Abstract:
An autonomous vehicle comprises an environment sensing means for sensing an environment of the autonomous vehicle, and a computing unit configured to perform a mapping function and a localization function. The mapping function is based upon signals supplied from the environment sensing means to build a map. The localization function localizes the autonomous vehicle within the map and generates localization information. The autonomous vehicle further comprises boundary distance sensing means configured to generate a distance signal correlated to a distance between the autonomous vehicle and boundary indication means. The computing unit is configured to receive the distance signal and to perform the mapping function or the localization function based upon a signal from the environment sensing means and the distance signal from the boundary distance sensing means. The system also comprises a boundary wire indicating a border of an area in which autonomous driving of the vehicle can be performed.
Abstract:
A robot lawnmower includes a robot body, a drive system, a localizing system, a teach monitor, and a controller in communication with one another. The drive system is configured to maneuver the robot lawnmower over a lawn. The teach monitor determines whether the robot lawnmower is in a teachable state. The controller includes a data processing device and non-transitory memory in communication with the data processing device. The data processing device executes a teach routine when the controller is in a teach mode for tracing a confinement perimeter around the lawn as a human operator pilots the robot lawn mower, when the robot lawnmower is in the teachable state, the teach routine stores global positions determined by the localizing system in the non-transitory memory, and when the robot lawnmower is in the unteachable state, the teach routine issues an indication of the unteachable state.
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 robotic work tool system (200), comprising a robotic work tool (100), said robotic work tool (100) comprising a controller (110) being configured to cause said robotic work tool (100) to operate in a first operating mode, which first operating mode is based on a current position, said current position being determined based on signals received from a position determining device (190), such as Global Navigation Satellite System device (190); determine that said received signals are not reliable, and in response thereto cause said robotic work tool (100) to operate according to second operating mode, which second operating mode is not based on a current position being determined based on said received signals.
Abstract:
A modular robot is a robot that is capable of performing a variety of functions and tasks. The robot includes a main body that is driven via a drive system while a steering system controls the direction of movement. An interchangeable attachment may be attached and removed from the main body and includes various components that allow the robot to perform various functions. Electrical power is provided to the robot via a primary power supply and a secondary power supply. An electronic control system allows for autonomous operation of the robot. User commands may be wirelessly received by the electronic control system. The robot is capable of autonomously replacing the primary power supply upon depletion and additionally may be docked to a docking station for charging. The interchangeable attachment may be docked to a docking station as well.
Abstract:
A method of mowing with an autonomous robot lawnmower includes traversing a mowable area with the autonomous robot lawnmower carrying a cutter and a vegetation characteristic sensor. The vegetation characteristic sensor is configured to generate sensor data in response to detecting a vegetation characteristic of the mowable area. The vegetation characteristic is selected from the group consisting of a moisture content, a grass height, and a color. The method includes storing position-referenced data representing the vegetation characteristic detected across the mowable area. The position-referenced data is based at least in part on the sensor data and position data. The method includes sending data to a remote device to cause the remote device to display a map including information based on the position-referenced data.
Abstract:
A method of mowing multiple areas includes training the robotic mower to move across a space separating at least two areas, and initiating a mowing operation. Training the robotic mower to move across the space separating the areas includes moving the robotic mower to a traversal launch point of a first of the areas, storing data indicative of location of the traversal launch point, moving the robotic mower to a traversal landing point of a second of the areas, and storing data indicative of location of the traversal landing point. The mowing operation causes the robotic mower to autonomously and in sequence mow the first of the areas, move to the traversal launch point, move from the traversal launch point across the space to the traversal landing point, and then mow the second of the areas.
Abstract:
A method of mapping an area to be mowed with an autonomous mowing robot comprises receiving mapping data from a robot lawnmower, the mapping data specifying an area to be mowed and a plurality of locations of beacons positioned within the area to be mowed, and receiving at least first and second geographic coordinates for first and second reference points that are within the area and are specified in the mapping data. The mapping data is aligned to a coordinate system of a map image of the area using the first and second geographic coordinates. The map image is displayed based on aligning the mapping data to the coordinate system.
Abstract:
The invention provides an autonomous mower, the autonomous mower including a housing; a mowing module, a traveling module, an information collection device, an energy module, a control module and the control module includes an identification unit, and an alarm module. The autonomous mower has a security patrol working mode in which the identification unit analyzes and judges whether an abnormal object exists in the working area according to the information collected by the information collection device; if the abnormal object exists, the control module controls the alarm module to send an alarm signal to the outside. Therefore, the autonomous mower can achieve a security patrol function in addition to having a function of trimming the lawn. The autonomous mower has multiple uses, so as to save the cost.
Abstract:
A system may include sensor equipment, task performance equipment, a yard maintenance manager and a robot. The sensor equipment may include one or more sensors disposed on a parcel of land. The task performance equipment may be configured to perform a task on the parcel. The task may be associated with generating a result that is enabled to be monitored via the sensor equipment. The yard maintenance manager may be configured to interface with the sensor equipment and the task performance equipment to compare measured conditions with desirable conditions to direct operation of the task performance equipment. The robot may be configured to work the parcel and perform as one of the one or more sensors, acting as a device of the task performance equipment, or interacting with the sensor equipment or the task performance equipment.