Difference between revisions of "FAQ"

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(If I run the youbot for a couple of hours and try to restart the power, the PC does not start immediately. I have to wait for a couple of minutes. Is that normal?)
 
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==General==
 
=== How to find youBot serial number? ===
 
=== How to find youBot serial number? ===
  
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=== What hardware comes with the robot?===
 
=== What hardware comes with the robot?===
  
For detailed information, please visit the configurations on our [http://www.youbot-store.com/youbot-store/youbots/ webpage]
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For detailed information, please visit the configurations on our [http://www.youbot-store.com/youbots/ webpage]
  
  
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----
 
----
 
  
 
=== Does the robot need a special environment/floor?===
 
=== Does the robot need a special environment/floor?===
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No. Unfortunately we do not sell the wheels separately.  
 
No. Unfortunately we do not sell the wheels separately.  
 
 
[[#top|back to top]]
 
 
 
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=== What controller modes for the joints are available?===
 
 
You can control each joint of the base or arm in current, position or velocity mode.
 
  
  
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For further information please visit:
 
For further information please visit:
  
[http://www.youbot-store.com/youbot-store/sensors/ Sensors]
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[http://www.youbot-store.com/accessories/sensors Sensors]
  
[http://www.youbot-store.com/youbot-store/accessories/ Accessories]
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[http://www.youbot-store.com/accessories/youbot-parts Accessories]
  
[http://www.youbot-store.com/youbot-store/extensions/ Extensions]
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[http://www.youbot-store.com/accessories/youbot-extensions Extensions]
  
  
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=== Are there any construction data (CAD) available?===
 
=== Are there any construction data (CAD) available?===
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However, you can find .blend, .std and .dae files on [http://stage.youbot-store.com/developers/documentation/kuka-youbot-kinematics-dynamics-and-3d-model.html our page].
 
However, you can find .blend, .std and .dae files on [http://stage.youbot-store.com/developers/documentation/kuka-youbot-kinematics-dynamics-and-3d-model.html our page].
 
 
[[#top|back to top]]
 
 
 
----
 
 
=== Are there any interfaces for an emergency stop?===
 
 
Yes, there are two mechanisms to activate an emergency stop.
 
 
Hardstop: You can connect an emergency stop to the power board. This will deactivate the 24 Volt power supply for each joint. Note the motors do not have a break, i.e. the arm will fall down, if the hardstop is activated
 
Softstop: The master board of the base and the arm have got a soft stop interface. This mechanism will deactivate the Ethercat communication of the slaves. The advantage is, that all joints will be stopped and keep their positions.
 
 
More details can be found in [[Technical_Support_Accessories | technical support accessories]] section.
 
 
[[#top|back to top]]
 
 
 
----
 
 
=== I want to use the softstop. Do I have to activate the softstop interface of the arm or of the base?===
 
 
When you are using the internal PC to control the youBot and want to stop the whole system, it is enough, if you activate the soft stop mechanism of the base.
 
 
When you are using an external PC which is connected to the arm, you have to activate the soft stop mechanism of the arm, if you want to stop the whole system.
 
 
 
[[#top|back to top]]
 
 
 
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=== Can I connect the soft stop of the base and the arm to the same button?===
 
 
Yes, you can.
 
  
  
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== Hardware ==
  
 
=== Can I upgrade or exchange the embedded PC?===
 
=== Can I upgrade or exchange the embedded PC?===
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[[#top|back to top]]
 
[[#top|back to top]]
  
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=== If I run the youbot for a couple of hours and try to restart the power, the PC does not start immediately. I have to wait for a couple of minutes. Is that normal?===
  
----
 
  
<div id="top"></div>
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Yes. The internal PC gets very warm during usage. To avoid a damage after repowering the system, the PC has to cool down for while. But this only happens, if you completely turn off the power of the youBot and turn it on immediately. If the PC is running, the internal fan can cool the system sufficiently, even if it runs for hours.
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[[#top|back to top]]
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----
  
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== Battery ==
  
 
=== Can the KUKA youBot recharge the batteries autonomously?===
 
=== Can the KUKA youBot recharge the batteries autonomously?===
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If you want the best performance of the battery cells, we recommend the use of the external custom made youBot Battery Charger. The internal power board is not as strong as an external charger, which secures the performance of a battery for a longer time.
 
