Methods and systems for charging a robotic device

摘要

Methods and systems for robotic device charging are described. Within examples, a robotic device may be any device that has a computing ability and interacts with its surroundings with an actuation capability (e.g., electromechanical capabilities). In some examples, a robotic device may be configured to receive a second device, such as a mobile phone, that may be configured to function as necessary as an accessory or a “brain” of the robotic device. A power source apparatus may be any apparatus able to distribute charge in some form in any method to a device wanting charge, including robotic devices.

主权项

1. A method comprising:
determining, by a computing system of a robotic device, that a power level associated with the robotic device is below a threshold level; based on determining that the power level associated with the robotic device is below the threshold level, coupling, by the computing system of the robotic device, a mechanical manipulator of the robotic device to a terminal of a power source, wherein the mechanical manipulator includes an elongated arm or leg of the robotic device configured to perform one or more grip operations, and wherein coupling the mechanical manipulator to the terminal of the power source comprises coupling a first electrical contact and a second electrical contact of the mechanical manipulator to respective corresponding portions of the terminal of the power source by performing a respective grip operation of the one or more grip operations; and responsive to coupling the mechanical manipulator of the robotic device to the terminal of the power source, receiving, at the robotic device, an electrical charge from the power source through the mechanical manipulator.