Transport

Packaging

The mobile robot MPO-700 is packed in a rugged wooden box which can be reused for future transports. If the original box cannot be used anymore it is recommended to build a new box of similar design.

The base plate of the box has to be strong enough to carry the robot and to take asymmetric forces, e.g. when moving the box with a forklift. When packing the robot it has to be secured against unintended slipping by sufficient cushioning. In order to prevent dust and dirt from the cushioning material to affect the MPO-700, the robot should be wrapped in plastic foil prior to packing.

Tip

Depending on the cushioning material it might be advisable to remove the key switch and to transport it separately in order to avoid damages to the key or the switch. Further information on the control elements can be found at Operating Elements.

It is recommended to remove the battery from the mobile platform if possible. This will eliminate the forces that effect the parts carrying the battery and the battery cover. If the battery cannot easily be removed from the robot, e.g. due to an overall cover, the battery should be supported and fixed in position by wooden bars or other appropriate means.

Unpacking the Robot

If the robot is shipped in the original transport box only the lid should be removed. Then all small components and the cushioning material can be taken out.

Once the robot is free of all cushioning it can be lifted out of the transport box. This should be done by at least two people taking hold of the bottom side of the platform. The best places for holding the robot are the areas beside the Omni Drive Modules.

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Gripping areas of the MPO-700

Warning

Never try to lift the robot by holding it at the laser scanner or the control elements! None of these components has been designed for lifting forces and they may be damaged.

Short Distance Transport

For short distances the MPO-700 can also be transported in the trunk of a car without the wooden box. It must still be secured against sliding and should never be driven outdoors. If the MPO-700 is transported in a car, the battery should be removed to increase transport safety and to reduce wear of the battery cover and carrier parts.

If the robot has to be moved across uneven or dirty grounds, e.g. to and from a parking area, it is best put onto a creeper and pushed carefully and slowly.

Warning

Never leave the robot unattended and / or unsecured when it is on a rolling carrier. Avoid slopes and any unevenness that might block the wheels of the carrier.

Long Distance Transport

As long as the robot is packed properly there are no special requirements when shipping the MPO-700. Only in case the robot has been exposed to very low temperatures (below -10°C) it should be left to reach room temperature again before turning it on. This will prevent damages to the electrical and electronic components.

Shipping with AGM Battery

If the key switch was removed there is no risk of the robot being turned on during the transport or the battery being discharged.

Tip

To eliminate every risk when shipping the robot as airfreight it is recommended to disconnect the battery prior to shipping. The AGM batteries are leak-proof and approved for airfreight.

Shipping with LiFePO4 Battery

Due to safety regulations any shipment of a lithium based battery has to follow certain procedures.

Please contact Neobotix if you plan to ship a robot with LiFePO4 battery.