Abstract:
A method for energy management in a robotic device includes providing a base station for mating with the robotic device, determining a quantity of energy stored in an energy storage unit of the robotic device, and performing a predetermined task based at least in part on the quantity of energy stored. Also disclosed are systems for emitting avoidance signals to prevent inadvertent contact between the robot and the base station, and systems for emitting homing signals to allow the robotic device to accurately dock with the base station.
Abstract:
A docking station for a mobile robot including a first side portion and a second side portion and housing an electrical system having power input means. The power input means includes a first power input socket provided on the first side portion and a second power input socket provided on the second side portion. The two power input sockets allows a user flexibility in their choice of location for the docking station in an environment.
Abstract:
A robotic system comprising a mobile robot including a body housing a rechargeable power source and first electrical contact means disposed on the body and a docking station including second electrical contact means, wherein the mobile robot is dockable on the docking station in order to charge the rechargeable power source. The first electrical contact means includes at least one electrical contact aligned on a first contact axis and the second electrical contact means includes at least one elongate contact, wherein when the robot is docked on the docking station such that electrical contact is established between the first electrical contact means and the electrical contact means. The at least one elongate contact extends in a direction that is transverse to the first contact axis which permits electrical contact to be established between the robot and the docking station whilst accommodating a degree of lateral and angular misalignment therebetween.
Abstract:
A coverage robot docking station includes a base having a robot receiving surface. The base defines a power receptacle for receiving a power supply. The base also defines a beacon receptacle for receiving a beacon. A side wall extends from the base, where the side wall and the receiving surface of the base define a robot holder. At least one charging contact is disposed on the robot receiving surface for charging a received robot.
Abstract:
A robot system and a control method thereof in which, when a robot is located in a docking region, the robot calculates a distance by emitting infrared rays and detecting ultrasonic waves oscillated from a charging station, measures a distance from the charging station and performs docking with charging station. The distance between the robot and the charging station is precisely measured, thereby performing smooth and correct docking of the robot with the charging station. Further, the robot emits infrared rays only while performing docking with the charging station and thus reduces power consumption required for infrared ray emission, and wakes up a circuit in the charging station based on the infrared rays emitted from the robot and thus reduces power consumption of the charging station.
Abstract:
A coverage robot includes a chassis, a drive system, and a cleaning assembly. The cleaning assembly includes a housing and at least one driven cleaning roller including an elongated core with end mounting features defining a central longitudinal axis of rotation, multiple floor cleaning bristles extending radially outward from the core, and at least one compliant flap extending radially outward from the core to sweep a floor surface. The flap is configured to prevent errant filaments from spooling tightly about the core to aid subsequent removal of the filaments. In another aspect, a coverage robot includes a chassis, a drive system, a controller, and a cleaning assembly. The cleaning assembly includes a housing and at least one driven cleaning roller. The coverage robot includes a roller cleaning tool carried by the chassis and configured to longitudinally traverse the roller to remove accumulated debris from the cleaning roller.
Abstract:
An embodiment of the invention provides a cleaning robot including a light detector and a controller. The light detector detects a light beam. The controller is coupled to the light detector to control the cleaning robot. When the controller determines that the light beam is being output by a charging station, the controller controls the cleaning robot to move to the charging station along a first boundary of the light beam, which is substantially perpendicular to the charging station.
Abstract:
A cleaning robot system including a robot and a robot maintenance station. The robot includes a robot body, a drive system, a cleaning assembly, and a cleaning bin carried by the robot body and configured to receive debris agitated by the cleaning assembly. The robot maintenance station includes a station housing configured to receive the robot for maintenance. The station housing has an evacuation passageway exposed to a top portion of the received robot. The robot maintenance station also includes an air mover in pneumatic communication with the evacuation passageway and a collection bin carried by the station housing and in pneumatic communication with the evacuation passageway. The station housing and the robot body fluidly connect the evacuation passageway to the cleaning bin of the received robot. The air mover evacuates debris held in the robot cleaning bin to the collection bin through the evacuation passageway.
Abstract:
A cleaning robot system including a robot and a robot maintenance station. The robot includes a robot body, a drive system, a cleaning assembly, and a cleaning bin carried by the robot body and configured to receive debris agitated by the cleaning assembly. The robot maintenance station includes a station housing configured to receive the robot for maintenance. The station housing has an evacuation passageway exposed to a top portion of the received robot. The robot maintenance station also includes an air mover in pneumatic communication with the evacuation passageway and a collection bin carried by the station housing and in pneumatic communication with the evacuation passageway. The station housing and the robot body fluidly connect the evacuation passageway to the cleaning bin of the received robot. The air mover evacuates debris held in the robot cleaning bin to the collection bin through the evacuation passageway.
Abstract:
A cleaning robot system includes a robot and a robot maintenance station. The robot includes a chassis, a drive system configured to maneuver the robot as directed by a controller, and a cleaning assembly including a cleaning assembly housing and a driven cleaning roller. The robot maintenance station includes a station housing and a docking platform configured to support the robot when docked. A mechanical agitator engages the roller of the robot with the robot docked. The agitator includes an agitator comb having multiple teeth configured to remove accumulated debris from the roller as the agitator comb and roller are moved relative to one another. The robot maintenance station includes a collection bin arranged to receive and hold debris removed by the mechanical agitator.