Mammotion Yuka 3D Vision Robot Mower: Kickstarter Campaign Launched
The relatively young company Mammotion is setting a high pace in developing new models. Founded in Hong Kong in 2022, Mammotion introduced its first product line, Luba, in the middle of the same year. We’ve already put this model to the test in our Mammotion Luba review. Now, the successor, Luba 2, is available for pre-order, with deliveries expected to start in mid-February 2024. Additionally, the Kickstarter campaign for the recently unveiled Mammotion Yuka with Self-Emptying Sweeper was launched just before CES 2024.
UPDATE: The campaign has been successfully completed. The Yuka is now officially available for pre-order* and will be shipped starting from the end of June 2024.
The first model, the Mammotion Luba AWD, was already a product of a highly successful Kickstarter campaign in May 2022, which raised multiples of the targeted funding goal. According to the company, in its launch year, this model became the best-selling robot lawn mower without perimeter wires. The quality of both hardware and software impressed us during testing, clearly setting it apart from other manufacturers.
The Kickstarter campaign for the Mammotion Yuka, which just launched, reached its funding goal for the market launch of $500,000 on the first day. So, it’s off to another successful start. The Yuka robotic mower is expected to be delivered starting from the end of June 2024. Until then, Mammotion is offering the Yuka at a discounted price through the ongoing Kickstarter campaign, providing savings of $800 for a limited number of units.
Which Features Does The Mammotion Yuka Offer?
The Yuka expands the functionality of a regular robot mower by adding a sweeping feature to clear the lawn of leaves, grass clippings, or small sticks. When the collection bin is full, the Yuka can autonomously empty it. Additionally, there’s an optional RTK station that operates entirely with a solar panel. It’s equipped with a guard function that can automatically monitor and patrol your garden when needed. Through the camera module and the Mammotion app, you have real-time access to the Yuka robot lawn mower’s video stream anytime.
However, the focus of the new Yuka models is on the sweeping function, for which an optional collection bin with an additional battery is offered. In addition to leaves, it’s designed to pick up dirt, grass clippings, weeds, as well as nuts and small twigs, and remove them from the lawn. This can happen before, during, or after the mowing process. When the sweeper is full, the Yuka can autonomously empty it at predefined locations and then resume its work. This reduces the dirt on the blades or cutting disc from the collected grass, requiring less frequent cleaning. The mowing time with a single battery charge is increased from 75 to 150 minutes with the additional battery built into the sweeper.
The cutting width of the two cutting discs on the Mammotion Yuka is slightly narrower at 32 cm compared to the Mammotion Luba, but significantly larger than what’s typical for comparable robotic mowers. The area coverage of 200 and 270 m²/h is also well above average. So, the Yuka finishes its work faster.
This means that nocturnal animals, such as hedgehogs, are no longer endangered by mowing activities in the evening hours. The manually adjustable cutting height will range from 30 to 100 mm (1.18 in.-3.94 in.), and the maximum slope will be 45% (24°) without the collection bin and 18% (10°) with it. Voice control via Alexa or Google Assistant is also possible. In addition to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the Yuka also supports a 4G cellular connection.
Also new compared to the first Luba model is the leveling or floating mowing deck, which is already familiar from other manufacturers and adjusts in real-time to uneven ground to maintain the lawn’s cutting height consistently. Unlike the Luba, however, it does not use all-wheel drive, so it likely has conventional terrain capability.
But that’s not all: The Mammotion Yuka even indulges in artistry and can turn your lawn into a canvas. Symbols, logos, emblems, or messages can be mowed into the grass using the accompanying app.
How Does The Yuka Work?
Similar to its big brother Luba, the Mammotion Yuka operates without the need for perimeter wires. It navigates using GPS (RTK technology) based on it. However, setup is claimed to be even easier, taking only about 18 minutes. Additionally, the Yuka robot mower is equipped with a 4G cellular module, which can be optionally used as a replacement for Wi-Fi reception. This allows the Yuka to connect to the Mammotion app even in remote corners of the garden.
The Yuka supplements its RTK signal position data with visual data from the camera module, which can autonomously detect and clean dirt on the lens with a sort of wiper. With the help of artificial intelligence, the “3D Vision” camera is said to reliably detect and navigate around obstacles from just a few centimeters away, ensuring a safe environment for children and small animals during operation. Unlike the Luba 2, the Yuka is equipped with two opposing camera modules, allowing for a forward and backward view.
Thanks to the camera module, the Yuka is also capable of working temporarily without optimal GPS coverage. This enables it to mow tight passages near walls, tall buildings, or trees without interruptions, which the Luba 1 was not suitable for. The combination of RTK technology with optical data from the cameras is a logical approach to combine the advantages of both systems and compensate for their respective weaknesses. We are eager to see if the Yuka can deliver on its promises in practice.
Who Is The Yuka Robotic Mower Suitable For?
The Yuka robotic mower has a lower area coverage compared to the Luba models and is therefore intended for owners of small to medium-sized gardens. Planned models include the Yuka 600, Yuka 1000, and Yuka 1500, which can cover areas from 600 to 1500 m². Price-wise, the models are offered at an MSRP of $2,099 for the Yuka 1500, lower than those of its larger counterpart. The Yuka 600 is expected to be priced at around $1,550 MSRP – each without a collection bin, which will cost approximately $349 including an additional battery. In addition to the varying area coverage, the focus is on the new features: the sweeping function, the camera module including surveillance capabilities and improved obstacle detection, the floating mowing deck, 4G connectivity, and of course, lawn art.
Key points about the Mammotion Yuka:
- Three models up to 0.15, 0.25 & 0.37 ac (600-1500 m²)
- Market launch planned for the end of June 2024
- RTK robot mower with AI-camera technology
- Optional sweeping function for leaves, branches & grass clippings
- Automatic emptying of the collection bin
- Multi-zone function (6-10 zones)
- Guard function with real-time monitoring
- Voice control and smart home functions
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth & 4G cellular connectivity
- Optional solar module for RTK station
- Max. slope: 45% (24°) / 18% (10°) with collection bin
- Cutting width: 12.6 in (32 cm)
- Cutting height: 0.8-3.5 in (20-90 mm)
Mammotion Yuka vs. Luba: The Differences in Direct Comparison
In the direct comparison of Mammotion Yuka vs. Luba, the sweeping function stands out immediately, which is not present in the Luba. Furthermore, the range of maximum garden area varies among the individual models. You can find all the details and differences between Yuka and Luba in the following table:
 *ad |  Yuka 3D Vision* |  Luba 2 AWD* |  Luba AWD* |
|---|---|---|---|
Availability | Starting Jun. 2024 | Mid. March, 2024 | Available (Limited) |
| Year of Release | 2024 | 2024 | 2022 (2023) |
| Company Type | Startup (2022) | Startup (2022) | Startup (2022) |
| Versions | Three versions | 4x Standard Version 4x H Version (High) | Three versions |
| Price (MSRP) | (from $1,299.00) | from $2,099.00 | from $1,749.00 |
| Max. Area | 0.15, 0.25 & 0.37 ac 600, 1.000 & 1.500 m² | 0.25, 0.75, 1.25 & 2.5 ac 1.000, 3.000, 5.000 & 1k m² | 0.25, 0.75 & 1.25 1.000, 3.000, 5.000m² |
| Max. Slope | 45% (24°) / with Sweeper 18% (10°) | 80% (38°) | 65% (33°) / 75% (37°) |
| Cutting Width | 12.6 in (32 cm) | 16 in (40 cm) | 16 in (40 cm) |
| Cutting Height | 0.8-3.5 in (20-90 mm) | 1.0-2.7 in (25-70 mm) High: 2.2-4.0 in (55-100 mm) | 1.2-2.8 in (30-70 mm) |
| Cutting System | Leveling (2x 3 blades) | Fixed (2x 4 blades) | Fixed (2x 4 blades) |
| Mowing Efficiency | 0.05 (200) / 0.07 ac/h (270 m²/h) | 0.12 ac/h (500 m²/h) | 0.07 ac/h (300 m²/h) / 0.12 ac/h (500 m²/h) |
| Runtime per Charge | 1,25h / 2,5h | 2h / 3h | 2h / 3h |
| Mowing Principle | Parallel Cutting | Parallel Cutting | Parallel Cutting |
| RTK-Technology (GPS) | Up to 3 km radius | Up to 5 km radius | Up to 120m radius |
| Local Radio System | |||
| Camera with AI | |||
| LiDAR Technology | |||
| Ultrasonic Sensors | 3 pcs. | 4 pcs. | |
| Obstacle Detection | from 2.0 in (5 cm) / High: 3.2 in (8 cm) | ||
| Lift & Tilt Sensor | | | | | | |
| Bumper Sensor | |||
| Rain Sensor | |||
| Theft Protection | GPS/Geofence/ AirTag | Key/GPS/ Geofence/AirTag | Key/GPS |
