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Unbiased Litter Robot 3 Connect Review: We Tested It

Our Review Process

Our reviews are based on extensive research and, when possible, hands-on testing. Each time you make a purchase through one of our independently-chosen links, we’ll receive a percentage of the proceeds. Read more about how we’re supported here.

Ratings

  • Ease of Cleaning – 10/10
  • Odor Control – 10/10
  • Appearance – 9.5/10
  • Construction – 9/10
  • Price – 7/10

Overall Score: 9.1/10

Here’s How You Get Started With The Litter-Robot

At around $500, the WiFi-enabled Litter-Robot III Connect could be the most expensive device you’ll ever buy for your cat. But is this rotating litter sifter worth the money?

After testing the Litter-Robot for over a year, we’re bringing you the details on how the Robot works and my personal experience using it with my two cats.

Let’s Start With Some Background On What The Litter-robot Is And How It Works

In 2000, Auto Pets produced the first Litter-Robot—an innovative globe-shaped, rotating litter box that automatically sifts your cat’s litter after each use.

The latest edition of the Litter-Robot, called the Litter-Robot III with Connect, is a WiFi-enabled device that allows you to control and monitor cleanings via a smartphone app. With its glowing blue night light, distinctive design, quiet performance, and smart home-ready functionalities, this looks like the litter box of the future.

Here’s How You Get Started With The Litter-Robot

The Litter-Robot arrives fully assembled and ready for use. You’ll just have to take the ridged rubber mat out of the globe and place it on the step, install a drawer liner, pour in the litter, then plug the Litter-Robot in.

It’s a big, noticeable installment in the home, measuring 30 x 25 x 27 inches and weighing 24 pounds. With its enormous footprint, the Litter-Robot may have a hard time fitting in your home.

Before you take the plunge, confirm that you have enough open floor space to fit this behemoth. The Litter-Robot does best when positioned away from walls and corners—cramped spaces could limit its rotation.

With its distinctive design and large size, the Litter-Robot is a dramatic addition to the home. At night, a blue light illuminates inside of the dome, giving it an even more dramatic appearance.

Which Kind Of Litter Works Best In The Litter-Robot?

Before we talk about the Robot’s automatic sifting performance, let’s backtrack a little bit and talk about cat litter. While some automatic litter boxes—think the PetSafe ScoopFree—demand that you use a single, specific type of cat litter or come with their custom litter, the Litter-Robot gives you a few more options.

The Litter-Robot works best with a hard-clumping litter, so whether you choose clay, clumping crystals, or a biodegradable product, you’ll want something that creates firm, cohesive clumps.

If you’re not sure which litter to choose, visit the Litter-Robot store to explore their selection of litter intended for use in the Litter-Robot.

When I first got the Litter-Robot, I used a fine-grained, lightweight clumping clay, which resulted in a sticky, messy situation. Later, I tried Fresh Step, Tidy Cats 24/7 Performance, and Dr. Elsey’s Ultra. All of these hard-clumping clay products worked well, creating firm clumps and allowing the Litter-Robot to do its job with minimal sticking.

Read More: The Best Cat Litter: 14 Best Cat Litters of 2020

I also tried the Litter-Robot with a couple of biodegradable litter products, including a grass-based litter and World’s Best Litter, which is made from corn. Both had a bit more sticking than I’d prefer, fusing a bit to the rubber liner.

Regardless of which type of cat litter you choose, pouring it comes with some challenges. Large, heavy bags won’t do well with the small opening and awkward angle of the Litter Robot’s entryway, necessitating the use of a scoop to transfer litter from bag to bed.

Here’s How The Litter-Robot Works

The Litter-Robot rotates to move litter through a grate, sifting waste from clean litter.

Cleaning cycles happen in one of two ways—automatically and manually. You can trigger a cleaning cycle by pressing the “cycle” button on the front of the Litter-Robot or wait for it to work automatically each time your cat uses the box.

The Litter-Robot is equipped with a sensor that detects the presence of a cat—provided that the feline weighs at least 5 lbs—when they enter the globe. Upon detecting a cat, the Litter-Robot initiates a waiting period of 3 to 15 minutes. This period gives the contents of the litter box time to firm up and dry. When that waiting interval is over, the Litter-Robot begins a cleaning cycle.

I found the Litter Robot’s sifting mechanism was consistent and effective. Because it allows the litter to fall through a grate naturally, the Robot avoids some of the jamming and clogging that plagues other self-cleaning boxes that use rakes and conveyors to separate clumps from loose litter.

As the globe rotates, the litter shifts and slides, eventually moving through a sifter. As it inverts, the rubber globe liner pops out, ensuring that all of the waste detaches from the bottom of the globe. Eventually, all of the clean litter is sequestered for later and dirty litter drops into a waste drawer under the globe. The Robot then rotates back to give you a flat bed of clean litter.

