A robotics company called Eeve is getting ready to launch a garden robot that could change how we think about yard work. The Willow X is a smart, two-armed robot that can learn to do outdoor chores just by watching you do them first.

More Than Just a Lawn Mower

Unlike simple robotic lawn mowers, the Willow X has two flexible arms that can handle many different tasks around your property. The robot can:

• Pick up fallen leaves and fruit from trees
• Pull weeds from flower beds
• Clean debris from patios and walkways
• Carry tools and groceries around the yard
• Remove toys left outside by kids
• Even grab drinks for the family during outdoor gatherings

At the end of each work session, the robot returns to its charging dock automatically to prepare for the next day.

Learning Made Simple

The most impressive feature of the Willow X is how easy it is to train. You don't need to know anything about programming or robotics. Instead, you simply show the robot how to do a task while its cameras watch and record your movements.

"Willow X makes robot control as easy as training a puppy," says Wesley Lorrez, CEO of Eeve. "For the first time, anyone can own and train a robot at home."

After you demonstrate a task a few times, the robot learns to do it on its own. Even better, trained tasks can be shared online with other robot owners through a cloud library, so the robot community can learn from each other.

Powerful Technology Inside

The Willow X comes packed with advanced technology:

• 8-hour battery life with just 3 hours of charging time
• Four motorized wheels for moving over rough terrain
• Arms that can lift up to 6.6 pounds each
• Wi-Fi connectivity with optional 4G internet
• HD cameras for vision and navigation
• NVIDIA computer chips for artificial intelligence processing

The robot uses depth cameras and internet-enhanced positioning to navigate around yards safely, even in complex outdoor environments.

From Prototype to Product

Eeve first started working on garden robots in 2019 and has been refining the technology ever since. The company says more than 3,000 of their robots are already working in gardens around the world.

The original Willow X prototype from 2022 needed to be plugged in and controlled by remote. The new version is completely wireless and much smarter, representing years of improvements based on real-world testing.

When and How Much

The Willow X is available for pre-order now at €8,990 (about $10,000). The company is only making 150 units in the first production run, with delivery expected in August or September 2025.

While that's a significant investment, Eeve sees this as just the beginning. "Willow X is the next giant leap towards a future where robots grow food, build furniture, and support independent living," the company says.

The Future of Home Automation

For families who can afford it, the Willow X represents a glimpse into a future where robots handle routine outdoor maintenance. Instead of spending weekends doing yard work, homeowners could relax while their robot helper takes care of the garden.

As the technology improves and costs come down, garden robots like the Willow X could become as common as robotic vacuum cleaners are today.