What is it?

An autonomous robotic lawnmower with plenty of cool features to keep your grass in tip-top condition.

The summer months are typically eagerly awaited but this perceived utopia isn't without a plethora of downsides, including the task of mowing the lawn.

It is a process approached with lacklustre enthusiasm at the best of times. And that's before you remember that the last of the petrol was loaned to a neighbour and never replenished.

Or the memory comes flooding back that a corded mower won't quite reach all areas of the garden without a convoluted chain of power extensions worthy of a puzzle on The Krypton Factor.

If that sounds uncannily familiar, then the nifty Robomow RC304 may be worth a look.

Good points?

The Robomow RC304 can run completely autonomously or via a smartphone app, a bit like a remote-controlled car.

The set-up is fairly pain-free although does involve the laying of perimeter wire along the edges of your garden, which can be up to 400 square metres for this particular model. Cutting performance is impressive no matter how out of control the garden has become.

A built-in rain sensor allows the machine to determine if it's too wet for operation which prevents muddy track marks. The device also learns from the garden's size on how often to mow so should keep an even length.

Bad points?

The base station is open to the elements so it might be wise to house it in an open shed or even a dog house.

All robotic mowers require a large initial outlay to purchase, which can be off-putting.

Best for ...

Those with hectic lives or hayfever sufferers.

Avoid if ...

Martyr-style hard graft in the garden allows you to enjoy it more.

Score

9/10.

Robomow RC304, £1,199 (robomow.com)