Abstract: A method for cleaning a workspace, including: autonomously moving, with a mechanism of a robot, a cloth of a mopping assembly of the robot upwards and downwards relative to a work surface of the work space. The cloth is disengaged from the work surface when the cloth is moved upwards relative to the work surface such that the cloth is not in contact with the work surface. The cloth is engaged with the work surface when the cloth is moved downwards relative to the work surface such that the cloth is in contact with the work surface. The mechanism moves the cloth of the mopping assembly upwards and downwards relative to the work surface based on input provided by at least one sensor of the robot.

Abstract: A mobile cleaning robot movable within an environment can include a body, a drive arm, a container, a biasing element, and a link. The drive arm can be connected to the body and can be movable with respect to the body. The drive arm can support a drive wheel. The container can be connectable to the body and can be configured to carry a fluid therein. The biasing element can be connected to the drive arm to bias the drive wheel toward a floor surface. The link can be pivotably connected to the body and can be connected to the biasing element. The link can be engageable with the tank to adjust the biasing element based on an amount of the fluid in the container.

Abstract: A turbine engine cleaner assembly comprising: at least one drive block coupled to a driver for rotatably driving said at least one drive block, said at least one drive block comprising at least one passageway having an inlet and an outlet, said inlet coupled to a pneumatic supply; and a wiper comprising at least one paddle, said at least one paddle having at least one inflatable bag detachably mounted thereto, said at least one paddle adapted to be detachably mounted to said at least one drive block so that when air is received in said inlet, it passes into and through said at least one passageway and said outlet to inflate said at least one inflatable bag, said at least one drive block rotatably driving said at least one paddle so that said at least one paddle is rotatably driven.

Abstract: A cleaning device is provided.

Abstract: A harvesting machine comprising a shaking mechanism operable to shake fruit or nuts from a tree or bush; a deflection plate for directing the fruit or nuts to an area away from the base of the tree or bush; and a device for moving fruit or nuts from the base of the tree or bush to the area away from the base of the tree or bush is disclosed. The deflection plate may be positioned at an angle of between 0° to about 75° relative to the horizontal.

Abstract: A mobile robot having a removable wheel-drive assembly, comprising a mobile base having a chassis and a first wheel well member with a flange. There is a removable wheel drive assembly with a mounting bracket. There is a motor drive unit disposed on the mounting bracket and a wheel/tire connected to the motor drive unit via an axle. There is a second wheel well member on the mounting bracket and positioned between the motor drive unit and the wheel. The second wheel well member includes a central section having an aperture through which the axle passes and a top surface. The top surface of the central section of the second wheel well member engages with the flange of the first wheel well member of the mobile base.

Abstract: An autonomous moving device wireless charging system, including an autonomous moving device and a wireless charging station, the wireless charging station includes a wireless charging transmitting end; the autonomous moving device includes: a wireless charging receiving end, the wireless charging transmitting end wirelessly transmits a charging signal to the wireless charging receiving end to transmit electric energy; a charging battery, electrically connected to the wireless charging receiving end, to receive the electric energy transmitted from the wireless charging receiving end; a wireless charging locating module, the wireless charging locating module determines whether the autonomous moving device is at a charging location; a driving module; and a control module, connected to the wireless charging locating module and driving module, when the wireless charging locating module determines that the autonomous moving device is at the charging location, controlling the driving module, to make the autonomous m

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to a triggerless extractor surface cleaning device for cleaning a surface in which a cleaning solution is distributed to the surface and extracted using suction along with dirt and/or debris on the surface in a continuous operation as the extractor moves along the surface. The extractor further comprises an encoder positioned adjacent a wheel of the extractor for detecting a rotational direction and speed of the wheel to generate a signal. Based on receiving the signal, a controller controls operation of a valve to situationally distribute the cleaning solution to the surface depending on a forward rotation of the wheel and independent of user actuation of a trigger positioned on a handle used to propel the extractor along the surface. Distribution of the cleaning solution can be further optimized based on the detected rotational speed of the wheel.

Abstract: A surface cleaning apparatus adapted for wet cleaning includes a heated fluid delivery system that dispenses heated liquid and steam vapor. The heated fluid delivery system can include a heated liquid outlet and a steam vapor outlet. The apparatus can further include a liquid delivery system, and/or a recovery system.

