AUTONOMOUS ROBOT AUTO-DOCKING AND ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS
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Accused Products
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.
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Citations
47 Claims
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1-30. -30. (canceled)
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31. A system for charging an autonomous robot, the system comprising:
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a mobile device comprising an undercarriage, and a wheel extending from the undercarriage toward a ground surface to support at least a portion of the mobile device above the ground surface; and a stationary charger comprising a base plate defining a wheel receiver configured to receive the wheel of the mobile device, and charging contacts disposed along the base plate, wherein the charging contacts align with corresponding charging contacts on the undercarriage of the mobile device and the wheel of the mobile device is positionable in the wheel receiver defined by the base plate to establish electrical communication between the mobile device and the stationary charger. - View Dependent Claims (32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47)
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Specification