Abstract: A system for enabling spot cleaning includes a mobile computing device and a mobile cleaning robot. The mobile computing device includes at least one camera configured to capture images of an environment, and at least one data processor configured to (a) establish, based at least in part on first information provided by the at least one image sensor, a coordinate system in the environment, (b) determine, based at least in part on second information provided by the at least one camera, a first set of coordinates of a region at a first location, (c) determine, based at least in part on third information provided by the at least one camera, a second set of coordinates of a mobile cleaning robot at a second location, (d) send the first set of coordinates and second set of coordinates, or coordinates of the first location relative to the second location, to the mobile cleaning robot, and (e) send an instruction to the mobile cleaning robot to request the mobile cleaning robot to travel to the first location.

Abstract: A method of operating an autonomous cleaning robot is provided. The method includes receiving, at a handheld computing device, data representing a status of a debris collection bin of the autonomous cleaning robot, the status of the bin including a bin fullness reading. The method also includes receiving, at the handheld computing device, data representing a status of a filter bag of an evacuation station, the status of the filter bag including a bag fullness reading. The method also includes presenting, on a display of the handheld computing device, a first status indicator representing the bin fullness reading, and presenting, on the display of the handheld computing device, a second status indicator representing the bag fullness reading.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a base defining a suction chamber, a user-manipulatable handle coupled to the base, a brushroll driven by a brushroll motor, a transmitter and a receiver both of which are in wireless communication with a user-controlled electronic device, and a controller in communication with the transmitter and the receiver. The controller controls the brushroll motor in a default mode wherein the brushroll is configured to run at a first percent of power on a first floor surface and a second percent of power on a second floor surface. The controller receives a communication from the user-controlled electronic device via the receiver and configured to cause the controller to turn off the default mode and run the brushroll at a third percent of power at both the first floor surface and the second floor surface.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner including a vacuum motor configured to draw an air flow through an air flow path of the vacuum cleaner; a dirt separator having dirt, receptacle; a display screen; and a controller configured to control images displayed on the screen. The dirt receptacle has a closed configuration in which it can receive dirt separated from the air flow, and an open configuration in which dirt contained in the dirt receptacle can be emptied therefrom. The controller is configured to display video instructions on the screen.

Abstract: Provided is a cleaning device including a vacuum cleaner including a dust collector into which dirt and dust is collected, a docking station connected to the dust collector and having a long axis extending in a first direction, and the docking station includes a docking part coupled to the dust collector to remove dirt and dust collected in the dust collector, a sucking device sucking up the dirt and dust and inside air in the dust collector docked with the docking part through the docking part, and a circulation duct arranged for the air sucked up by the sucking device to be circulated to the docking part.

Abstract: A contact-type detection electrode for detecting dispersible dirt and a movable electric device are provided. The contact-type detection electrode includes a support, and electrical conductors arranged on the support and being flexible.

Abstract: A dust collection guide structure (10) arranged at the bottom (11) of a shell of a dust collection mechanism comprises an air duct suction opening (12) formed in the bottom (11) of the shell and at least one groove (13) formed in the surface of the bottom (11) of the shell. One end of each of the at least one groove (13) communicates with the air duct suction opening (12) to form a dust guide air duct for guiding dust into the air duct suction opening (12), and the other end is in smooth transition connection with the edge of the bottom (11) of the shell.

Abstract: A debris collecting base station cooperates with the cleaning robot. The cleaning robot has a debris outlet for discharging debris. The debris collecting base station includes a base, a debris collecting device, a first communication component and a microcontroller. The base has a debris intake passageway. One end of the debris intake passageway pneumatically interfaces with the debris outlet, the debris collecting device is mounted on the base and is communicated with the end of the debris intake passageway away from the debris outlet. The microcontroller is electrically connected to the first communication component and the debris collecting device, which controls the first communication component to send and receive interactive signals with the cleaning robot and controls working modes of the debris collecting base station based on the interactive signals.

