The robot lawnmower market is going through a peculiar phase: on the one hand, we have top-of-the-line models with RTK and GPS mapping that do a truly excellent job, on the other, prices remain prohibitive for those with just a normal-sized garden. This is where RoboUP comes in with its Raccoon 2 SE , a robot designed specifically for small and medium-sized gardens where, let’s be clear, a €1,000 model would be a bit excessive.
No perimeter fence
The first thing that catches the eye is the absence of perimeter wires . Anyone who has ever installed one of these robots knows that spending hours laying cables, planting pegs, and praying the dog doesn’t dig it up is anything but fun. RoboUP has made a bold choice: cutting out this step entirely and relying on a navigation system based on VSLAM (the technology that uses a camera to “see” space) and inertial sensors (INS ).
It works a bit like the robot vacuum cleaners we have at home: the Raccoon uses a camera to map its surroundings and create a map of the garden. The first time you turn it on, it takes an exploratory tour, figures out the boundaries, and then memorizes everything. From subsequent times on, it follows that map, optimizing its route. At least on paper.
Another interesting thing: the robot also works without an app . There’s a button, you press it, and it starts. That’s it. Sure, the app is there for those who want to schedule times, check the status, or change settings, but it’s not mandatory . And this is a choice I appreciate, because not everyone wants to install yet another app to make something work at home.
Let’s get to the numbers. The Raccoon 2 SE has a 5Ah battery with a claimed battery life of 150 minutes , and it recharges in about 70 minutes . Nothing groundbreaking, but not bad considering the price they’re aiming for. The cutting width is 200mm and the height is adjustable between 30 and 80mm – standard values that are fine for most home lawns.
The robot is designed for areas up to 500 square meters . If you have larger gardens, well, this isn’t the product for you. But RoboUP was honest about this; they’re not trying to sell it as a one-size-fits-all solution.
One feature they’ve worked hard on is AI obstacle avoidance . In theory , it should recognize and avoid toys, tools, or even the cat that decides to take a nap right there. They’ve been testing it on over 80 families in Europe and the United States since last July, and it seems to have worked well. Of course, it remains to be seen how it performs in real-world use, where the garden is never as perfect as it was in the tests.
The price: here it gets interesting
RoboUP is aiming for an early bird price of €299 on Kickstarter (expected final price €629), with an initial deposit of just €20 , which you can also get a refund on. If they maintain these numbers, this is an offer worth considering, especially considering you don’t have to pay anyone for setup.
Of course, we’re talking about crowdfunding , and we all know there are risks : delays, product changes, and sometimes even unpleasant surprises. However, RoboUP isn’t a startup born yesterday: they’ve been on the market since 2016 and already have several models under their belt. That’s not an absolute guarantee, but at least they have experience.
This robot has a pretty specific target : you have a small house with a garden, you want an automatic solution without breaking the bank , and above all, you don’t want to spend a weekend installing wires. Perfect for families with small children (who always leave toys lying around), seniors who find mowing the lawn a chore, or simply for those who have other things to do on the weekend.
The idea is the classic “set and forget” approach : you position it, turn it on, it maps the garden, and then does everything by itself. It returns to base when needed, recharges, and starts again. Does it work? On paper, yes. In practice, it depends a lot on your garden: if you have uneven terrain, steep slopes, or a thousand obstacles , you may have a few more problems.
One important thing: even if it’s automatic, maintenance is still necessary . The blades need to be changed, the robot needs to be cleaned (especially if it works on wet grass), and the sensors need to be kept clean. Nothing crazy, but automatic doesn’t mean zero hassle .
RoboUP is targeting Kickstarter: here’s how the campaign works
Launching on Kickstarter isn’t a coincidence: in addition to funding production (which starts in December), it allows you to build a community and get your product out there. RoboUP has put together a few incentives:
Referral program : If you bring friends and are among the top 20 most active, you receive rewards (cashback, extra blades, rain covers)
Affiliate program : 10% commission if you promote the product
Free shipping and duties included for Europe, USA and UK
Shipments are scheduled for January-February 2026. This seems reasonable given that testing has already been done and production is about to start.
The Raccoon 2 SE is an interesting attempt to make robot lawnmowers accessible to those who have previously considered them too expensive or complicated. The lack of wires to install is a real advantage, as is the ability to use it without having to download an app .
The Early Bird price of €299 is tempting, although we’ll have to see how high it goes after the launch offers. However, even the €629 list price isn’t bad compared to competitors with similar features.
But if you fit the target, small/medium garden, limited budget, you want to automate without complicating your life , it’s worth keeping an eye on it.