Maintenance and Repair

Alternative Battery Chargers

The center post of the charger socket is the positive (+) side of the battery; the case is the negative (-) side. A diode protects against the wrong charger polarity. Nonetheless, if you choose to use an alternative battery charge, be sure to connect positive to positive and negative to negative from charger to robot.

An alternative AC to DC converter/battery charger should sustain at least 0.75A at 13.75 to 14 VDC per battery, and not more than 2-2.5 amperes per battery. The High-Speed Charger accessory, for example, is a four ampere charger and should be used with at least two of the standard batteries.

An alternative charger also should be voltage- and current-limited so that it cannot overcharge the batteries.

Getting Inside

We normally discourage you from opening up your robot. However, on occasion, you may need to get inside, for instance to access the User Power connections on the Motor- Power board and attach your custom electronics. Or you may need to get to your onboard computer and its accessories.

Open the robot AT YOUR OWN RISK, unless explicitly authorized by the factory.

We describe here how to remove your robot’s Nose to get at the onboard computer. And we describe how to access the contents of the Body of your Pioneer 2-DX/DXe or - AT robot.

Removing the Nose

Pioneer 2’s and PeopleBot’s onboard computer sits just behind the robot’s Nose. And you may have to remove the Nose to access the front sonar array’s gain adjustment pot.

For early DX, CE, and AT models, and for the PeopleBot robots, the Nose is attached to the robot with two screws: one directly underneath the front sonar bay and one on the bottom of the robot just behind the seam between the robot’s Body and the Nose. The new AT and the DXe model have two screws holding the Nose to the front sonar (or blank) array, and the DXe doesn’t have the bottom screw since the Nose is hinged at the bottom.

Remove all Nose retaining screws with the hex wrench supplied with your robot. Except with the new AT or DXe, if you have either the Gripper or a front Bump Ring accessories, remove it first.

BE CAREFUL: Delicate wiring inside.

Once loosened, the DXd Nose pivots down on a hinge. For the other models, four pins along the Nose’s back edges guide it onto the front Body of the robot. Simply pry the Nose out and away from the Body. Careful: The computer’s hard-drive, fan, and speaker have attached wire harnesses that you need to relieve before completely detaching the Nose from the Body. We recommend unplugging the speaker wire and simply rotating the Nose out of the way to access the onboard computer.

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Pioneer 2 / PeopleBot manual Getting Inside, Alternative Battery Chargers, Removing the Nose
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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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