Lawns abroad mow-tivated by Chinese robots

Beijing-based Willand brain trust behind innovative, labor-saving smart products

BEIJING — Davide Campigotto, a 35-year-old father in Italy, was enjoying chucking a flying disk around with his children in their courtyard, while a cordless robotic lawnmower trimmed the grass around them.

The automatons, which so far have garnered relatively little consumer interest in China, have unexpectedly soared in popularity in European and US markets this year.

Beijing-based startup Willand is behind the notable commercial success, and serves as the latest example of the business acumen of Chinese entrepreneurs in exploring global market opportunities.