If you want the best performance of the battery cells, we recommend the use of the external custom made youBot Battery Charger. The internal power board is not as strong as an external charger, which secures the performance of a battery for a longer time.
  
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Check also how to properly [[Handle the battery|handle the battery]]
  
 
[[#top|back to top]]
 
[[#top|back to top]]
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=== Can I remove the external power cable when the battery is connected?===
 
=== Can I remove the external power cable when the battery is connected?===
  
 
You can plug in / remove the power cord of the external power supply, if the battery is plugged in.  
 
You can plug in / remove the power cord of the external power supply, if the battery is plugged in.  
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[[#top|back to top]]
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== Sensors ==
 +
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=== Which sensors are available?===
 +
 +
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Please visit: [http://www.youbot-store.com/youbot-store/sensors/ Sensors]
 +
 +
 +
[[#top|back to top]]
 +
 +
 +
----
 +
=== Which sensors are recommended/have special support?===
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 +
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We ensured that the sensors offered on the webpage can be mounted and used on the robot. For questions related to the processing of sensor data we refer to the sensor manufacturers.
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[[#top|back to top]]
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 +
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----
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=== Do I need adapters for the sensors?===
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For sensors with an external power supply you will need an adapter. For example for the Kinect you have to make your own power supply to connect it to the youBot. You can use a DC/DC converter, which converts 24V to 12V, by connecting it to the power output sockets on the top of the base.
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 +
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[[#top|back to top]]
 +
 +
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----
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=== Can I add own sensors?===
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Yes, if it is red out by the PC. There must be a connection possible via USB, Ethernet or EtherCAT and suitable drivers existing.
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[[#top|back to top]]
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 +
 +
----
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=== How can I connect a FireWire sensor to the  youBot if there is no FireWire interface?===
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 +
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One solution might be the following. When you need a FireWire sensor, you have to mount a laptop with a FireWire interface on the backplate and control the youBot with this notebook.
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[[#top|back to top]]
 +
 +
 +
----
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== Ordering ==
 +
<div id="top"></div>
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=== How can I order a youBot? ===
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Visit the [http://www.youbot-store.com/youbot-developers/ Store] and check out your desired configuration. Request a quotation. You will always get a quotation first. After that you can place your order, if you agree with our offer. The quote will only be valid for a limited period of time until it expires.
 +
 +
The purchase procedure is as follows:
 +
 +
* You request for a quote on our webpage
 +
* You will shortly receive an official quotation from us.
 +
* Only when you accept the quotation, you place an official purchase order with reference to our quotation.
 +
* As soon as we have your purchase order it will be put into the KUKA manufacturing queue and you will receive a confirmation of your purchase order.
 +
* Eventually we will receive a notification from KUKA that the ordered items have been manufactured.
 +
* We will then get back to you and inform you about the availability of the system, and initiate the shipping resp. payment procedures.
 +
 +
 +
[[#top|back to top]]
 +
 +
 +
----
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=== Are there special discounts? ===
 +
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 +
Please visit our specials.
 +
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[[#top|back to top]]
 +
 +
 +
----
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=== Can I place an order, if the validity of the quote has expired? ===
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In that case you have to contact us again.
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[[#top|back to top]]
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 +
 +
----
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===How can I pay?===
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Please visit our [http://www.youbot-store.com/shipping-rates-und-payment Shipping rates and payment site]
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[[#top|back to top]]
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 +
 +
----
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===How long is the delivery time?===
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The delivery time is about 6 weeks after the confirmation of order.
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[[#top|back to top]]
 +
 +
 +
----
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===How long is the guarantee for the KUKA youBot?===
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KUKA gives a default guarantee for its products of one year.
 +
 +
 +
[[#top|back to top]]
 +
 +
 +
----
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===Can I buy the spare parts separately?===
 +
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Yes, but you will have to contact KUKA's spare parts department.
 +
  
  

Latest revision as of 17:58, 9 February 2015

Contents

General

How to find youBot serial number?

