A docking method executable by a mobile device is provided. The docking method includes obtaining a stored target location of a docking station, and navigating to the target location. The docking method also includes: during the navigation and/or at the target location, based on a determination that a guidance signal is not detected, performing a regional search. The docking method also includes: during the navigation, or at the target location, or during the regional search, based on a determination that the guidance signal is detected, moving, under the guidance of the guidance signal, to the docking station. Performing the regional search includes determining a basic search zone, searching for the guidance signal while moving along boundaries of the basic search zone, and based on a determination that the guidance signal has not been detected when a termination condition is satisfied, terminating the regional search.

An optical navigation device comprising: a processing circuit; a first light source, configured to emit first light; a cover; at least one second light source, configured to emit second light toward the cover; and an first optical sensor, configured to sense first optical data generated according to the first light and to sense second optical data generated according to the second light on the cover. The processing circuit determines a dirtiness level of the cover based on the second optical data sensed by the first optical sensor. The optical navigation device can further comprise a second optical sensor. Also, an optical navigation device which can avoid the interference of another optical navigation device is also disclosed.

A system for collecting waste from an area includes a robotic device including a housing, a control system within the housing, which includes a processor system and a memory system in operative connection with the processor system, a power system in operative connection with the control system, a sensor system in operative connection with the control system, one or more drive wheels (each of the drive wheels being in operative connection with a motor which is in operative connection with the power system and with the control system), a waste retrieval system in operative connection with the power system and with the control system, and a receptacle compartment within the housing. The control system includes one or more location/identification algorithms stored in the memory system and executable by the processor system to locate an object of animal waste in the area based upon data received from the sensor system. The control system further includes one or more positioning algorithms stored in memory and executable by the processor system to position the robotic device relative to the object of animal waste to enable collection of the object of animal waste via the waste retrieval system. Additionally, the control system includes one or more retrieval algorithms to actuate the waste retrieval system and control the waste retrieval system to bring the object of animal waste into the receptacle compartment.

A system for collecting waste from an area includes a robotic device including a housing, a control system within the housing, which includes a processor system and a memory system in operative connection with the processor system, a power system in operative connection with the control system, a sensor system in operative connection with the control system, one or more drive wheels (each of the drive wheels being in operative connection with a motor which is in operative connection with the power system and with the control system), a waste retrieval system in operative connection with the power system and with the control system, and a receptacle compartment within the housing. The control system includes one or more location/identification algorithms stored in the memory system and executable by the processor system to locate an object of animal waste in the area based upon data received from the sensor system. The control system further includes one or more positioning algorithms stored in memory and executable by the processor system to position the robotic device relative to the object of animal waste to enable collection of the object of animal waste via the waste retrieval system. Additionally, the control system includes one or more retrieval algorithms to actuate the waste retrieval system and control the waste retrieval system to bring the object of animal waste into the receptacle compartment.

The present invention provides unique portable or stationary hose retraction systems in a single compact unit having an elongated hose, a chamber or plenum for storing the hose, a primary vacuum source for creating suction in the hose, and a secondary vacuum source for retracting the hose into the chamber. Embodiments may include one or more switches located at a distal end of the hose for controlling the primary and secondary vacuum sources. Other embodiments include a movable robotic unit with a proximity generating signal at the distal end of the hose, whereby the robotic unit may withdraw the hose as needed during use, and the secondary vacuum source may retract slack in the hose during use, or may retract the entire hose and the robotic unit after use.

The present invention provides unique portable or stationary hose retraction systems in a single compact unit having an elongated hose, a chamber or plenum for storing the hose, a primary vacuum source for creating suction in the hose, and a secondary vacuum source for retracting the hose into the chamber. Embodiments may include one or more switches located at a distal end of the hose for controlling the primary and secondary vacuum sources. Other embodiments include a movable robotic unit with a proximity generating signal at the distal end of the hose, whereby the robotic unit may withdraw the hose as needed during use, and the secondary vacuum source may retract slack in the hose during use, or may retract the entire hose and the robotic unit after use.

There is provided a cleaning robot including a first light source module and a second light source module respectively project a first light section and a second light section, which are vertical light sections, in front of a moving direction, wherein the first light section and the second light section cross with each other at a predetermined distance in front of the cleaning robot so as to eliminate a detection dead zone between the first light source module and the second light source module in front of the cleaning robot to avoid collision with an object during operation.

A coverage robot including a chassis, multiple drive wheel assemblies disposed on the chassis, and a cleaning assembly carried by the chassis. Each drive wheel assembly including a drive wheel assembly housing, a wheel rotatably coupled to the housing, and a wheel drive motor carried by the drive wheel assembly housing and operable to drive the wheel. The cleaning assembly including a cleaning assembly housing, a cleaning head rotatably coupled to the cleaning assembly housing, and a cleaning drive motor carried by cleaning assembly housing and operable to drive the cleaning head. The wheel assemblies and the cleaning assembly are each separately and independently removable from respective receptacles of the chassis as complete units.

A coverage robot including a chassis, multiple drive wheel assemblies disposed on the chassis, and a cleaning assembly carried by the chassis. Each drive wheel assembly including a drive wheel assembly housing, a wheel rotatably coupled to the housing, and a wheel drive motor carried by the drive wheel assembly housing and operable to drive the wheel. The cleaning assembly including a cleaning assembly housing, a cleaning head rotatably coupled to the cleaning assembly housing, and a cleaning drive motor carried by cleaning assembly housing and operable to drive the cleaning head. The wheel assemblies and the cleaning assembly are each separately and independently removable from respective receptacles of the chassis as complete units.

A cleaning apparatus including a vacuum cleaner and a docking station is provided. The cleaning apparatus includes a vacuum cleaner including a dust collecting chamber in which foreign substances are collected, and a docking station configured to be connected to the dust collecting chamber to remove the foreign substances collected in the dust collecting chamber. The dust collecting chamber is configured to collect foreign substances through centrifugation, and configured to be docked to the docking station, and the docking station includes a suction device configured to suction the foreign substances and air in the dust collecting chamber docked to the docking station.