Abstract: A vacuum hose has a switch that allows an operator to selectively send control signals to a transceiver to control the operation of a central vacuum unit. The switch may be located on a cuff or nozzle defining a distal end of the vacuum hose. The switch is not located on a head unit that couples to the cuff or nozzle and not located on a wall-mounted valve. The switch can be an energy harvesting switch that requires no batteries or no dedicated power source (i.e., not hardwired).

Abstract: A moving robot includes a main body which forms a space therein, a noise generating member which is disposed inside the main body and generates a noise, an inner housing and an outer housing which surround the main body, and two or voice recognition members which are disposed in the housing and are disposed to be separated from each other, and a noise recognition member which recognizes a noise. The voice recognition members are disposed on a side opposite to the noise generating member based on a central point and disposed to be separated from each other along an outer peripheral surface of the housing. Accordingly, a voice command is determined by a difference of the voice data acquired by the two voice recognition members separated from each other and noise data recognized by the noise recognition member to improve voice recognition efficiency.

Abstract: A vacuuming device. The device includes a sensor connected to at least a suction head, and is configured to sense a parameter of foreign object debris (FOD) in the suction head. The device also includes a positioning sensor connected to the suction head and configured to ascertain a position of the suction head within an area in which the device is located. The device also includes a computer in communication with the sensor and the positioning sensor. The computer is programmed to classify the FOD using the parameter, and use the position of the suction head to determine a pick-up location of the FOD.

Abstract: A robotic cleaner executing operations such as capturing data indicative of locations of objects in a workspace through which the robot moves; generating or updating a map of at least a part of the workspace based on at least the data; and navigating based on the map or an updated map of the workspace. The robotic cleaner may include a side brush with a main body with at least one attachment point and at least one bundle of bristles attached to the at least one attachment point of the main body, wherein the bristles are between 50 to 90 millimeters in length and positioned between 5 to 30 degrees with respect to a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A terminal apparatus includes a camera, a display that displays a display screen including a mobile robot that autonomously travels, and a control circuit. The control circuit acquires a first planned route of the mobile robot, displays, on the display, a screen having the first planned route superimposed on a camera image taken by the camera, detects a contact point on the display on which the screen is displayed, generates a second planned route of the mobile robot that travels through the contact point, and transmits the second planned route to the mobile robot.

Abstract: A robot vacuum cleaner is provided. The robot vacuum cleaner includes a camera, a memory configured to store an artificial intelligence model trained to identify an image from an input image and shape information corresponding to each of a plurality of objects, and a processor configured to control the electronic apparatus by being connected to the camera and the memory, wherein the processor is configured to input an image obtained by the camera to the artificial intelligence model to identify an object included in the image, obtain shape information corresponding to the identified object among the plurality of shape information stored in the memory, and set a traveling path of the robot vacuum cleaner based on the shape information and size information related to the object.

Abstract: An automatic cleaning apparatus includes: a chassis; a front housing arranged at a front end of the chassis; and a sensing device capable sensing movement of the front housing and sending a signal to a control mainboard of the automatic cleaning apparatus when the front housing touches an obstacle and moves relative to the chassis. The sensing device includes a dust blocking member and a rocker arm that triggers the sensing device to send the signal. The rocker arm has a first end rotatably arranged inside the sensing device, and a second end passing through the dust blocking member and extending out of the sensing device. A front housing reset device is arranged on the chassis and capable of biasing the front housing toward an initial position of the front housing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cleaner system including: a cleaner; a cleaner station; and an imaginary plane including an imaginary suction flow path through line penetrating a suction flow path in a longitudinal direction and an imaginary suction motor axis defined by extending a rotation axis of a suction motor, in which when the cleaner is coupled to the cleaner station, the plane penetrates at least a part of the cleaner station, such that a center of gravity of the cleaner is disposed to pass through a space for maintaining balance of the station, and as a result, it is possible to stably support the cleaner and the station while preventing the cleaner and the station from falling down.

