These autonomous robotic units operate without the need for physical perimeter markers. A common example is a lawn-mowing device that utilizes sophisticated sensors, such as GPS, visual cameras, or inertial measurement units, to navigate and define its working area independently.
The primary advantage of such systems lies in their enhanced flexibility and ease of installation. They eliminate the labor and material costs associated with laying boundary wires, making them suitable for complex or irregularly shaped terrains. Historically, early robotic applications relied heavily on wired boundaries, but advancements in sensor technology and processing power have enabled the development of more sophisticated, wire-free alternatives. This shift provides increased convenience and reduced maintenance requirements for the end-user.