Abstract: An autonomous vacuum cleaner operable to navigate about a surrounding environment to perform a surface cleaning operation without continuous human input. The vacuum cleaner includes a suction nozzle and a suction motor and a fan assembly operable to generate an airflow through the vacuum cleaner from the suction nozzle through a debris separator to a clean air exhaust. The suction motor and the fan assembly having an axis of rotation and a fan of the fan assembly rotatable about the axis of rotation. The axis of rotation is orientated horizontally. The debris separator includes a cyclonic separator operable to separate debris from the airflow and the cyclonic separator includes a cylindrical wall along a longitudinal axis, the longitudinal axis of the cyclonic separator being orientated horizontally.

Abstract: An autonomous cleaning device is provided. The autonomous cleaning device includes: a device body; and a drive module, a cleaning module and a sensing module, wherein the drive module, the cleaning module and the sensing module are detachably assembled to the device body, respectively.

Abstract: An at least semi-autonomous litter conditioning vehicle has a chassis. A drive system is coupled to the chassis and can move the vehicle along a floor of an animal enclosure. A collection system is coupled to a front portion of the chassis and includes a flailer that can reduce a particle size of the litter as the collection system collects litter from the floor. A conditioning system is coupled along a length of the chassis and includes a drum that can receive the collected litter and can be rotated to tumble the litter. A heating element of the conditioning system can transfer thermal energy to the litter as it is tumbled in the drum. A dispersement system is coupled to a back portion of the chassis. The dispersement system can receive conditioned litter from the conditioning system and can disperse the conditioned litter on the floor behind the vehicle.

Abstract: A method for correcting a determination threshold of a floor medium and a method of detecting thereof are provided. The method is used for controlling a mobile robot equipped with a sound emitter and a sound receiver to detect and recognize the floor medium during a movement just started. A first detection result of a current floor medium is obtained by actively transmitting and receiving a sound signal, then, a to-be-adjusted detection result of the current floor medium is obtained only by passively receiving the sound signal through the sound receiver, and according to the similarity/difference of the two detection results, the determination threshold is corrected in the case of passively receiving the sound signal, so that the to-be-adjusted detection result is determined to be consistent with the first detection result.

Abstract: Provided are a cleaning robot and a control method thereof. A control method of a cleaning robot using a rotational force of a plurality of rotation members as a motive power source for its driving, includes: driving the cleaning robot by rotating at least one of a first rotation member performing a rotational motion around a first rotation axis and a second rotation member performing a rotational motion around a second rotation axis; determining whether the cleaning robot reaches a wall surface during its driving; and driving the cleaning robot along the wall surface by rotating at least one of the first and second rotation members while maintaining one side surface of the cleaning robot to be in close contact with the wall surface when it is determined that the cleaning robot reaches the wall surface.

Abstract: An autonomous agricultural vehicle that operates in accordance with a cleaning plan, a method for operating the vehicle, and a computer program related to operating the vehicle, wherein while the vehicle is operated, a load quantity representing an amount of material moved by the cleaning device is monitored at a plurality of individual times, and the cleaning plan of the autonomous agricultural vehicle is adjusted based on a variation in the monitored load quantity among the individual times.

Abstract: In some examples, a robot includes: a machine body; a driving system, configured to drive the machine body and elements disposed in the machine body to move across a surface; a signal receiver, configured to receive a signal from a charging station; a control system, disposed in the machine body, and configured to build a simultaneous map of an environment in which the robot locates, and navigate the robot based on the simultaneous map; wherein, in a process of docking the robot, the signal receiver determines whether the robot is in a coverage region of the signal from the charging station; in response to determining that the robot is not in the coverage region of the signal from the charging station, the control system controls the driving system to drive the robot to move toward an open region based on the simultaneous map.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present application provide an intelligent cleaning device, where the intelligent cleaning device includes a device body, a driving wheel assembly, a control circuit, and a transfer circuit; the driving wheel assembly is mounted to the device body from below, and is configured to make the intelligent cleaning device movable; the control circuit is configured to control operation of the intelligent cleaning device, and the control circuit is arranged in the device body; the driving wheel assembly is electrically connected to the control circuit through the transfer circuit, and the transfer circuit is arranged at the device body.