Abstract: A hand vacuum cleaner has an airflow path from an air inlet to a clean air outlet with an air treatment member and a fan and motor assembly in the air flow path. The hand vacuum cleaner has a cleaner body and a handle having a hand grip portion. The hand vacuum cleaner also includes a plurality of batteries. A portion of the motor and fan assembly and/or a portion of a filter component can be positioned between at least some of the batteries. The batteries may be contained in a removable storage chamber. The storage chamber may be removably mounted to the hand vacuum cleaner around at least a portion of a filter and/or fan and motor assembly.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile cleaning robot can include an outer shell and a bumper. The outer shell can include a rim extending around at least a portion of a periphery of the outer shell and can include a first feature connected to the rim. The bumper can be connected to the outer shell and can movable with respect to the outer shell when the bumper is connected to the outer shell. The bumper can include a second feature connected to the inner surface.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides, in one aspect, method of controlling an autonomous cleaning robot, the method comprising: navigating the autonomous cleaning robot to a docking station; sensing that the autonomous cleaning robot is navigating to the docking station; increasing a vacuum power of a vacuum assembly of the autonomous cleaning robot to reduce an amount of debris from an airflow channel proximate to an inlet of a cleaning bin disposed in the autonomous cleaning robot; and then decreasing the vacuum power of the vacuum assembly of the autonomous cleaning robot.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a surface cleaning apparatus that includes a headlight or other light source that selectively illuminates upon the occurrence of a predetermined condition. The headlight turns on to emit light when the surface cleaning apparatus us turned on, and emits light in a different color when cleaning fluid is dispensed. Methods for operating a headlight or light source are also disclosed.

Abstract: Described herein are systems, devices, and methods for validating location of a docking station for docking a mobile robot. In an example, a mobile robot system includes a docking station and a mobile cleaning robot. The mobile cleaning robot includes a drive system to move the mobile cleaning robot about an environment including a docking area within a distance of the docking station, and a controller circuit to detect, from an image of the docking area, a presence or absence of one or more obstacles in the docking area. A notification may be generated to inform a user about the detected obstacles. The mobile device may generate a recommendation to the user to clear the docking area or reposition the docking station, or suggest one or more candidate locations for placing the docking station.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner to suction dust generated by a machine tool, wherein the vacuum cleaner is actuatable by an electric device in the shape of the machine tool or an energy storage module for the electric power supply of the machine tool, which has a drive motor to drive a tool holder on which a tool provided to process a workpiece is arranged or is arrangeable, wherein the vacuum cleaner has a vacuum housing with a dirt collection chamber to receive dirt separated from a suction flow and a suction unit to generate the suction flow, wherein a suction inlet is present on the vacuum housing to connect a suction hose to establish a current connection for the suction flow with the machine tool, wherein the vacuum cleaner has an external communication apparatus for a wireless control connection to a wireless communication interface of the electric device and to receive at least one control command to control, the vacuum cleaner via the control connection.

Abstract: An autonomous cleaning robot including a drive configured to move the cleaning robot across a floor surface in an area to be cleaned and a controller. The controller is configured to receive data representing an editable mission timeline including data representing a sequence of rooms to be cleaned, navigate the cleaning robot to clean the rooms following the sequence, track operational events occurring in each of the rooms, and transmit data about time spent navigating each room included in the sequence.

Abstract: A moving robot according to an aspect of the present invention includes a body configured to define an exterior, a travelling unit configured to move the body against a travelling surface of a travelling area, a storage configured to store a grid map corresponding to a travelling area and cost information of grids included in the grid map, and a controller configured to generate a movement route based on the cost information, control the travelling unit to travel according to the generated movement route, and increase a stay cost of a grid corresponding to a route that has passed during the travelling and control the storage to store the increased stay cost.

Abstract: A docking station for a robotic vacuum cleaner has a pneumatic transfer mechanism that is used to direct air to the robotic vacuum cleaner to thereby transfer dirt from the robotic vacuum cleaner to a docking station.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cleaning tool for cleaning a surface has a transducer and a horn for generating and transmitting vibrations to a surface to be cleaned. Cleaning solution can be supplied to the ultrasonic cleaning tool or the surface to be cleaned, and operation of the ultrasonic cleaning tool can agitate the surface and cleaning solution. The tool can be provided as part of a system for cleaning a surface, and the system can include an extraction cleaner or a cleaning cloth.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cleaning unit, comprising: a columnar body part having a rotation guide opening formed on the outer circumferential surface thereof; a shaft installed to reciprocate a predetermined distance in the longitudinal direction thereof in a hollow formed in the body part; a drive part that protrudes from the shaft in the radial direction thereof; a brush part that has one side installed on the outer circumferential surface of the body part along the longitudinal direction thereof and rotates on the basis of the one side as a rotation axis; and a driven part that extends from the brush part toward the drive part, passes through the rotation guide opening, and is inserted into a rotation guide groove formed in the drive part.

