Methods and software for setting parameters for operating a modular robot are disclosed. One method includes receiving, by a server, communications data from a controller of the modular robot. The modular robot has storage for storing program instructions for executing autonomous movement at a location. The method includes sending, by the server, an initial outline for the controller to generate calibrated mapping data for the location. The calibrated mapping data identifies an outline at the location. The method includes sending, by the server, identification of at least two zones at the location, where the at least two zones define different areas at the location. The controller of the modular robot is configured to use the calibrated mapping data for said autonomous movement at the location and the controller is configured to operate a respective work function in each of the at least two zones.

A vacuum cleaner includes: a plurality of sensors configured to generate sensor signals; a vacuum motor; and a controller comprising first and second modules, wherein: the first module is configured to process the generated sensor signals to generate a plurality of control signals; the second module is configured to process the plurality of control signals to generate an output signal indicating that the vacuum cleaner is currently being used; and the vacuum motor is configured to activate or deactivate in dependence on the output signal.

A vacuum cleaner includes: a vacuum motor; one or more time of flight sensors configured to generate first sensor signals dependent on the proximity of an object to the one or more time of flight sensors; a capacitive sensor located in proximity to a handle of the vacuum cleaner and configured to generate second sensor signals dependent on whether a user is gripping the handle; and a controller configured to: process the generated first and second sensor signals to determine whether the vacuum cleaner is actively being used by the user; and in response to determining that the vacuum cleaner is actively being used, activate the vacuum motor.

A vacuum cleaner includes: a vacuum motor; a first sensor configured to generate first sensor signals based on sensed motion and orientation of the vacuum cleaner; a cleaner head comprising an agitator; one or more diagnostic sensors configured to generate second sensor signals based on sensed parameters of the cleaner head; and a controller configured to: process the generated first and second sensor signals to determine whether the vacuum cleaner is actively being used by a user; and in response to determining that the vacuum cleaner is actively being used, activate the vacuum motor.

A vacuum cleaner having a surface cleaning head and a brush supported by the surface cleaning head. A control circuit operates the vacuum cleaner. The control circuit includes a motor coupled to and operable to cause movement of the brush. Also disclosed is a method of controlling a motor for a brush of a vacuum cleaner. The method includes sensing an electrical parameter related to an amount of carpet load restricting the brush and determining a pulse width modulated duty cycle value based on the electrical parameter.

A vacuum cleaner includes: a sensor configured to generate sensor signals based on sensed motion and orientation of the vacuum cleaner; a user input device; a vacuum motor; and a controller configured to: activate the vacuum motor in response to activation of the user input device by a user; in response to activation of the vacuum motor, process the generated sensor signals to determine whether the vacuum cleaner is actively being used by the user; and in response to determining that the vacuum cleaner is actively being used, retain the vacuum motor in an activated state.

A vacuum cleaner includes: a sensor configured to generate sensor signals based on sensed motion and orientation of the vacuum cleaner; a vacuum motor; and a controller configured to: process the generated sensor signals to determine a type of cleaning activity being performed by a user using the vacuum cleaner; and in response to determining that the type of cleaning activity includes cleaning a surface at least partially obstructed by an object, decrease the power of the vacuum motor.

A cleaner and a method for controlling the same. The cleaner includes a brush module comprising a brush configured to scatter foreign substances on a floor, and a brush motor configured to rotate the brush. The cleaner includes a suction module configured to suction the foreign substances; a sensor configured to detect a load applied to the brush; and a controller configured to control suction force of the suction module based on the load detected by the sensor.

A cleaner including a base defining a suction chamber, a brush roll driven by a brush roll motor, a sensor configured to sense a parameter related to a floor; and a controller having a memory and electronic processor. The controller is configured to receive the parameter, control the brush roll motor based on the parameter and a first floor coefficient, determine a second floor coefficient based on the parameter, and control the brush roll motor based on the second floor coefficient.

A method of determining an airflow parameter in a vacuum cleaner comprising a motor-fan assembly comprises receiving one or more signals relating to one or more operational parameters of the motor. The method further comprises determining a torque of a rotatable shaft of the motor based on the one or more operational parameters. The method also comprises determining an airflow parameter based on the determined torque of the rotatable shaft of the motor.