Autonomous robot auto-docking and energy management systems and methods
DC CAFCFirst Claim
Patent Images
1. An autonomous cleaning robot, comprising:
- an undercarriage;
a motive system configured to propel the undercarriage across a ground surface;
an energy storage unit supported by the undercarriage and configured to be charged while the robot is positioned at a base charging station; and
a navigational control system configured to autonomously;
control the motive system to direct the robot about a room, while mapping the room with respect to objects as points of reference;
return the robot to the base charging station before completing a cleaning task in the room, in response to detecting a need to recharge the energy storage unit;
dock the robot to the base charging station upon return;
recharge the energy storage unit with the robot docked; and
then tocontrol the motive system to direct the robot to continue to clean the room.
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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 motive system configured to propel the undercarriage across a ground surface; an energy storage unit supported by the undercarriage and configured to be charged while the robot is positioned at a base charging station; and a navigational control system configured to autonomously; control the motive system to direct the robot about a room, while mapping the room with respect to objects as points of reference; return the robot to the base charging station before completing a cleaning task in the room, in response to detecting a need to recharge the energy storage unit; dock the robot to the base charging station upon return; recharge the energy storage unit with the robot docked; and
then tocontrol the motive system to direct the robot to continue to clean the room. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification