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Husqvarna robot mowers get lightning‑resistant GPS technology
Older robot lawn mowers that use a buried guide line act as a lightning conductor and have been frequently destroyed by lightning strikes, according to retailers in Umeå and insurer Folksam. Over the past 15 years hundreds of units were reported damaged.
Newer models equipped with GPS navigation no longer include the guide line, eliminating the magnetic field that attracts lightning. Husqvarna’s development head Sara Gard says this reduces the risk dramatically, though she stresses that the danger is not zero. Users are advised to unplug the charging station and disconnect any cables during thunderstorms, and to consider installing a dedicated lightning protector, which can mitigate but not completely prevent damage. The Swedish Meteorological and Hydrological Institute warned of heavy rain and strong thunderstorms in Västerbotten county, underscoring the relevance of these precautions.
Entities
Erik Arvidsson · Folksam · Husqvarna · Husqvarna AB · SMHI · Sara Gard
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] SMHI warned of heavy rain and strong thunderstorms in Västerbotten county. www.svt.se
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Lightning strikes have historically damaged robot lawn mowers that use a buried guide line. www.svt.se
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Users should unplug robot mowers and disconnect cables during thunderstorms to reduce damage risk. www.svt.se
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Folksam and a retailer in Umeå reported hundreds of robot mower damages from lightning over the past 15 years. www.svt.se
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Installing a dedicated lightning protector can mitigate but not fully eliminate lightning damage to robot mowers. www.svt.se
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Newer GPS‑based robot mowers do not have the guide line that attracts lightning. www.svt.se