Willow robot for the home: a touch of Star Wars

The Digitec and Galaxus editorial team will be reporting on site from IFA 2023 in Berlin. You can find all the news and background information published so far in our overview

It's not surprising to see a droid like R2D2 at a Comic Con. At a technology trade fair like IFA 2023, which is all about the latest innovations, a cuddly robot is much more exciting. Little Willow makes my Star Wars heart beat faster. Maybe it's also because of the Eeve company mascot: Yoda with a laser sword.

You can't fly an X-wing or save the galaxy with Willow the robot, but it can do lots of other useful things. As well as mowing the lawn, the little robot can also collect leaves, guard the grounds, transport things, play games and take group photos. It skilfully avoids trees, plants and other obstacles that may be lying around. Toys or garden tools, for example.

The self-propelled technology navigates with a 4K camera, which you can also use to take photos of yourself in the garden. With its built-in infrared light, the robot can also see up to 15 metres away at night. If you can't find the little rascal, you can search for it using the built-in GPS. This will also help you if a jealous passer-by steals your garden helper. Until you get Willow back, you can have him locked away.

The little Willow is also capable of learning. Programme a mowing schedule based on your garden and determine the cutting height of the lawn from 25 to 90 millimetres. In rainy weather, the robot drives itself back to the charging station. After nine hours of work per day, it needs to rest there for a while at the latest.

The robot can be personalised with various tools, which are constantly being expanded. The latest gadget is a small hat that can spray weedkiller. The gadgets are also available free of charge. If you have a 3D printer at home, you can print out spare parts and accessories yourself. The programme files are available free of charge so that Willow can also use them. Otherwise, all parts are also available separately from Eeve.

Communication with Willow takes place via Wi-Fi or mobile applications. The robot memorises locations with good reception and navigates there to send messages or download updates. With a data subscription, you can also connect Willow to the internet from any location. So you can also keep an eye on it when you're on holiday.

Willow maintains up to 1500 square metres of surface area and secures up to 7500 square metres, while the Willow Pro covers 3600 and 15,000 square metres respectively.

In true Star Wars style, manufacturer Eeve has named the different colour variants: Willow is available in C3P0 Gold, Solo Grey and Leia White. The garden buddy is available from Evee itself for just under 3000 francs or euros. According to the current waiting list, it will be delivered from February 2024, which is unfortunately a long, long way off.