Bosch makes autonomous lawn care even smarter: Indego S+ robotic lawnmower uses IFTTT platform

Autonomous lawn care is even more convenient with the Connect models of the Bosch Indego robotic lawnmower: Garden lovers can now connect their Indego S+ with over 700 products and services via the IFTTT connectivity platform at www.ifttt.com. The Indego S+ is one of the first robotic lawnmowers on the market, which makes home automation accessible to users in this way. Bosch has opted for a leading provider in this field to do this: More than 18 million registered users already use IFTTT to connect smart products and services in their home and garden. IFTTT, short for “if this, then that”, enables users to get all their apps and devices talking to each other. Predefined or self-created “if, then” rules known as Applets offer garden lovers various options to control the robotic lawnmower and to adapt lawn care to their own requirements. The Indego is in good company: Bosch household appliances such as the Roxxter robot vacuum cleaner or connected coffee and washing machines are also available on IFTTT. This way, Bosch is consistently expanding the possibilities with connectivity.

Even more convenience with numerous connections

The predefined Applets in IFTTT, which are available for the Indego Connect models, include, for example, the connection to Google Assistant. If users select this feature, they can communicate with their robotic lawnmower via voice control – starting and pausing it or order its return to the docking station. This gives users another voice control option via IFTTT in addition to Amazon Alexa. There are many other possibilities to connect products and services: If you use a sensor-controlled watering system such as Miyo, this can be connected with the Indego S+. “If Miyo detects wet grass, send Indego to the docking station.” Then the watering system and the robotic lawnmower do not get in each other's way. The same applies to an upcoming barbecue: If your Google Calender and Indego S+ are linked, the lawnmower will automatically drive into the docking station as soon as the barbecue starts. It is also possible to connect multiple products and services: If, for example, you activate the GPS function on your smartphone and link it to the Bosch Indego and Roxxter, Indego S+ can mow the lawn as soon as you leave for work and Roxxter can vacuum your home. The user can also connect the Netatmo weather service to Indego. If, for example, you want the robotic lawnmower to stay in the docking station on rainy days, you can activate the relevant Applet: “Send Indego to the docking station if it starts to rain.” In addition to “SmartMowing”, this connection gives the user the option to plan exactly when to next mow the lawn thanks to the weather service. The proven “SmartMowing” function on Indego Connect models analyzes data such as temperature and rainfall, as well as additional data such as garden size, lawn growth and user preferences, to automatically calculate the best time for the next cut.

This is how it works

These are only a few examples of what the Indego S+ can do thanks to IFTTT. The customization options are endless. If you wish to use the platform, simply go to www.ifttt.com/indegoconnect and create a free-of-charge IFTTT account. Immediately a range of predefined Applets that easily can be switched on and off are then displayed. By switching on the desired Applets, the user can easily link them to their Bosch Smart Gardening account by using the same email address for both applications. If the required Applet does not exist, you can quickly create it by yourself according to your personal preferences. This way everyone can automate their home and garden care individually.

All Indego Connect models are now available on IFTTT. The service is free of charge and a software update for Indego S+ or the app is not required.