Abstract: An extraction cleaner may include a base, an upright body pivotally coupled to the base, a supply tank removably coupled to the upright body and a recovery tank removably coupled to the upright body. The base may include a non-removable door and a removable suction nozzle. At least one fluid dispensing nozzle may be provided on the door. The door may be pivotally coupled to the base for providing access to an agitator. The cleaner may include and auto-spray configuration. The cleaner may include a support on the upright portion for the recovery tank. The cleaner may include an additive tank received in a receptacle of the supply tank. The recovery tank may include a float and/or an airflow management configuration. The cleaner may include a cleaning tool and a suction changeover valve and/or a fluid changeover valve. The cleaner may include a mixing valve for supplying fluid to a fluid changeover valve.

Abstract: A robot floor cleaning system features a mobile floor cleaning robot and an evacuation station. The robot includes: a chassis with at least one drive wheel operable to propel the robot across a floor surface; a cleaning bin disposed within the robot and arranged to receive debris ingested by the robot during cleaning; and a robot vacuum configured to pull debris into the cleaning bin from an opening on an underside of the robot. The evacuation station is configured to evacuate debris from the cleaning bin of the robot, and includes: a housing defining a platform arranged to receive the cleaning robot in a position in which the opening on the underside of the robot aligns with a suction opening defined in the platform; and an evacuation vacuum in fluid communication with the suction opening and operable to draw air into the evacuation station housing through the suction opening.

Abstract: A mobile plant for orienting a tool with respect to a hole is provided. The plant includes an arm assembly for supporting a tool wherein the tool is adapted to be lowered into the hole. The plant also includes a primary sensor for sensing the geographical location of the tool, and a secondary sensor for sensing the location and/or orientation of the hole. In use, the plant adjusts the position of the tool supported by the arm assembly based on the geographical location sensed by the primary sensor and the location and/or orientation sensed by the secondary sensor, in order to align the tool supported by the arm assembly with the hole.

Abstract: Methods for utilizing virtual boundaries with robotic devices are presented including: positioning a boundary component having a receiver pair to receive a first robotic device signal substantially simultaneously by each receiver of the receiver pair from a robotic device only when the robotic device is positioned along a virtual boundary; operating the robotic device to move automatically within an area co-located with the virtual boundary; transmitting the first robotic device signal by the robotic device; and receiving the first robotic device signal by the receiver pair thereby indicating that the robotic device is positioned along the virtual boundary.

Abstract: A method includes constructing a map of an environment based on mapping data produced by an autonomous cleaning robot in the environment during a first cleaning mission. Constructing the map includes providing a label associated with a portion of the mapping data. The method includes causing a remote computing device to present a visual representation of the environment based on the map, and a visual indicator of the label. The method includes causing the autonomous cleaning robot to initiate a behavior associated with the label during a second cleaning mission.

Abstract: A material collection system is provided. The system can include a vacuum generator having a fan to develop an airflow and draw material into a conduit. The system can also include a transmission, a power source to selectively power at least one of the vacuum generator and the transmission, a variable power divider to divide a power output from the power source to the transmission and the vacuum generator, and a control system to control the variable power divider in a first mode and a second mode.

Abstract: An autonomous mowing system comprising: a memory configured to hold a set of path data defining a set of paths, the set of paths comprising a transit path to a maintenance area and a set of mow paths to cover the maintenance area; a processor coupled to the memory; a computer-readable medium coupled to the processor, the computer-readable medium storing a set of instructions executable by the processor, the set of instructions comprising instructions for: using the set of path data, determining a plurality of candidate routes that traverse the transit path and fully cover the maintenance area and a total cost for each of the plurality of candidate routes; determining a least cost route from the plurality of candidate routes; and configuring an autonomous mower to follow the least cost route to mow the maintenance area.