Whenever you want to contact Hotline, please provide also the serial number of your youbot, as found on the sticker below

Serial Number Sticker

There are many ways to find the serial number of your youBot

Platform

To locate the sticker with the serial number on the platform, you have to turn the latter upside down. The sticker is in the middle of the bottom side of the platform as shown at the image below.

Serial Number on the Platform


Arm

To locate the sticker with the serial number on the arm, look at the black base, as shown at the image below.

Serial Number on the Arm


Original Boxes

To locate the sticker with the serial number on the boxes, look at the up right corner of the box, as shown at the image below.

Serial Number on the Original Boxes


back to top


What hardware comes with the robot?

For detailed information, please visit the configurations on our webpage


back to top



Does the robot need a special environment/floor?

No, the KUKA youBot has been designed for indoor environments and flat surface. You should not use the robot on high / deep carpets and be aware that the robot might leave traces on damageable floor material such as wood or glass.


back to top




Can the KUKA youBot operate outdoors?

The KUKA youBot has not been designed for outdoor operation. There is no protection against moisture or dirt.


back to top




Is the KUKA youBot waterproof?

No, the KUKA youBot is not waterproof.


back to top




What are the safety implications when using the KUKA youBot?

The power of KUKA youBot arm is limited to 80 W. According to ISO 10218:2006 this allows for operating in human-robot collaborative mode without any additional safety measures. Nevertheless, depending on the tool attached it can harm people.

The mobile platform does not come with any safety sensors or bumpers. We advise to perform a risk analysis for your application and to take appropriate safety precautions.


back to top




Do I need power adapters to power youBot?

It depends. The external power supply comes with a German Schuko plug with input Voltage range between 100V and 240V. In some countries you need a special adapter.


back to top




Can I buy the wheels separately?

No. Unfortunately we do not sell the wheels separately.


back to top



Are there additional components for the robot available?

For further information please visit:

Sensors

Accessories

Extensions


back to top



Are there any construction data (CAD) available?

Unfortunately due, to the Copyright reason there are no CAD data available.


However, you can find .blend, .std and .dae files on our page.


back to top




What is the minimum and maximum speed of the base/arm joints?

The minimum/maximum velocity of the base is: min 0.01 m/s max 0.8 m/s

That means for each joint of the base: min 0.2 radian/s max 16 radian/s

The velocities for the arm joints are: min 0.03 radian/s max 1.5 radian/s in positioning mode max 2.5 radian/s in velocity mode with acceleration


back to top




What are the rotation directions of the joints?

RotationDirectionsJoints.png


back to top



Hardware

Can I upgrade or exchange the embedded PC?

Any PC board that adheres to the mini ITX form factor should fit into the compartment. Please note that changing the PC will void warranty!


back to top



Is there a FireWire interface?

No, there is no FireWire interface on KUKA youBot.


back to top



Which connections to the PC are possible?

USB, Ethernet, EtherCAT, RS232


back to top



Is there any empty PCI-express slot in the on-board PC of the “KUKA youBot omni directional mobile platform”?

No! Unfortunately there is not empty slot for an PCI-express card.


back to top



Is there a wireless interface integrated?

No, the default configuration of the youBot PC does not have a wireless interface. We recommend to use a wifi usb stick, which is supported by Linux.


back to top

If I run the youbot for a couple of hours and try to restart the power, the PC does not start immediately. I have to wait for a couple of minutes. Is that normal?