In my experience, this sifting system works exactly the way it should. The litter moves smoothly through the sifter with minimal sticking and no jamming. Compared to other automatic litter boxes like the PetSafe Simply Clean or the Litter Maid, it’s a smooth, effective, and consistent machine.

While the sifting mechanism works beautifully, the cat detection system wasn’t quite as consistent as I’d hoped it would be.

Sensor issues are common when using the Litter-Robot—many users say that the sensor was unable to detect their cats, even though they met the weight minimum and had placed the Robot in an appropriate location.

In my experience, the Litter-Robot only detected my larger cat, Wessie, when he went into the box. Wessie weighs between 12 and 14 lbs, so he’s well-above the lower weight limit. But when 7-lb Forest entered the box, the Robot failed to detect her presence about half of the time.

What Did The Cats Think?

My 14-lb cat, Wessie, would use the Litter-Robot if he had to, but he was reluctant to use it on a regular basis. The dome is small and confining for larger cats.

Both Wessie and Forest were hesitant to use the Litter-Robot when it first arrived.

After months using the Litter-Robot, I found that my larger cat, Wessie, refused to use the Litter-Robot. I believe he was uncomfortable with the small internal size of the globe. Though it’s a massive unit that takes up a lot of space in the room, the inside of the Litter-Robot measures just 14 x 14 inches.

Forest, however, took to the Litter-Robot readily. I believe that the Litter-Robot appealed to both her size and personality. As a lightweight cat with a delicate frame, Forest fits well inside of the globe. Because it’s cleaned after every use, the Litter-Robot appeals to her love of cleanliness. It also suits Forest’s appreciation of cozy, confined spaces.

How Well Does The Litter-Robot Control Odors?

Once the litter is sifted, the waste is held in the waste drawer, which contains a trash bag—you can use either Litter Robot’s custom bags or your favorite 8-13 gallon trash bags—and a carbon filter, which helps to keep any odors from leaking. With one cat using the Litter-Robot, you’ll have to discard the contents of the waste drawer about once a week.

Whenever I pull out the waste drawer, I’m surprised by just how much stench is locked away in there. The smell is fully contained in the drawer until you open it up, meaning that the house feels fresh.

Between this effective containment system and the Litter Robot’s frequent cleaning cycles, it’s better at controlling odors than any traditional litter box and scoop.

Does The Litter-Robot Contain Scatter?

The Litter-Robot comes with a little mat that’s supposed to capture litter, but it’s pretty small and it doesn’t catch everything, especially if you have cats who dig a lot. If you want to prevent all of that scatter, you can put a mat in front of or underneath the Litter-Robot for additional protection.

It’s important to place the mat under the base of the Litter-Robot or in front of it. Placing a mat partially underneath the Litter-Robot could disrupt the sensor.

You’ll have to take everything apart and clean the Litter-Robot at least once every few months.

Even if you’re using the best low-stick litter, waste and litter will eventually accumulate on the Litter-Robot. At this point, you’ll have to take everything apart and clean the Litter-Robot. It’s recommended that you clean the Litter-Robot at least once every 3 months.

You’ll have to empty the litter, take the bag out of the waste drawer, unplug the base, take off the bonnet, and release the globe. Disassembling the Litter-Robot is more straightforward than you’d expect. Handling the separated parts is awkward, but not difficult.

Once the Litter-Robot is disassembled, you’ll either hose it down outdoors or wipe it with a paper towel, soap, and water. With disassembly, cleaning, drying, and reassembly time considered, the entire process takes about 20 minutes.

The Litter-Robot App

The Litter-Robot III Connect is compatible with a smartphone app, available for both iOS and Android devices. This app allows you to monitor your cat’s litter box usage and control it remotely.

For an additional $50, you can upgrade to the WiFi-enabled Open Air III with Connect. The Litter-Robot app allows you to monitor the waste drawer and track your cat’s litter box usage. It gives you a daily, weekly, and monthly analysis of your cat’s litter box activity.

The Litter-Robot app also allows you to adjust all of your settings, like how long the Litter-Robot waits after use to start a cycle and whether or not you want to use the night light. You can set up a sleep mode, which prevents the Litter-Robot from cycling during an 8-hour period of your choice. It also allows you to manually start cleaning cycles remotely.

Because the Litter-Robot takes you out of the litter cleaning equation a bit, I think that the use monitoring functionality of the app is an important and valuable addition. It lets you monitor your cat’s bathroom activity, which is a very important insight into your cat’s health.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get much out of the app because Wessie wasn’t using it and it wasn’t detecting Forest. I could adjust my settings from the app and monitor the waste drawer, but I missed out on the usage tracking.

