ActivMedia Robotics

Chapter 8 Maintenance & Repair

Your ActivMedia robot is built to last a lifetime and requires little maintenance.

Drive Lubrication

The drive motors and gearbox are sealed and self-lubricating, so you need not fuss with grease or oil. An occasional drop or two of oil on the axle bushings between the wheels and the case won’t hurt. And keep the axles clear of carpet or other strings that may wrap around and bind up your robot’s drive.

Batteries

Lead-acid batteries like those in your ActivMedia robot last longest when kept fully charged. In fact, severe discharge is harmful to the battery, so be careful not to operate the robot if the battery voltage falls below 11 VDC.

Changing Batteries

CAREFUL!

The Batteries slide in

TERMINALS LAST!

Except the Pioneer 2 CE and AmigoBot, ActivMedia robots have a special battery harness and latched doors for easy access to the onboard batteries. Simply unlatch the rear door, swing it open and locate the one to three onboard batteries inside.

To remove a battery, simply grasp it and pull out. We also provide a suction-cup tool to help. Spring-loaded contacts eliminate the need to detach any connecting wires.

Similarly, insert batteries by simply sliding each one into a battery box compartment. Load the batteries so that their weight gets distributed evenly across the platform: Center a single battery and place two batteries one on each side.

Hot-Swapping the Batteries

You may change the batteries on your ActivMedia robot without disrupting operation of the onboard systems (except the motors, of course): Either connect the charger, which powers the robot's systems while you change the battery or batteries. Or, if you have two or three batteries, swap each with a freshly charged one individually, so that at least one battery is in place and providing the necessary power.

Charging the Battery

If you have the standard charger accessory, insert it into a standard 110 VAC three- pronged wall power receptacle. (Some users may require a special power adapter.) Locate the round plug at the end of the cable that is attached to the charger and insert it into the charge socket that is just below your robot’s Main Power switch. The LEDs on the charger indicate charge status, as marked on its case.

It takes fewer than 12 hours—often just a few hours, depending on the level of discharge—to fully charge a Pioneer 2 or PeopleBot battery using the accompanying charger (roughly, three hours per volt per battery). Although you may operate the robot while recharging, it restricts the robot’s mobility.

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Pioneer 2 / PeopleBot manual Maintenance & Repair, Drive Lubrication, Batteries
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2 / PeopleBot specifications

Pioneer 2, also known as PeopleBot, is an advanced mobile robot platform heralded for its versatile design and robust capabilities. Developed by the renowned robotics company Adept Technology, Pioneer 2 has become a staple in the field of mobile robotics, widely utilized for research, education, and practical applications in various industries.

One of the standout features of Pioneer 2 is its exceptional mobility. The robot is equipped with differential steering, allowing it to navigate complex environments with precision. Its compact and sturdy chassis enables it to traverse a variety of terrains, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor exploration. This mobility is further enhanced by an adaptable wheel configuration, allowing for smooth movement even over obstacles.

In terms of technologies, Pioneer 2 is outfitted with an array of sensors that facilitate autonomous navigation and obstacle avoidance. These sensors include laser range finders, infrared sensors, and bumpers, which work in tandem to map the surrounding environment and detect potential hazards. This capability is critical for applications in areas such as warehouse automation or reconnaissance tasks, where safe navigation is paramount.

Pioneer 2 also supports extensive software frameworks, notably the Robot Operating System (ROS). This compatibility allows researchers and developers to leverage a vast library of tools and algorithms, expediting the process of programming and deploying robotic applications. Additionally, the platform can be integrated with various payloads, such as cameras or grippers, expanding its functionality further.

Another significant characteristic of Pioneer 2 is its user-friendly design. The robot comes with an easy-to-use programming interface that empowers users with varying levels of expertise to engage with the technology. Educational institutions often employ Pioneer 2 in robotics courses to provide students with hands-on experience in programming and operating robotic systems.

Powering Pioneer 2 is a rechargeable battery system that ensures extended operation times. This feature is particularly advantageous for fieldwork applications where connectivity to a power source may not be readily available. Importantly, the robot’s modular design facilitates maintenance and upgrades, allowing users to keep their systems current with advances in technology.

Overall, Pioneer 2 (PeopleBot) exemplifies innovation in mobile robotics with its outstanding mobility, advanced sensing technologies, compatibility with leading software frameworks, and a design focused on ease of use and adaptability. It continues to be a preferred choice for researchers, educators, and professionals in the rapidly evolving landscape of robotics.
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