Abstract: A surface cleaner is provided. The surface cleaner comprises: an operating component configured to perform a function of the surface cleaner; a base moveable along a surface; an accelerometer configured to generate a signal; and a controller in communication with the accelerometer and the operating component, wherein the controller is operable to control the operating component based on the signal, and wherein the operating component is selected from a group consisting of a suction motor operable to generate an airflow, a brushroll motor operable to drive a brushroll, an actuator operable to adjust a height of a brushroll from the surface, a pump operable to deliver a cleaning fluid, an actuator operable to control an airflow or fluid valve, and an indicator operable to indicate a parameter of the surface cleaner.

Abstract: A docking station for a mobile cleaning robot can include a canister and a base configured to receive the mobile cleaning robot thereon, where the base can include a front portion and a back portion opposite the front portion. The base can include a vacuum port extending at least partially through the base. The canister can be connected to the back portion of the base and can be located at least partially above the base. The canister can include a debris bin connected to the vacuum port to receive debris therefrom and a fan compartment connected to a side wall of the debris bin and including a fan system operable to draw debris through the vacuum port and the debris bin.

Abstract: A cleaning device and a method therefor are provided. The cleaning device includes a vacuum cleaner including a dust collecting container and a docking station to which the dust collecting container is coupled. The docking station includes a suction device configured to move air from the dust collecting container to inside of the docking station, a collector configured to collect a foreign substance that is moved together with the air by driving of the suction device, a suction flow path along which air moves inside the docking station, a flow adjusting device configured to open or close the suction flow path, and at least one processor configured to control the suction device to operate based on the dust collecting container being coupled to the docking station, and control the flow adjusting device to periodically open and close the suction flow path in a state in which the suction device operates.

Abstract: A mobile robot rotates a spin mop to move a main body along a surface and clean the surface. A location change of the main body during its motion is analyzed to determine if the robot is traveling abnormally. If abnormal traveling is occurring, the location where it is occurring is stored and re-cleaning of the location is initiated. The location where abnormal traveling occurred may be considered in next cleaning to improve cleaning efficiency.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cleaning robot including: a driving unit configured to move the cleaning robot; an obstacle sensor configured to sense an obstacle; and a controller configured to reduce, if a distance between the cleaning robot and the obstacle is shorter than or equal to a reference distance, a driving speed of the cleaning robot so that the driving speed of the cleaning robot is lower than a shock absorbing speed when the cleaning robot contacts the obstacle.

Abstract: An example of a system, consistent with the present disclosure, may include a motor-battery assembly. The motor-battery assembly may include a housing defining one or more cavities, a suction motor configured to be fluidly coupled to a debris compartment of a vacuum cleaner for generating air flow through the vacuum cleaner for entraining debris, one or more batteries at least partially disposed within at least one of the one or more cavities, and a motor/battery controller at least partially disposed within at least one of the one or more cavities, the motor/battery controller configured to control power provided to the suction motor and to regulate charging and/or discharging of the one or more batteries.

Abstract: A cleaning device and a method therefor are provided. The cleaning device includes a vacuum cleaner including a dust collecting container and a docking station to which the dust collecting container is coupled. The docking station includes a suction device configured to move air from the dust collecting container to inside of the docking station, a collector configured to collect a foreign substance that is moved together with the air by driving of the suction device, a suction flow path along which air moves inside the docking station, a flow adjusting device configured to open or close the suction flow path, and at least one processor configured to control the suction device to operate based on the dust collecting container being coupled to the docking station, and control the flow adjusting device to periodically open and close the suction flow path in a state in which the suction device operates.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile robot is provided. The autonomous mobile robot includes an upper module including a cargo space provided therein, and a cover, a lower module positioned under the upper module and providing a driving force, and a driving module provided in the lower module, in which the driving module includes a plurality of pairs of wheels capable of asynchronously contacting a road surface or ground so as to overcome a step or a stair.

Abstract: A cleaner including a base defining a suction chamber, a brush roll driven by a brush roll motor, a sensor configured to sense a parameter related to a floor; and a controller having a memory and electronic processor. The controller is configured to receive the parameter, control the brush roll motor based on the parameter and a first floor coefficient, determine a second floor coefficient based on the parameter, and control the brush roll motor based on the second floor coefficient.

