Stihl Moves Its Robotic Lawn Mowers to China – But Is It Really Goodbye to Germany?
The turning point that reshapes the German giant’s global strategy
In July 2025, Stihl announced a decision designed to mark a turning point in the garden robotics sector: the development and manufacturing of its intelligent lawnmowers are being relocated from Germany to China. This strategic move also includes the construction of a state-of-the-art development center in Southeast Asia—now the beating heart of digital innovation (Motorist).
According to the company, this choice aims to enhance the brand’s competitiveness by gaining direct access to agile, highly specialized technological ecosystems. A relay that preserves the engineering DNA of the brand while expanding its global ambitions.
Why China has become the new playing field for outdoor robotics
The competitive landscape has changed. In Asia—especially in China’s Greater Bay Area—an innovation ecosystem capable of outpacing European industry is emerging. Highly specialized development teams, fast innovation cycles, intelligent production networks: all contribute to making China an ideal hub for AI-driven, autonomous lawnmowers and smart garden management systems.
Emerging brands like Mammotion, Ecovacs, and Yarbo are already securing market shares with models featuring wireless navigation, LiDAR sensors, and RTK technology. Global sales confirm this trend: in 2024, some Asian players exceeded 140,000 units sold, recording triple-digit growth (KrASIA).
Stihl isn’t abandoning Europe—it’s aiming to reclaim ground
Despite the production shift, Stihl reaffirmed the importance of its European heritage. The company has assured that quality will remain a cornerstone, and that its network of specialized dealers will continue playing a central role.
However, the strategic shift has immediate consequences: no new iMOW models will be launched in 2026. The current range will remain on the market while a new generation is being designed and strategically realigned. The code word: repositioning—evolving without losing authority.
The market rewards innovators: why action is urgent
The robotic lawnmower market is projected to double by 2030, with an annual growth rate exceeding 14% (Fortune Business Insights). Autonomous solutions integrated with virtual assistants, capable of precise operation without physical boundaries, will dominate. In this scenario, failing to innovate equals falling behind.
Stihl’s response is clear: not to chase change, but to intercept it in the heart of global innovation. A bold yet calculated step that aligns with the digital transformation of the outdoor sector.
IdeaMower's message
In a fast-evolving landscape of garden robotics, protecting new technologies is no longer a matter of aesthetics or function—it’s a strategic necessity. Next-generation robotic lawnmowers—equipped with AI, environmental sensors, and autonomous mobility—need an environment designed to shield them from weather, wear, and impact.
IdeaMower designs a physical, functional ecosystem to enhance daily performance of lawnmowing robots. From garages that ensure long-term protection to platforms that keep the area clean and stable, including wheels, blades, and other technical components—each product is crafted to boost efficiency, reduce maintenance, and unlock full potential.
Whether your devices are designed in Europe, developed in Asia, or used anywhere in your garden, their effectiveness depends on their operational environment. The future of garden robotics requires not just technology, but intelligence applied to space.
And that’s exactly what IdeaMower builds every day.