| Control | App | App | App |
| Connections | Wi-Fi/4G/Bluetooth | Wi-Fi/4G/Bluetooth | WLAN/Bluetooth |
| Voice Control | |||
| Drive | Rear-wheel (RWD) | All-wheel (AWD) | All-wheel (AWD) |
| Protection Class | IPX6 (Antenna: IPX7) | IPX6 (Antenna: IPX7) | IPX6 |
| Multiple Mowing Areas | 6-10 Areas | 10-60 Areas | 3-10 Areas |
| Restricted Zones | |||
| Adjust Mowing Areas | |||
Weak RTK Signal | |||
| Small Passages | |||
| Large Unevenness | |||
| Additional Features | Guardian, Lawn Art & Sweeping Function | Guardian, Lawn Art | - |
| Optional Accessories | Sweeper, Solar Panel | Solar Panel | Solar Panel, Sticker |
| Operating Noise Level | 60 dB(A) | 60 dB(A) | 60 dB(A) |
| Weight | approx. 18 kg | approx. 18 kg | |
| Dimensions Robot (DxWxH) | 25.5 x 20.4 x 13 in 64,8 x 51,9 x 33 cm | 27.2 x 20.2 x 10,7 in 69,0 x 51,3 x 27,3 cm High: 27.2 x 20.2 x 11.9 in 69 x 51,3 x 30,3 cm | 27.6 x 20.9 x 9.8 in 70 x 53 x 25 cm |
| Shops (*ad) | » Kickstarter* | » Amazon* » Mammotion* | » Mammotion* |
The maximum garden area for which the Yuka is suitable, starting at 0.15 ac (600 m²), is significantly lower than the smallest model of the Luba. Therefore, the Yuka is suitable for smaller to medium-sized gardens, whereas the Luba is also designed for large gardens or lawn areas. Another difference between the Yuka and the Luba is the maximum slope in the garden that they can handle. Unlike the Luba, the Yuka does not have all-wheel drive, so it is less capable of handling rough terrain.
The cutting width and cutting height also differ slightly. Additionally, the Luba is available in another higher version, which is not the case for the Yuka. Both models use two cutting discs, but not only does the number of blades differs, but also the functionality. The Luba uses rigid cutting discs, while the Yuka works with a floating or leveling mowing deck that automatically adjusts to the terrain to maintain a consistent cutting height. The cutting height adjustment is manual for the Yuka and convenient via the app for the Luba. Different cutting heights per lawn area can also be programmed for the Luba.
Due to the higher area coverage, the mowing efficiency is significantly higher with 500 m²/h for the Luba compared to the Yuka. The Yuka achieves 0.05 ac/h (200 m²/h) or 0.07 ac/h (270 m²/h) for the two larger versions, which still falls within the upper range compared to other robotic mowers. These data are manufacturer specifications, estimated to have been measured under ideal conditions. Additionally, there are differences in the operating radius or reception of the RTK station.
The Yuka is operational within a radius of 3 km, whereas the Luba has reception up to a 5 km radius from the antenna. Furthermore, unlike the Luba, the Yuka does not use ultrasonic sensors and supports fewer different mowing areas. Price-wise, the smallest Yuka 600 without a collection bin for the sweeping function is expected to be priced at around $1,550, making it approximately $550 cheaper than the smallest version of the Luba. The collection bin including an additional battery will cost around $349.
Conclusion: Mammotion Yuka Robot Lawn Mower With Sweeping Function
In summary, the Yuka is a successful addition to the Mammotion Luba 2, especially with its sweeping function. If you have trees on your lawn, you no longer need to search the garden for branches, nuts, or other objects harmful to the blades. Additionally, maintenance and wear are significantly reduced due to cleaning of the mowing discs. This saves time once again. You can find all the details about the Yuka in our comparison table of all models without cable installation. We hope to be able to test this model soon and will publish the results here afterward.
» Check out the Mammotion Yuka*
Video: Mammotion Yuka – Robot Mower With Self-Emptying Sweeper
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Image Credits: © Mammotion (Source: Kickstarter)
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