Docking Stations & Charging - ExRobotics ExR-2 Operating Manual

The server will usually be provided by a third party company such as Amazon (AWS) or Microsoft
(Azure) and will be located in the same geographical region as the robot to reduce latency. For
larger fleets of robots the server might be private to the customer. The server hosts the cloud
software described in Section 6 and transfers data to other servers via an API.
The customer must ensure there are no intrusive firewalls between the control station and the
server by enabling the connections shown in the above diagram.
4G and 5G robot communications are preferred to WiFi because they require less access points and
the handover between access points is reliable. Whichever network is chosen, the robot has a
short-range WiFi system that enables it to connect to the server via a phone hotspot. This can be
used when diagnosing and correcting communications faults.
4. Docking Stations & Charging
A robot charges itself autonomously using the induction charger built into its docking station. It can
also autonomously dock and undock as described in Section 7. If the robot is being remotely
controlled, the driver should approach the docking station in "slow speed" mode and in the
direction shown in the picture below (which shows one of several docking station configurations).
It's best to use the drive camera which unlike the inspection camera is on the robot's centre line.
Provided the robot is reasonably straight and central when approaching the docking station, the
robot will automatically align the induction charging plates using the plastic strips under its hull. To
facilitate robot alignment, the robot should approach the docking station in a straight line for at
least 3 meters and the approach area should be at least 3 meters wide. Once the front of the
robot's hull is pressing against the front of the docking station, the driver should stop driving
forwards and switch off the motors by pressing the red button on the controller.
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 8 of 69
2023-07-25