Autonomous robot auto-docking and energy management systems and methods
First Claim
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1. An autonomous cleaning robot, comprising:
- an undercarriage;
a wheel extending from the undercarriage toward a ground surface to support at least a portion of the mobile device above the ground surface;
an energy storage unit supported by the undercarriage and configured to be charged while the robot is positioned at a base station;
a navigational control system configured to direct the robot about a room, including mapping the room with respect to walls and objects as points of reference, and to monitor an amount of room remaining to be cleaned;
wherein the robot is configured to control charging as a function of the amount of room remaining to be cleaned.
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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
13 Claims
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1. An autonomous cleaning robot, comprising:
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an undercarriage; a wheel extending from the undercarriage toward a ground surface to support at least a portion of the mobile device above the ground surface; an energy storage unit supported by the undercarriage and configured to be charged while the robot is positioned at a base station; a navigational control system configured to direct the robot about a room, including mapping the room with respect to walls and objects as points of reference, and to monitor an amount of room remaining to be cleaned; wherein the robot is configured to control charging as a function of the amount of room remaining to be cleaned. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification