Auto-Docking
Auto-docking (automatic recharge) means: when the battery drops below a threshold, the robot returns to its charging dock on its own and, through fine secondary localization on the last stretch, aligns its body electrodes with the dock electrodes within 10mm for unattended charging.
What problem it solves
Cleaning and material-transport robots must run 24/7; nobody plugs and unplugs the power cable every day. Low battery → autonomous navigation to the dock → precise alignment → automatic charging is the premise of unattended operation.
Docking is not just "getting nearby": the dock has mounting tolerances and the floor may slope. Fine secondary localization on the last tens of centimeters is required, or poor electrode contact causes arcing.
How to read the key specs
- Docking accuracy: electrode alignment error must typically be ≤10mm; larger causes poor contact and arcing.
- Secondary range: the last 20–50cm uses LiDAR/vision for fine alignment.
- Docking success rate: under full load, side parking, and a worn dock.
- Docking strategy: rough navigation to the station → fine localization tweak → electrode-contact confirmation.
Common myths
Myth: good navigation means good docking. Global localization is centimeter-level; electrode docking is millimeter-level, so a second fine localization is mandatory.
Myth: the dock can go anywhere. It must be fixed, on level floor, with clear approach.
Myth: docking is just charging. It is the core of unattended operation; failure rate directly affects uptime.
Related models
Tbot-OW omni-wheels sidle into the dock at ±10mm; the whole lineup supports auto-docking. See the Tbot platform and full spec table.
Related articles
- Why Omni-Wheels for Humanoid Chassis? Tbot-OW-3D + 3D LiDAR
- Tbot Chassis FAQ: Slope/Runtime/IP/Door-Elevator
- Underground Garage Cleaning: How U1 Dodges Hidden Obstacles
Need an auto-docking solution?
Tell us payload, scene and quantity; our pre-sales team replies within one business day.
Get a Quote