Yes. The internal PC gets very warm during usage. To avoid a damage after repowering the system, the PC has to cool down for while. But this only happens, if you completely turn off the power of the youBot and turn it on immediately. If the PC is running, the internal fan can cool the system sufficiently, even if it runs for hours.


back to top



Battery

Can the KUKA youBot recharge the batteries autonomously?

No, the external power supply must be connected to the robot manually. After that the batteries will be charged automatically.


back to top



How do I recharge the batteries?

The batteries can be charged inside and outside the platform. The integrated power board has a charge controller to load the battery without removing it. Or outside the youbot using the custom made youBot Battery Charger.


back to top



How do I know, that the battery is charging? When do I have to stop the charging process?

The orange display shows the status and the voltage of the battery. On the top right side of the orange display you can see 4 squares. The two on the left show the status of each battery cell. The youBot battery consists of 2 x 12 Volt cells, so you have one square for each cell.

The charging process starts automatically, if you connect the external power supply and turn on the power board. If the power board is on, the display will glow orange and you will see the squares mentioned above.

If the size of the squares changes continuously, it means that the battery cell is going to be charged. If the square size does not change, the meaning is as follows

  • If the left most square remains small → Battery is not connected
  • If the square remains at its big size → the associated battery cell is fully charged

If the battery is fully charged, the power board will stop charging the battery automatically. So there is no upper time limit.


back to top



How can I increase the lifetime/performance of the battery?

If you want the best performance of the battery cells, we recommend the use of the external custom made youBot Battery Charger. The internal power board is not as strong as an external charger, which secures the performance of a battery for a longer time.

Check also how to properly handle the battery

back to top



Can I remove the external power cable when the battery is connected?

You can plug in / remove the power cord of the external power supply, if the battery is plugged in.


back to top

Sensors

Which sensors are available?

Please visit: Sensors


back to top



Which sensors are recommended/have special support?

We ensured that the sensors offered on the webpage can be mounted and used on the robot. For questions related to the processing of sensor data we refer to the sensor manufacturers.


back to top



Do I need adapters for the sensors?

For sensors with an external power supply you will need an adapter. For example for the Kinect you have to make your own power supply to connect it to the youBot. You can use a DC/DC converter, which converts 24V to 12V, by connecting it to the power output sockets on the top of the base.


back to top



Can I add own sensors?

Yes, if it is red out by the PC. There must be a connection possible via USB, Ethernet or EtherCAT and suitable drivers existing.


back to top



How can I connect a FireWire sensor to the youBot if there is no FireWire interface?

One solution might be the following. When you need a FireWire sensor, you have to mount a laptop with a FireWire interface on the backplate and control the youBot with this notebook.


back to top



Ordering

How can I order a youBot?

Visit the Store and check out your desired configuration. Request a quotation. You will always get a quotation first. After that you can place your order, if you agree with our offer. The quote will only be valid for a limited period of time until it expires.

The purchase procedure is as follows:

  • You request for a quote on our webpage
  • You will shortly receive an official quotation from us.
  • Only when you accept the quotation, you place an official purchase order with reference to our quotation.
  • As soon as we have your purchase order it will be put into the KUKA manufacturing queue and you will receive a confirmation of your purchase order.
  • Eventually we will receive a notification from KUKA that the ordered items have been manufactured.
  • We will then get back to you and inform you about the availability of the system, and initiate the shipping resp. payment procedures.


back to top



Are there special discounts?

Please visit our specials.


back to top



Can I place an order, if the validity of the quote has expired?

In that case you have to contact us again.


back to top



How can I pay?

Please visit our Shipping rates and payment site


back to top



How long is the delivery time?

The delivery time is about 6 weeks after the confirmation of order.


back to top



How long is the guarantee for the KUKA youBot?

KUKA gives a default guarantee for its products of one year.


back to top



Can I buy the spare parts separately?

Yes, but you will have to contact KUKA's spare parts department.


back to top