Raph Rover User Manual
This manual assumes that you already unboxed and launched the Raph Rover for the first time. If not, please complete the Getting started guide.
Introduction
This user manual provides concise, practical guidance for safely operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting the Raph Rover. Use this manual as the primary reference for day-to-day use and field maintenance. For in-depth technical details, refer to the Raph Rover Specification.
If you seek more detailed information about using and developing your applications on the Raph Rover, please refer to the other sections of our documentation, including:
Always observe local safety regulations and the safety guidelines in this document before operating the rover.
If you are seeking more information about Raph Rover features check our Overview page:
User manual contents
📄️ Software & Hardware
Documentation providing an overview of Raph Rover's software and hardware architectures and components.
📄️ Control & Basic Operations
Documentation on how to control and operate Raph Rover, including teleoperation methods and basic functionalities.
📄️ Payload Integration Basics
Documentation on the basics of integrating payloads with Raph Rover, including mounting options and power considerations.
📄️ Maintenance & Troubleshooting
Documentation on maintenance procedures and troubleshooting tips for Raph Rover.
Safety guidelines
Mobile robots like Raph Rover are inherently dangerous if not used properly. Improper use can lead to injury, property damage, or environmental harm. Please follow all safety guidelines and operational precautions outlined in this manual to ensure safe and responsible use of the rover.
Intended use
- Raph Rover is designed for outdoor and indoor use on light off-road terrain. Avoid operating on steep slopes, loose gravel, mud, or waterlogged areas.
- Avoid using the rover in hazardous environments, such as areas with flammable gases, explosive materials, or extreme temperatures.
- The rover is intended for research, education, and light payload transport. Do not use it for heavy lifting, towing, or hazardous material transport.
- The rover is not a toy; keep it out of reach of children and pets.
- Always operate the rover within its specified weight limits and environmental conditions.
- Do not modify the rover's hardware or software in ways not authorized by the manufacturer, as this may compromise safety and void warranties.
- Always supervise the rover during operation to prevent accidents or damage.
Operational precautions
- Before each use, inspect the rover for any signs of damage or wear, including tires, sensors, and battery connections.
- Ensure the battery is sufficiently charged and securely connected before operation.
- Operate the rover at safe speeds, especially in crowded or obstacle-rich environments.
- Keep a safe distance from the rover while it is in motion to avoid injury.
- Be cautious when operating the rover on uneven terrain to prevent tipping or loss of control.
- Avoid exposing the rover to extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or low/high temperatures.
- Follow all local regulations regarding the use of autonomous or remotely operated vehicles.
Mechanical safety
- Do not place hands or objects near moving parts, such as wheels and motors, while the rover is powered on.
- Use appropriate lifting techniques when handling the rover to avoid injury.
- Do not lift the rover by its sensors or other delicate components.
- Ensure all payloads are securely fastened to prevent shifting during movement.
- Ensure that any added payloads do not exceed the rover's weight capacity or obstruct sensors.
- Ensure that mounted payloads do not interfere with the rover's balance or center of gravity.
Electrical safety
General precautions
- Avoid exposing the rover's electrical components to water or moisture.
- Do not attempt to open or modify the rover's battery or electrical systems without proper certification and training.
- Disconnect the battery before performing any maintenance or repairs on the rover.
- Keep the rover's electrical components away from metal objects to prevent short circuits.
Battery handling
- Use caution when handling the lithium-ion battery; avoid puncturing, crushing, exposing it to fire or water.
- Charge the battery in a well-ventilated area away from flammable materials.
- Store the battery in a cool, dry place when not in use, away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Store the battery at a partial charge (around 50%) for long-term storage to prolong its lifespan.
- In case of battery damage or leakage, avoid contact with skin and dispose of according to local regulations.
- Dispose of used batteries according to local regulations; do not incinerate or throw them in regular trash.
Charger and power supply
- Only use the charger and power supply provided with the rover or approved alternatives.
- Do not overcharge or leave the battery connected to the charger for extended periods after reaching full charge.
Safety systems
- The rover is equipped with a button to disable motors; familiarize yourself with its location and operation.
- The rover will automatically stop if it loses connection with the remote controller.
- The remote connection has a limited range; ensure you operate within this range to maintain control.
- The remote connection has latency; be prepared for slight delays in response time during operation.
Sensor & Radiation safety
- The rover is equipped with class 1 LiDAR and cameras with IR illuminators that are safe for general use.
- Avoid direct eye exposure to any active sensors, such as LiDAR or cameras, to prevent potential eye damage.
- Rover emits safe levels of electromagnetic radiation on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands for Wi-Fi communication; potential interference with sensitive medical devices is unlikely but possible.
- Configure the rover's router to use only allowed Wi-Fi channels and power levels in your region to minimize interference with other devices.
Environmental considerations
- Operate the rover in accordance with local environmental regulations.
- Rover has IP54 rating; it can handle limited dust ingress and water splashes but should not be submerged.
- Do not operate the rover in environmentally sensitive areas without proper authorization.
- Do not expose the rover to extreme temperatures, as this may affect performance and safety. Raph Rover is designed to operate within a temperature range of -10°C to 45°C (14°F to 113°F).
- The rover contains recyclable materials; dispose of components according to local recycling regulations.
Some of the information in this manual may be subject to change as the rover is updated; always refer to the latest version of the manual for current safety guidelines.
Community & resources
If you get stuck or run into any issues with the robot, remember: you are not alone! Join our Discord community to access a private support channel directly with Fictionlab employees. Alternatively, you can simply contact us by email.