OpenMower: RTK GPS smart upgrade for cheap robot lawn mowers
Open-source upgrade that turns off-the-shelf robotic mowers into RTK GPS-accurate, map-based lawn robots.
Key Facts
- Boards: Raspberry Pi + RP2040 on custom mainboard
- Nav: u-blox ZED-F9P RTK GPS
- Software: ROS-based
- Base: RTK corrections required
About This Project
OpenMower replaces the brain of cheap robot lawn mowers with a Raspberry Pi plus RP2040 mainboard and a u-blox ZED-F9P RTK GPS, so the robot can mow a mapped area with centimetre accuracy instead of random bouncing. The project publishes PCB designs, 3D-printable parts and ROS-based software. It is a large outdoor robotics project requiring a base station for RTK corrections.
Source & Attribution
Parts Needed
- Compatible stock robot mower (e.g. YardForce Classic 500)
- OpenMower mainboard (universal or mower-specific version)
- Raspberry Pi (e.g. Pi 4)
- u-blox ZED-F9P RTK GPS + antenna
- RTK correction source (your own base station or an NTRIP service)
- Roughly €700 of parts, not counting the mower or base
Steps
- 1
Check compatibility
Read the System Architecture overview and the Step by Step Guide at openmower.de, and confirm your mower model is supported before you buy anything.
- 2
Plan RTK corrections
Set up a base station or sign up for an NTRIP service in your area. Without corrections you won't get centimetre-level accuracy.
- 3
Modify the mower
Replace the stock electronics with the OpenMower mainboard, Pi and GPS, following the guide for your mower model.
- 4
Install software
Flash OpenMowerOS onto the Pi, then flash the mainboard firmware. Configure your Wi-Fi, NTRIP or base station, and robot settings.
- 5
Record areas
Use the app to drive the mower around each lawn's edge and any no-go zones, then start a mowing plan.
- 6
Tips
This is a weekend project that needs intermediate electronics, Linux and mechanical skills. The Discord (2,000+ members) is very active.
Not included: 3D-printed case, wire, solder, USB cable
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