The Robopads Charging System

Robopads offers a precise, high-current charging solution for portable robots and automated guided vehicles (AGV). It consists of a base for the charge contacts, which is typically attached to the floor, and a collector unit mounted on the robot with extendable contacts. Robopads use magnets to automatically control the connection and disconnection action with no additional power consumption from the mobile system's batteries. In comparison to other charge systems, the base's ultra-low profile and the collector's extension range enable much more compact charging configurations.

Dependable, Durable, and Smooth

Robopads are made of ABS plastic which is highly durable (Over 1,800,00 cycles in accelerated life testing!) and flame retardant. Rare-earth magnets are securely mounted internally providing a smooth, accurate extension and retraction.

Robopads Keeps Your Robot Moving

Mobile robots only pay for themselves when they are moving. Robopads help maximize their value by allowing fast, high-current charging that minimize their idle time. The low-cost, ultra-low profile of the charge base, makes it easy and cost effective to place charge stations, along the robot's path, at every location where the robot normally pauses for more than a few seconds.

Magnetic Attraction and Repulsion

The Robopads charging contact system operates on the principles of magnetic attraction and repulsion. High force magnets are staggered with opposing polarities in the charging base and charging contacts such that a strong force of attraction or repulsion occurs depending on where the collector pads are positioned relative to the fixed base.

Approaching
While away from the base, the collector pads are attracted up by magnets installed inside the collector unit. The robot travels safely with a high floor clearance. If for any reason when reaching the base the pads do not be fully retract, a first level of strong repulsive magnets will push the collector pads in.

Charging
When arriving over the center of the charge base, the collector pad's strong (attractive) magnets located in the base extend instantly and make a very solid electrical connection between collector and base pads.

Disconnecting
When the robot moves again, the collector pads go above a set of strong repulsive magnets causing an instant retraction. The robot can then continue its course with the pads safely retracted and a high floor clearance.

Part of a complete system of AGV components

From a line of single and dual channel motor controllers to a complete power management solution, we can provide additional products to complete your project.

Robopads are Superior to Others

Wireless Charging can be complex, heavy, bulky, and expensive, with nowhere near the capacity of large copper contacts physically press against one another.

The magnetic action of the Robopads is almost instantaneous and maintains a constant strong pressure of the contacts against the charging pads due to magnetic attraction. Unlike spring loaded contacts, the Robopads' pressure increases as the pads extend. Extension force remains constant over the life of the pads and will always provide the maximum charging current and less residual heating effects than conventional spring-loaded systems.

System	Current Capacity	Contact Pressure	Contact Detection	Floor Clearance	Footprint	Reliability	Cost
Robopads	Highest	Highest	Yes	High	smallest	High	Low
Spring Contact	High	Poor	No	Low	Low	Good	Low
Wireless Charge	Low	N/A	Yes	Low	High	Poor	High

Compact

Thanks to their powerful magnets, Robopads achieve high contact pressure without the need for bulky and heavy springs. As a result, they carry the highest current for their relative size. The retractable pads allow for maximum floor clearance while making it possible for the fixed base to remain very thin. When mounted on the side, Robopads' retracted collector can be made flush with the Robot's body.

Charge Only When You Need To

Switches built into the Collector pads and into the Charge Base let both the Robot AND the charger know when the pads are extended and in physical contact with each other. The charger can remain off and be turned on only when needed.

Optional CAN Transceiver for Tight Charger-BMS Cooperation

Robopads are available with optional built-in optical transceivers. When the pads are aligned, CANbus signals are joined wirelessly between the collector and the base, allowing the Robot's Battery Management System to throttle the Charger according to the battery's State of Charge and temperature, resulting in faster, safer, and more optimal charging.

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