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M o d e s o f O p e r a t i o n
You may operate your AmigoBot Intelligent Mobile Robot in one of three modes: Self-Test,
Control, or System Mode.
Self-Test Mode
AmigoBot comes with self-contained programs in its operating system software, AmigOS, which
test the robot's electronics, sensors, and drive systems. Use Self-Test Mode to be sure the robot is
in good working order, and to diagnose problems.
Place AmigoBot on the floor and have everyone step back before
To initiate self-test mode:
Remove AmigoLeash. (AmigoBot Serial Ethernet may be ON or OFF)
Place AmigoBot in an open, safe, one square meter (three square feet) area on
the floor, away from obstacles.
Switch main power ON or press Reset if AmigoBot already is ON.
Press and release the black Motors/Test button.
A system sound should warn you that you have initiated Self-Test Mode. Press the Reset button
to cancel the tests at any time. Within five seconds, press the Motors/Test button once again
to actually start the tests. (If after five seconds you don't engage self-tests, AmigoBot will
automatically revert to its startup state)
Motors Test
The first self-test exercises the robot's motors. The left wheel drives forward first, so that your
AmigoBot turns in place counterclockwise about 1-1½ full turns. Then it drives the right wheel,
turning the robot clockwise about 1-1½ full turns.
Sonar Test
After completing the motors tests, the robot stops and immediately begins testing its sonar.
AmigOS "pings" each sonar in order from left to right, beginning with the side sonar next to the
left wheel. The green System LED blinks more rapidly as you move a target—your hand, for
instance—closer to the sonar under test.
Press the Motors/Test button to move on to the next test sonar.
Wander Test
Press the Motor/Test button after the last sonar test to initiate self-wandering. This is a simple,
yet robotically sophisticated program that has AmigoBot drive entirely on its own around and
through rooms avoiding obstacles, climbing ramps, over bumps, through doors, and so on,
somewhat randomly like a curious infant. Every few minutes, AmigoBot in self-wander test will
stop, play sounds, spin in place, and then continue on its otherwise aimless journey.
Self-wander is a good demonstration and test of AmigoBot's innate robotic abilities—sensors and
onboard intelligence—without having to connect with a PC-based robotics application as you
CAUTION!
engaging Self-Test Mode.
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