Abstract: An autonomous mobile device has a main body and an extensible mast to raise and lower a payload, such as a camera, relative to the main body. The mast may comprise a set of telescoping sections, with each section comprising two or more pieces that are joined during assembly. A motor moves a flexible rack between a first spool and the mast to raise or lower the mast. For example, during extension a motor-driven pinion engages teeth on the flexible rack, pulling the rack from the first spool and pushing up the mast. A cable stored on a second spool may be extended and retracted with the flexible rack. The cable transfers one or more of data or power between the main body and the payload. A sensor may be used to detect features on the flexible rack to provide data about how far the flexible rack has been extended.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile device with an extensible mast to raise and lower a payload, such as a camera, relative to a main body. The mast comprises a set of telescoping sections. A motor moves a flexible rack between a first spool and the mast to raise or lower the mast. For example, during extension a motor-driven pinion engages teeth on the flexible rack, pulling the rack from the first spool and pushing up the mast. A cable stored on a second spool may be extended and retracted with the flexible rack. The cable transfers one or more of data or power between the main body and the payload. A mechanism provides for sequenced deployment of the mast, with the innermost section moving first. While raising the mast, the mechanism engages between adjacent telescoping sections, locking them in place. While lowering the mast, the mechanism selectively releases section by section.

Abstract: Approaches discussed herein enable a computing device to be tested to determine whether light from an emitter is bleeding through the device, which can be indicative of an assembly failure. A light blocking member can be placed over a camera in order to prevent a camera from capturing light coming from outside the device. At least one light source of the device then can be caused to emit light, and the camera can capture at least one image to determine whether any of the light is bleeding through the device and being detected by the camera. If so, the device can be determined to fail the test, and can be sent for reassembly or another remedial action. In some cases, a type of failure might be able to be determined, and information for the failure can be logged for purposes such as quality assurance and failure rate monitoring.