Abstract:
An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.
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 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 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. Also disclosed are systems and methods for confirming a presence of a robotic device docked with a charger by recognizing a load formed by a circuit in the charger combined with a complementary circuit in the robotic device.
Abstract:
An apparatus and method for automatically drying a tennis court or other flat surface after rainfall is provided. A robotic vehicle cooperates with a sensing unit preferably mounted on a fence adjacent the court or other paved surface. A sensing unit detects the onset and cessation of rain and then waits a predetermined amount of time. After waiting, the sensing unit transmits a signal to the robotic vehicle which actuates the vehicle. The robotic vehicle includes an on-board controller which is internally programmed with a map of the court including obstructions. The robotic vehicle automatically sponge rolls the entire court. A thermal imaging camera connected to the sensing unit then scans the court to determine if any wet spots remain. The location of any remaining wet spots is recorded and transmitted to the on-board controller of the robotic vehicle. The robotic vehicle then returns to the location of the wet spots and automatically sponge rolls and fan dries those remaining wet spots. The robotic vehicle then returns to a storage unit on or adjacent the paved surface where it is recharged and waits for further use.
Abstract:
A robot cleaner includes a suction device installed within a cleaner body, that sucks dirt on a floor; a driver that moves the cleaner body; a detector mounted at the cleaner body, that detects a height between a bottom of the cleaner body and the floor; and a controller that controls the suction device in response to signal from the detector to adjust a suction force of the suction device in accordance with the height between the bottom of the cleaner body and the floor.
Abstract:
A docking station (20) and a robot (22) for docking therein, include corresponding transmission parts. These transmission parts are for the transmission of energy, such as electricity, for recharging the robot (22), and/or signals, for operating the robot (22), the energy and/or signals passing between the docking station and the robot (22). The docking station (20) and robot (22) are such that the docking of the robot (22) in the docking station (20) is at a horizontal orientation, as the transmission part on the robot (22) includes laterally protruding docking contacts that contact corresponding laterally oriented contact arms of the docking station (20).
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:
The invention relates to a floor treatment system with a self-propelled and self-steering floor treatment unit, which comprises an electrically driven floor treatment assembly and also a rechargeable power supply unit, and with a central charging station for recharging the power supply unit, the floor treatment unit being capable of being electrically connected to the charging station by means of respective electrical connecting elements disposed on the charging station and the floor treatment unit. In order to develop the floor treatment system in such a way that improved electrical coupling of the respective connecting elements is made possible, it is proposed according to the invention that at least one of the respective connecting elements is spring-mounted.
Abstract:
When a residual quantity of a battery of a self-propelled cleaner is decreased, automatic cleaning is interrupted and driving of a cleaner mechanism is simultaneously stopped, and when a forward obstacle is detected while allowing a self-propelled cleaner to be traveled along a wall, a rotary encoder measures a traveling distance of a cleaner body BD, thereby measuring a depth of the obstacle. Then, in a case where the measured traveling distance (X) is equal to a width (H) of a charger device that projects from the wall, it is judged that the obstacle is the charger device, and traveling of the self-propelled cleaner is controlled in such a manner that its charging terminal is operatively connected to an electrical supply terminal of the charger device. Thus said charging-type travel system is precisely self-traveled to a charger device and cause itself be positively subjected to charging.