Abstract: A stand-on debris blower comprising including a main frame, a pair of front wheels, and a pair of rear wheels. The stand-on debris blower also includes an operator standing platform coupled to the main frame, a control pedestal positioned forward of and above the operator standing platform, and a power source, wherein the power source has a vertically-oriented shaft. A blower assembly is also provided, wherein the blower assembly includes a horizontally-oriented impeller configured to rotate about a vertical axis, the horizontally-oriented impeller being coupled to the vertically-oriented shaft of the power source. Additionally, the blower assembly may include a V-shaped deflector assembly configurable to block air flow to at least a first, a second, or both a first and second discharge chute in the blower assembly.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for identifying a dirty camera in a monocular camera comprising n cameras. For each of one or more cycles, a dirty counter variable for each of the n cameras is set to 0. For each of the n cameras, an image is captured from the camera and an image metric is determined for the image, e.g. brightness and/or contrast. If the image metric is 10% greater, or 10% less, than the image metric for any of the other n?1 cameras in the monocular camera, then that camera is determined to be dirty and a corrective action is taken, such as sending an alarm to an occupant the vehicle or initiating a cleaning operation. If the dirty condition persists for a camera that has been cleaned within a threshold period of time (i.e., recently), then an alarm is sent to an operator of the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for operating a cleaning system with a plurality of mobile cleaning devices and a base station for the cleaning devices as well as a base station for a plurality of mobile cleaning devices are proposed, wherein the cleaning devices can be emptied by the base station and/or filled with a cleaning agent by the base station simultaneously and/or according to a prioritization. In addition, a filter apparatus for a base station is proposed which has a plurality of connection openings in order to be able to empty a plurality of cleaning devices.

Abstract: An AI robot for cleaning in consideration of a user's action includes a camera to acquire a first image data for the user, a cleaning unit including a suction unit and a mopping unit, a driving unit configured to drive the AI robot, and a processor to determine the user's action using the first image data, determine a cleaning schedule in consideration of the user's action, and control the cleaning unit and the driving unit based on the determined cleaning schedule.

Abstract: A cleaning machine and a path planning method of the cleaning machine are provided. According to one embodiment of the invention, a cleaning machine for cleaning a surface is provided. The cleaning machine includes a sensing module and a control system. The sensing module senses an environment of the cleaning machine to obtain map data. The control system divides the map data into multiple blocks, and controls the cleaning machine to perform a first cleaning process and a second cleaning process in a current block of the blocks, and then controls the cleaning machine to move to a next block of the blocks.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a self-propelled robotic tool (1) and a method in a self-propelled robotic tool (1), being used to detecting lifting of the self-propelled robotic device from the ground. The method includes collecting (21) driving data (31) related to the driving of a wheel (5), collecting (23) measured inertia data from an inertial measurement unit (13), IMU, in the self-propelled robotic tool, determining (25), using an estimation function (33), a residual parameter corresponding to a differential between said measured inertia data and estimated inertia data resulting from said driving data being input to said estimation function, and determining a lifting condition based on the residual parameter.

Abstract: A service robot for guiding and describing a displayed vehicle and a method for operating the robot, may include a projector for projecting visual information related to a target vehicle; monitoring means for monitoring a state of a user; and a controller configured to: suggest, to the user, presentation of visual information in conjunction with a guide description of the target vehicle; determine, via the monitoring means, whether the user has accepted the suggestion; and upon determination that the user has accepted the suggestion, present the visual information via the projector.

