LG's robot lawn mower is being tweaked for Korea

LG Electronics' lawn mowing robot. [LG ELECTRONICS]

LG Electronics is testing its robot lawn mower in Korea, the electronics maker said Sunday.

The company said it is paying heed to Koreans' increasing interest in owning homes with lawns rather than apartments.

A total of 50 customers will be selected for the beta test of LG Electronics' latest robot lawn mower, which has already been released in foreign markets. The customers will use the robot for about two months and share their opinions, which will lead to the development of a new model for Korean customers. Factors like the type of grass common in Korea and the size of lawns will be important.

It is LG’s first use of a beta testing strategy to develop a new home appliance. Beta testing is often used in the software and game industries.

LG Electronics is already supplying robot lawn mowers to U.S.-based lawn mower company Briggs & Stratton. LG’s robot is equipped with a sensor that detects obstacles and can be controlled remotely using an app, according to the company.

The robot is expected to be introduced in the Korean market within the year, the company said, and test participants will be offered discounts of more than 50 percent. Anyone who wants to participate in the best test can apply through the company's website by June 11 with a photo of their lawn and a personal story saying why they want the robot.

LG Electronics said it plans more beta testing of home appliances in the future to get customers’ opinions at an early stage of product development.

“As a leader in the global home appliances market, LG Electronics is looking forward to introducing various innovative home appliances products to customers [in the future],” said Ryu Jae-cheol, head of LG Electronics’ home appliances business.

BY CHEA SARAH [chea.sarah@joongang.co.kr]