A flush private walkway is much easier than a curb or public sidewalk. The mower needs a physically smooth transition and a route that does not create risk for pedestrians or leave the private property boundary.
The practical answer
Flush hardscape can often be mapped as a crossing path if the mower supports transit between zones. Raised curbs or steps can make the route impossible without a ramp or alternate access.
The constraint that matters most
Crossing a public sidewalk introduces people, pets, bicycles, and property-boundary issues that are not present on a private patio path. Automation should not assume exclusive use of public space.
How to set the mower up for it
Use crossings only where permitted and physically safe, map the shortest route, and confirm the mower can disable or safely manage cutting while transiting hardscape.
How we research robot mowers
We normalize manufacturer specifications around the buying constraints that actually change the decision: recommended mowing area, navigation architecture, slope capability, cutting-height range, obstacle sensing, charging behavior, multi-zone support, warranty, parts availability, and current pricing. We give more weight to property fit than to feature count.
Prices, specifications, firmware, and configuration-driven features can change. Check the current manufacturer page and local requirements before buying or installing equipment.