Abstract: An intelligent cleaning robot is provided by the present application, to clean dust on a surface of a photovoltaic cell assembly and lower a labor cost, and a walking posture of the intelligent cleaning robot may be adjusted according to needs. The intelligent cleaning robot includes a frame, a sweeping device installed on the frame to perform sweeping operations, a first walking wheel located at one end of the frame and driven by a first motor to move, a second walking wheel located at another end of the frame and driven by a second motor to move, and a control system in signal communication with both the first motor and the second motor and configured to control the first motor and the second motor to rotate synchronously, or control the first motor and the second motor to rotate in different rotational speeds or different directions.

Abstract: An exhaust motor of vacuum device comprises an electric motor comprising a motor casing and a drive shaft, and an air bucket connected to the electric motor. The air bucket defines an air inlet side and an air outlet side, at least one rotating fan driven by the drive shaft to generate a high-pressure airflow flowing from the air inlet side to the air outlet side is provided in the air bucket. The air bucket is provided with a diversion end plate forming a plurality of diversion passages, each of the diversion passages comprises an inlet and an outlet, and the inlet is located on an original output path of the high-pressure airflow. The diversion passages divert the high-pressure airflow to flow toward the motor casing, and turn the high-pressure airflow into a heat-dissipating airflow capable of exchanging heat with the motor casing.

Abstract: In a vacuum cleaner electric blower is driven by power supplied by a secondary battery. A dust-collector is configured to catch and collect dust and dirt sucked by driving the electric blower. A detector is configured to detect a remaining amount of the secondary battery. A controller is configured to control suction force of the electric blower. In the case cleaning is finished when the remaining amount of the secondary battery detected by the detector is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the controller sets the parameter to reduce the suction force of the electric blower for the next cleaning. In the case cleaning is finished when the remaining amount of the secondary battery detected by the detector is not equal to or less than the predetermined value, the controller sets the parameter to increase the suction force of the electric blower for the next cleaning.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a base defining a suction chamber, a brushroll driven by a brushroll motor, a transmitter and a receiver both of which are in wireless communication with a user-controlled electronic device, and a controller in communication with the transmitter, the receiver, the brushroll sensor, and the floor sensor. The controller controls the brushroll motor. The controlling the brushroll motor includes controlling the brushroll motor to a first value or a second value based on a user selected factor.

Abstract: A surface treatment apparatus may include a surface cleaning head having an agitator, an agitator motor configured to cause the agitator to rotate, and a controller. The controller can be configured to determine a surface type corresponding to a surface to be cleaned and to transition the surface treatment apparatus between a first operational mode and a second operational mode based, at least in part, on the determined surface type. Determining the surface type may include measuring a plurality values corresponding to a current draw of the agitator motor over a predetermined time window at a predetermined time interval, determining an average corresponding to the measured values, comparing the average to at least a first threshold, and transitioning the surface treatment apparatus between the operational modes based, at least in part, on the comparison.

Abstract: A spray device and a method of using the spray device are provided. The spray device facilitates the application of a liquid such as a pretreatment liquid to an area of a fabric material. The spray device can be positioned on or adjacent portions of the fabric material and/or a substrate supporting the fabric material. The spray device can be activated to spray the pretreatment liquid and move the spray device on portions of the fabric material and/or the substrate supporting the fabric material.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a base defining a suction chamber, a brushroll driven by a brushroll motor, a transmitter and a receiver both of which are in wireless communication with a user-controlled electronic device, and a controller in communication with the transmitter, the receiver, the brushroll sensor, and the floor sensor. The controller controls the brushroll motor. The controlling the brushroll motor includes controlling the brushroll motor to a first value or a second value based on a user selected factor.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaner apparatus includes: a station, an electric vacuum cleaner attachable to the station, and plural attaching detectors which can detect the electric vacuum cleaner is attached in the station. The electric vacuum cleaner includes a cleaner body; a tubular part connected to the cleaner body and sucks in dust; and a primary dust container that stores dust sucked in with the tubular part. The station includes a secondary dust container that stores dust discharged from the primary dust container. The electric vacuum cleaner apparatus permits transfer of dust from the primary dust container to the secondary dust container when at least two of the plural attaching detectors have detected the attaching of the electric vacuum cleaner to the station.

