Transporting the Ascento¶

Before transporting the Ascento robot, it is essential to prepare the robot properly to ensure safe handling. The first step is to remove the top lid of the robot, which allows access to the internal components and provides a more secure area for lifting. Once the lid is removed, install the provided handles on the designated mounting points. These handles are specifically designed for transportation purposes, offering a secure grip and facilitating the even distribution of the robot’s weight. Proper installation of the handles is crucial, as it not only makes the robot easier to carry but also minimizes the risk of damage during transport. By following these steps, you can ensure that the Ascento robot is handled safely and efficiently during transportation.

Single-Person Transport¶

When transporting the Ascento robot by yourself, it is crucial to handle it properly to avoid injury or damage to the robot. The robot should be lifted using the designated handles located on the top of the main body. These handles are specifically designed to help distribute the robot’s weight evenly, allowing you to carry it safely and with greater ease. Ensure that you maintain a stable posture and use both hands to securely grip the handles while lifting.

Single-person carrying Ascento — Technique for single-person transport¶

Two-Person Transport (Recommended)¶

For optimal safety and ease, it is recommended that two people transport the Ascento robot. One person should grip the handle on the left side of the robot’s main body and simultaneously support the left wheel. Similarly, the other person should hold the handle on the right side of the robot’s main body and support the right wheel. This method ensures balanced weight distribution and enhanced stability, making it easier to carry the robot without risking accidental drops. Transporting the robot with two people not only reduces the strain on each individual but also provides better control over the robot’s balance and movement.

ascento_transport_two_person — Technique for two-person transport¶

Powering on the Ascento¶

To power on the Ascento robot, begin by inserting the provided key into the slot located on the underside of the robot and turning it clockwise. Once the key is turned, the lights on the underside of the robot will illuminate, indicating that the startup process has commenced. The robot requires approximately one minute to initialize its internal systems. During this time, the underside lights will remain on. After the initialization is complete, these lights will turn off, and the robot’s eye lights will illuminate. The moment the eye lights are on, the robot is fully operational and ready for use.

To power off the robot, rotate the key in the counterclockwise direction. The robot’s eyes will gradually dim and turn off, signifying that the robot has been successfully powered down. Always ensure that the robot’s lights are off before removing the key to confirm that the robot is completely turned off and no longer operational.

Charging the Ascento¶

Ascento is designed to be fully weatherproof, with its battery securely integrated inside the robot’s body to withstand various environmental conditions. Charging the robot is achieved through a specialized docking station, which provides a convenient and efficient solution for autonomous applications. The docking station features a built-in LED indicator that shows the current charging status of the robot. When the LED is red, it signifies that the robot is in the process of charging. Once the LED turns green, it indicates that the robot is fully charged and ready for deployment.

_images/ascento_charging_red.png — LED indicator showing charging in progress¶

_images/ascento_charging_green.png — LED indicator showing charging status Complete¶

Ascento Remote Controller¶

The Ascento robot can be manually controlled using the provided remote control, which features several buttons with different functionalities. To turn on the remote control, press and hold the power button for three seconds until the remote powers up. To turn it off, simply press and hold the power button again.

For the remote control to function properly, a USB dongle must be inserted into the robot’s USB port located on the underside. The remote will not operate without this dongle connected to the robot.

_images/ascento_usb_port.jpg — Usb Port¶

_images/ascento_usb_dongle.png — Usb Dongle¶

Remote Control Button Functions¶

The Ascento robot’s remote control is equipped with several buttons, each designed for specific functions. Below is a detailed description of each button and its functionality:

Soft Stop:

This is a soft stop switch that can be used to gently stop the robot.
- Position:
  - Upwards: Off
  - Downwards: On
E Stop:

This is an emergency stop switch, used for immediate and urgent stops.
- Position:
  - Upwards: Off
  - Downwards: On
Scroll Wheel (Left Side):

This controls the obstacle avoidance feature of the robot.
- Position:
  - Completely Left: Obstacle Avoidance Off
  - Completely Right: Obstacle Avoidance On
Stand Up Button:

This button is used to make the robot stand up from a fallen or resting position.
Ack Error Button:

If the robot does not stand up despite being in the correct position and orientation, this button can be used to make the robot stand up while ignoring all errors.
Gain Switch:

This switch controls the robot’s operating speed and has three positions:
- Up: Expert control
- Middle: Advanced control
- Down: Beginner control
Control Switch:

This switch allows you to toggle between different driving modes. It has three positions:
- Up: Remote Control mode
- Middle: Auto Pilot mode
- Down: Hold a stable position

Left Joystick:

The left joystick is used for directional control:
- Forward/Backward: Moves the robot forward or backward
- Left/Right: Steers the robot left or right
Right Joystick:

The right joystick is used to adjust the robot’s height and steer:
- Up/Down: Adjusts the height of the robot
- Left/Right: Steers the robot