Abstract: A mobile cleaning robot can include a body and a cleaning assembly. The body can include a suction duct. The cleaning assembly can be operable to ingest debris from a surface of an environment. The cleaning assembly can include a dustpan engageable with the surface to direct debris toward the suction duct. The dust pan can be movable with respect to the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an environmental coverage oriented motion system. The system includes a rangefinder module configured to measure a distance in real time; an odometry module configured to measure a velocity or a position in real time; a powered vehicle carrying the rangefinder module and the odometry module; and a controller module carried by the powered vehicle, configured to receive one of the distance, the velocity and the position, performing an environmental coverage oriented motion scheme based on one of the distance, the velocity and the position to select a plurality of positions, and commanding the powered vehicle to move among the plurality of positions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to street sweeper. According to a first aspect of the invention, different mechanisms are disclosed for controlling the movement of the brush-holder arms in a horizontal plane, while also damping side and front impacts. According to a second aspect, a sweeper is disclosed, in which the movement of the brush-holder arms (3) in a vertical plane is imparted by a set of four profile members, arranged in two pairs which each forms a deformable parallelogram, wherein the deformation of the parallelogram is actuated by a jack (25) and the own weight of the sweeping arm. The jack is configured to remain below the upper profile members (11) of the two pairs when the brush-holder arm is raised to its maximum height. According to a third aspect, the suction turbine (103) is arranged in such a way that load losses are reduced during the operation of the sweeper.

Abstract: A bag-based filtering device for collecting debris from a cleaning robot via a debris evacuation station includes a filter bag configured to separate at least the portion of the evacuated debris from a flow of air generated by the evacuation station. The filtering device includes a conduit extending inward from an opening of the filter bag into the receptacle. The conduit is configured to pneumatically connect a receptacle of the filtering device with an inlet of the filtering device to direct the flow of air generated by the evacuation station through the filter bag to separate at least the portion of the evacuated debris from the flow of air.

Abstract: A cleaner is provided. The cleaner includes a body, a first rotating plate, a second rotating plate, a first mop, a second mop, a support wheel, and an auxiliary wheel. The lowest parts of the first rotating plate and the second rotating plate are higher than a virtual reference line connecting the lowest part of the support wheel to the lowest part of the auxiliary wheel, and the lowest parts of the first mop and the second mop are lower than the reference line. The cleaner can prevent the first rotating plate, the second rotating plate, and the floor from being damaged while mopping of the floor is performed by the first mop and the second mop.

Abstract: A sealed airflow system suitable for use with a sample shaker assembly. The sealed airflow system includes at least one component which accommodates movement of the sample shaker assembly while maintaining an air tight assembly between components of the sealed air flow system. A compliant sliding seal compensates for movement of the sample shaker assembly with regard to an air intake side of the sealed airflow control system. Additionally, a flexible conduit provides an air tight passage between an outlet of the sealed airflow control system and an exhaust port. The flexible conduit compensates for movement of the sample shaker assembly in a manner that does not permit unwanted airflow into or out of sealed airflow control system.

Abstract: A material collection system includes a conduit, a vacuum generator coupled to the conduit, an engine powering the vacuum generator, and a container mounted to a chassis of a vehicle. The vacuum generator generates airflow for drawing material into a material inlet of the conduit. The container receives collected material from the conduit. The material collection container can receive collected material from the conduit. The control system can include a load sensor and a controller in electrical communication with the load sensor. The load sensor can detect a load applied by the collected material received in the material collection container and transmit an output signal indicating the load applied by the collected material. The controller can determine a weight of the collected material received in the material collection container based on the output signal and determine an aggregate weight of the vehicle using the determined weight of the collected material.

Abstract: A base station for connecting a cleaning device and a method for operating a cleaning system with a cleaning device and such a base station are proposed, wherein the room air is conditioned by means of the base station and/or the quality of the room air is measured by means of the base station.

Abstract: A vacuum collection vehicle may include a chassis, a vacuum container supported by the chassis, a vacuum source separated from the vacuum container by an intermediate wall and a filter. The vacuum source is in pneumatic connection with the filter through the intermediate wall. A plurality of discharge conduits extend through the intermediate wall, extend over and above the filter, along the roof of the vacuum container. The plurality of discharge conduits have a plurality of respective outlets at different locations within the interior of the vacuum container for discharging collected material into different collection receptacles. The filter is sandwiched between the intermediate wall and the plurality of discharge conduits.