Abstract: A vehicle may be configured to detect an object within an interior of the vehicle using a vehicle sensor. The vehicle may further determine whether the object should be removed, based on a determined object value, such as may be determined by comparison of an object characteristic to a database of objects. Also, responsive to determining the object should be removed, the vehicle may schedule removal at an automated object-removal center. The vehicle may also wirelessly notify the object-removal center of vehicle arrival when the vehicle arrives at the object-removal center, including sending identification of the object, receiving indication from the object-removal center that the object has been removed, and confirming removal of the object by attempting to detect the object using the vehicle sensor, the confirmation occurring based on non-detection of the object by the vehicle that originally detected the object and requested removal.

Abstract: A control system for a robotic floor cleaning machine configured to perform a cleaning operation along a cleaning path can comprise a controller, and a plurality of sensors. The controller can be configured to control autonomous movement of the robotic floor cleaning machine along the cleaning path and autonomous performance of the cleaning operation. The plurality of sensors can be configured to sense a location of the robotic floor cleaning machine relative to surroundings of the robotic floor cleaning machine. At least two sensors from the plurality of sensors are configured to locate the robotic floor cleaning machine in overlapping areas of the surroundings.

Abstract: An electric vacuum cleaning apparatus includes a station and an electric vacuum cleaner connectable/disconnectable from the station. The electric vacuum cleaner includes: a coarse-dust collecting chamber that accumulates coarse dust separated with a first separator; a filter chamber that accumulates fine dust separated with a filter; a coarse-dust waste-outlet that discharges the coarse dust from the coarse-dust collecting chamber; a fine-dust waste-outlet adjacent to the coarse-dust waste-outlet and discharges the fine dust from the filter chamber; and a waste-outlet lid that opens/closes both the coarse-dust waste-outlet and fine-dust waste-outlet together.

Abstract: A mobile robot according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may comprise a main body, a moving unit configured to move the main body, a communication unit configured to communicate with a second mobile robot that emits a signal, and a controller configured to recognize a position of the another mobile robot using the signal, control the moving unit to follow a trajectory corresponding to a movement of the another mobile robot based on the recognized position, and in response to the length of trajectory to be followed by the main body deviating from the predetermined range, output a control command to cause a moving speed of the main body or the second mobile robot to change.

Abstract: A control system for a robotic floor cleaning machine configured to perform a cleaning operation along a cleaning path can comprise a controller, and a plurality of sensors. The controller can be configured to control autonomous movement of the robotic floor cleaning machine along the cleaning path and autonomous performance of the cleaning operation. The plurality of sensors can be configured to sense a location of the robotic floor cleaning machine relative to surroundings of the robotic floor cleaning machine. At least two sensors from the plurality of sensors are configured to locate the robotic floor cleaning machine in overlapping areas of the surroundings.

Abstract: An automatic working system includes a self-moving device powered by an energy module and moving and working in a defined working area. The self-moving device includes a body, a movement module, a task execution module, a control module, and a charging system configured to store external electrical energy in the energy module to charge the energy module. The charging system includes at least two charging modes for charging the energy module. In the different charging modes, the charging system uses different charging logics and/or different charging parameters to charge the energy module. The charging system further includes a charging management module configured to manage the charging modes, to enable the charging system to use a corresponding charging mode to charge the energy module.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus including a vacuum cleaner and a docking station is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a vacuum cleaner including a dust collecting chamber in which foreign substances are collected, and a docking station configured to be connected to the dust collecting chamber to remove the foreign substances collected in the dust collecting chamber. The dust collecting chamber is configured to collect foreign substances through centrifugation, and configured to be docked to the docking station, and the docking station includes a suction device configured to suction the foreign substances and air in the dust collecting chamber docked to the docking station.

Abstract: Cleaning robots may use floor-type-detection techniques as a trigger for autonomously altering various floor-cleaning characteristics. In some examples, a controller circuit of the robot is configured to determine a flooring type as a function of a signal from a motion sensor indicative of a change in pitch caused by the robot crossing a flooring discontinuity. In some examples, the controller circuit is configured to determine a flooring type based on a power draw signal corresponding to the cleaning head assembly of the robot.