Charging solutions
MobileRobots offers a variety of options for charging the batteries of the research robot bases.
Research PatrolBot / GuiaBot Docking Station
The docking station for the Research PatrolBot and Research GuiaBot charges the robot battery pack, allowing for continuous platform usage. The charging contacts are only energized when a robot is present at the station, providing a safe charging solution that maximizes battery life, even with the robot powered on.
All PatrolBots and GuiaBots are able to use the docking station.
The dock is designed for autonomous recharging, using the ARNL laser navigation software.
Pioneer Docking Station
When coupled with the Laser Navigation Package, the docking system for the Pioneer 3 DX and PeopleBot allows the robot to run continuously, recharging the onboard batteries as needed. Electronics on the robot isolate battery power from the robot while on the dock, so that the batteries are charged in an optimal fashion, even with robot power on. Onboard electronics ensure that power is not provided to the plates unless a robot is present.
The docking system consists of a charge station which lays flat on the floor, and robot-side hardware add-on package. The robot-side package must be installed at the factory. The system allows for manual charging when the robot is powered off.
The dock is designed for autonomous recharging, using the ARNL laser navigation software.
PowerBot Docking Station
The PowerBot Docking Station, which requires the Laser Navigation Package, allows for continuous usage of the PowerBot, allowing the robot to charge as needed.
The system consists of a free-standing charge station and a robot-side component. The robot-side package must be installed at the factory. The system allows for manual charging when the robot is powered off.
Pioneer Power Cube Battery Charger
The Power Cube allows you to recharge three extra 12 volt Pioneer batteries (used in Pioneer 3 DX, Pioneer 3 AT, and PeopleBot robots), for quick swapping on the robot (The batteries in a Pioneer robot may be replaced without turning the robot off if it is also receiving power from its standard power supply/recharger or from the other two batteries in the robot). The Power Cube can also be used as a portable source of 5 or 12 volt DC power from batteries while in the field.
You may use a robot's power supply/recharger with the Power Cube (the 4 amp fast-charge power supply can charge three batteries; an 800ma power supply can charge one battery, or use multiple 800ma supplies for more batteries).
Standard Chargers
Available for all robots are standard recharging power supplies which attach to the robot's power port.
Hot-Swap Batteries
Purchase extra batteries so that you can hot-swap batteries in Pioneer DX, AT, PeopleBot, or Seekur Jr. for nearly continuous operation.