Abstract: Provided is a charging station of a mobile robotic device including a main housing with an opening; a signal receiver coupled to the main housing for receiving signals from a transmitter of the mobile robotic device; an electrical plug coupled to the main housing to connect to a power supply; and one or more electrical elements electrically coupling the electrical plug to the charging cable; wherein the charging station detects the mobile robotic device approaching for charging when the mobile robotic device is within a range of the signal receiver of the charging station and the signal receiver of the charging station receives signals transmitted from the transmitter of the mobile robotic device.

Abstract: Provided is a bumper apparatus of a robot, including: a bumper elastically coupled with a chassis of the robot; and at least one elastic element coupled to or interfacing with both the chassis and the bumper; wherein: the at least one elastic element facilitates movement of the bumper relative to the chassis upon impact with an object and disengagement from the object after impact; the at least one elastic element facilitates a return of the bumper to a neutral position upon disengaging from the object after impact; and the bumper covers at least a portion of the chassis.

Abstract: An evacuation station for a mobile floor cleaning robot comprises a housing and an air treatment assembly removably mountable to the housing. The air treatment assembly is provided on a first lateral housing end. The first lateral housing end is provided with a housing air inlet that is downstream of the air treatment assembly air outlet whereby the air treatment assembly air outlet faces the housing air inlet.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile device (AMD) may move around while performing tasks. If the AMD is lifted, the AMD responds to ensure safety of the user, modify ongoing operation, and so forth. For example, the AMD may stop the wheels, retract a mast, or suspend navigation tasks. To accurately determine whether or not the AMD has been lifted, the AMD uses one or more sensors to determine a vertical lift distance and rotation of the AMD with respect to one or more axes. For example, while the AMD is stationary, the sensors used may include an accelerometer or a gyrometer. While the AMD is moving, data from time-of-flight sensors or one or more cameras may also be used. If the AMD is stationary low-level sensor thresholds are used. If the AMD is moving steadily, medium-level sensor thresholds are used. If the AMD is suddenly decelerating, high-level sensor thresholds are used.

Abstract: A fan with airfoil blades is provided for a regenerative air vacuum street sweeper. The blades are formed using cut and pressed upper and lower panels which are welded at a forward edge to a rod to form the airfoil leading edge and welded at the rear edges to form the airfoil trailing edge. Pins extend laterally outwardly from the rod for mounting each blade in corresponding holes in the front and rear plates of the fan housing. The side edges of the blade are welded to the plates at a 9-11° angle of attack. The airfoil blades allow for reduced size, horse power, noise, and manufacturing and shipping costs.

Abstract: A method, performed by a robot vacuum cleaner, of planning a cleaning route includes: dividing an indoor space into at least one cleanable region based on an indoor space map generated using at least one sensor included in the robot vacuum cleaner; dividing the at least one cleanable region into a plurality of partial regions based on a cleaning mode of the robot vacuum cleaner; and planning a first cleaning route to control a number of direction changes of the robot vacuum cleaner with respect to each of the plurality of partial regions based on the cleaning mode being a first mode.

Abstract: A mobile robot includes a processor connected to a memory and a wireless network circuit, for executing routines stored in the memory and commands generated by the routines and received via the wireless network circuit. The processor drives the mobile robot to a multiplicity of accessible two dimensional locations within a household, and commands an end effector, including at least one motorized actuator, to perform mechanical work in the household. A plurality of routines include a first routine which monitors a wireless local network and detects a presence of a network entity on the wireless local network, a second routine which receives a signal from a sensor detecting an action state of one of the network entities, the action state changeable between waiting and active, and a third routine which commands the end effector to change state of performing mechanical work based on the presence and on the action state.

Abstract: Provided is a mobile robot that moves autonomously over a floor covered by a carpet, the mobile robot including an acceleration sensor that measures a translational acceleration of the mobile robot, an estimation unit that estimates an inclination of a pile of the carpet on a basis of the translational acceleration measured by the acceleration sensor while the mobile robot is accelerating or decelerating, and a movement control unit that controls a movement velocity and a movement direction of the mobile robot on a basis of the inclination of the pile estimated by the estimation unit.