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CYCOGS™
Robot TIPS: 1.
Robot Insurance: Please insure your robot for theft and
damage. Expensive robotics are a
potential theft item, as well as susceptible
to damage from collisions and abuse.
Check with your insurance agent for coverage
types, such as liability and damage.
If the insurance agent is unsure of
depreciation or your latest add-on,
you will need a declared insurance value.
2.
System Data Backup: Backup your robot regularly to removable
media, just like your servers or personal
data. A factory default reload of your
data may get your system running, watching
your robot discover its world again is
problematic if it has work to do..
3.
Flooring / Surfaces: Verify that the flooring is suitable for
your robots travel path. Wheel tread
compositions may need to be altered if your
robot lives in an office or in a warehouse.
A soft wheel for a vinyl floor may not hold
up well on rough concrete.
4. Batteries:
Let us know if you find
a powerful, inexpensive, light battery that
has unlimited cycle life.
Until then,
we will use what is available in 2007.
Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries are the
best bargain. NiMH and Lithium Ion (Li-Ion)
batteries are promising, as well as
Super-Capacitors, but are very expensive for
most applications. The best option is
to plan out the estimated battery life in
the robots daily life, and replace as needed.
Operating in the energy scavenge mode will
prolong the battery life also.
5. Cooling and Dust:
Unless your robot
lives in a clean room, it will breath some
dust. Unlike most air breathing
animals, our robots cannot clear its air
passages by coughing. A little dust is
ok, but too much, over time will cause
problems, namely cooling. The
electronics are mostly air cooled, and a
coating of dust insulates the heat transfer
surfaces, causing overheating, shortened
life and other performance problems.
Periodic "operations" are needed to keep
your robot healthy.
6. Moisture and Humidity:
Water is a universal
solvent, and electronics are susceptible.
The main issue is corrosion, resulting in
short circuits, weak or intermittent
connections and system failure. Most
systems have covers that may limit liquid
incursion, but few are swimming pool safe,
let alone a good rain shower.
Controlling the operating environment is the
best policy for longevity. The same
holds true for humidity, most buildings have
a controlled environment, and humidity is
usually not an issue provided it is not at
the extreme ends of the RH range.
However, having your robot move from
an outdoor winter task to an indoor heated
swimming pool room will result in moisture
condensing on cold parts, which will cause
long term problems, if not immediate
failures. Also in this case, remember
that optics could be fogged over, and your
robot may be temporarily blinded.
In the case of extreme low RH conditions,
static charges can build up, especially due
to the wheel movement. It is
recommended that a method is used to
dissipate the charge.
7. Transportation and Shipping:
The transportation and
Shipping of mobile robotics are subject to
risks such as damages. Mobile robots
are made to move, however when moved outside
their designed environment requires care and
planning. Some small robots can be
simply picked up and carried away.
Larger robots require assistance by such
means as trailers and fork lifts.
Shipping robots must be undertaken
carefully. Typically robots are
disassembled to reduce the size, weight and
damage exposure. Such heavy components
as batteries and drive trains can be
separated and shipped separately.
Fragile components should also be protected
as well as water proofing and electrostatic
protection in critical sections.
Movable components should be locked down or
secured. Using a check list ensures
transporting or shipping your robot will
arrive in excellent condition.
Consider insurance to protect your
investment, as well as reporting damage for
repairs is critical.
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