ExRobotics ExR-2 Operating Manual page 31

New drivers should be trained by existing drivers that have experience of navigating around the
site:
▪ Operating instructions – Drivers must be familiar with the ExR-2 Operating Instructions.
▪ Control stations – demonstrate the driver screen and controller (see Section 6.2).
▪ Familiarisation – If possible walk around the robot's routes together and examine complex
situations e.g. ledges, narrow gaps, drop-offs, overhead obstacles. It can be helpful to mark
the centre of a narrow gap with paint or tape to help trainee drivers.
▪ Impact damage – (to facilities, people and the robot) is not covered by the warranty and can
be avoided by careful driving.
▪ Check the surroundings - using all cameras before enabling the drive motors. Use the
inspection module panning to look behind the robot before reversing off the docking station.
As soon as the end of the docking station is in the centre of the drive camera rotate the robot
and drive forwards so that you have the best possible field of view in the direction of travel.
▪ Test the controls - after leaving the docking station and before commencing a mission.
▪ Keep away from objects & hazards – be especially careful around drop-offs (a falling robot
can cause a lot of damage) and overhead objects (objects lower than 70cm can damage the
robot's glass windows and compromise its safety in explosive atmospheres). Remember the
robot can try to cut-across corners, and that when it spot turns the robot needs a clear area
with a diameter of at least 1.2m.
▪ If necessary, approach hazards slowly – e.g. ledges, sumps, ramps, overhead obstructions
and the docking station. Allow for communications latency. Be aware that robots do not
always drive straight ahead but might "drift" left or right.
▪ Don't spot turn on grass/mud/gravel/snow/sand - because this might cause a track to jam.
(spot turns are when you drive the robot left or right with no forwards or backwards motion).
▪ Don't climb stairs or gradients above 35 degrees – the robot may topple over. It can however
cross steps up to 10cm high. Approach them perpendicularly.
▪ Use the downward facing drive camera – it's in the centre of the robot and allows precise
positioning. Inspection cameras are offset from the centre of the robot making positioning
more difficult.
▪ Return the robot to the docking station before the battery pack is discharged - if the battery
charge reaches 0% the sensors may work but the robot won't drive which will require a visit
to the site and robot recovery to the docking station. This will also invalidate the battery
warranty.
▪ The robot will sometimes immobilise itself - to prevent unsafe driving (e.g. when voltage is
applied to the power socket or when motor currents are too high). Usually a "pop-up"
warning will appear.
ExRobotics B.V.
ExR-2 Robot
Operating Guide
This document is considered an uncontrolled copy when printed. Always ensure that you print and use a current version.
Copyright 2023 ExRobotics B.V.
Document No.: Owner:
20220412IP1
Version No.: 3 Ian Peerless
Date:
Page 30 of 69
2023-07-25