 and above models of robotic lawn mowers should have signal change options installed already, but it’s better safe to check then be sorry later.

The Best Dog In-ground Fences to Purchase

Here are 5 of the best dog in-ground fences to purchase in 2020

Make sure to check if the dog in-ground fence system you’re purchasing uses an FM frequency rather than AM. This will ensure you don’t run into any interference problems with any robotic lawn mowers.

Final Thoughts

Robotic lawn mowers and dog in-ground fences can definitely work together as long they aren’t on the same radio frequencies.

The most cost efficient method to resolve any interference problems is to simply ensure that your dog in-ground fence system is on an FM signal frequency. As long as you do this, you won’t even have to worry about getting a robotic lawn mower that can switch radio frequencies, although it would be an added benefit. 

If you already have an AM dog in-ground fence installed and you’re looking to purchase a robotic lawn mower, then you should without a doubt find a mower that has the option to change its radio frequency so that you don’t have to replace your dog in-ground fence in the future.

Matthias

Matthias Müller is the founder of robolever.com. He is passionate about all topics related to automation, robotics and future technologies. At the same time he is a great nature lover and therefore fascinated by the unusual interaction between robots and nature.

03/19/2021

3 thoughts on “Do Robotic Lawn Mowers and Dog In-ground Fences Work Together?

  1. Stayfence.ie supply a dog containment fence that works on sites that have robot mowers installed.

  2. If you need a dog fence to work with auto mowers why not visit Stayfence.com
    They have a fence that works with all brands of mower

  3. Hi Matthias,
    I have enjoyed reading your blog. I would like to inform you that the Stayfence system is 100% successful in working alongside all brands of Robot Lawnmowers. It has been available in Europe for some years and has recently been updated and improved. It is widely available in all European countries via our website www.stayfence.ie and in America it is available through www.chewy.com
    Please visit our website for more information.

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