How Much Does The Litter-Robot Cost?

The base model Litter-Robot III costs $449 on the Litter-Robot site. If you want to opt for the Connect version, you’ll pay $499. If you want to cut back on your costs, you may be able to find a reconditioned unit in the Litter-Robot store. Financing is also available.

Overall, Is The Litter-Robot A Good Choice?

The Litter-Robot is among the most versatile and consistent automatic litter boxes you can buy. Its design gives you a lot of freedom in terms of which types of litter you can use and its sifting mechanism seems to work more reliably than that of virtually any other automatic litter box.

Because it’s such a strong hands-off solution, the Litter-Robot and its hefty price tag are worth it for people who want to spend less time cleaning the litter box and are willing to pay for it. This investment could save you hundreds of hours. And thanks to the Litter-Robot app, it’s one of the only automatic litter boxes that allows you to keep track of your cat’s litter box activity, meaning that you’re not losing touch with what’s happening in your cat’s bathroom.

It’s a good choice for people who are busy or overwhelmed and need something they can rely on to keep the litter box clean without their help. It can also be a good choice for people with mobility issues or disabilities. You’ll still have to take it apart and clean it every couple of months, but the hands-off operation can reduce the burden.

I even think it could be a good gift for someone who’s having a hard time taking care of their cats. The Litter-Robot could help someone keep their cats happy while they’re going through a rough patch and having a hard time keeping up.

Also Read:

  • Litter-Robot vs ScoopFree Review – Purchased And Tested
  • Litter-Robot vs CatGenie – Purchased And Tested

That being said, the litter-robot isn’t right for everyone.

I wouldn’t recommend it for larger cats or those who will feel uncomfortable in a covered litter box. The sensor can be inconsistent and you may find yourself triggering manual cycles more often than you’d like.

If you’re interested in trying the Litter-Robot, remember that it comes with a 90-day money-back guarantee and an optional 3-year warranty. If you want to lower your upfront expense, you might consider financing, available through Affirm on the Litter-Robot site.

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Litter Robot Troubleshooting: Fixing Common Litter-Robot 3 Issues

Home » Cat Products » Cat Litter Box

Published: · Modified: by Jenny

The Litter-Robot 3 is a wonderful device for all cat owners that want to forever say goodbye to scooping litter. This device is especially designed to offer you the possibility of living in an odorless home, despite having cats, while also using less litter than you would normally use. Its beauty is that it takes care of the entire litter scooping process by following precise pre-programmed instructions that allow proper functioning at all times.

Litter Robot 3 Issues Solved.

However, as most devices out there, the Litter-Robot 3 will also encounter some issues along the way that may impede it from fulfilling its purpose. To this end, it’s important to know what the most common ones can be ahead of time, so you can quickly resume your life living in a pleasant home environment with completely satisfied cats.

These issues are easily fixable and it’s important to become familiar with the steps you need to take to fix them, in order to be prepared at all times. Let’s look at some of the most common Litter-Robot 3 issues:

All products featured on the site are carefully selected by the editor of Floppycats, Jenny Dean. In addition, we may earn a small commission when you purchase something through our affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. 

1. Cat Sensor Troubleshooting

The Cat Sensor is a feature that senses when the cat has entered or exited the Globe. If the cat sensor breaks down, no other normal function can occur anymore. Having said this, you will need to follow a few simple steps to troubleshoot this issue.

  • First of all, you will need to press the Cycle button, which makes the unit cycle and the return to its Home position - indicated by the solid blue light.
  • Then press the Reset button which will enable you to adjust the cat sensor.
  • After this, you can press on the globe, just above the entrance. You can do so in a backward and forward motion to see if the red light engages.
  • If it doesn’t, check how your unit was placed. To this end, make sure nothing is resting on your unit and that it’s not placed against a wall. It also needs to be placed on a solid, level surface.

2. What Happens If the Globe Jams?

The Globe can also get jammed at one point or another in time, making the motor stop and the control panel to display a yellow-to-red blinking sequence. Here’s how to troubleshoot your jammed globe:

  • In order to reset the unit and have everything functioning alright again, you will first need to remove the bonnet and put it aside.
  • You will also need to remove the globe, paying attention not to let it roll. What you need to do next is to inspect if there’s any liquid accumulation or residue right where the globe usually rests, with specific attention to its top portion from the exterior.
  • Be sure to also check if there’s any excessive litter and remove it if the case calls for it. You will need to ensure there’s a maximum of 10 pounds of litter or for it to be filled to the line.
  • Once you’re done, put the globe and bonnet back in place, ensuring all four tabs are in place as well. Lock the black key on the back of the globe into the pocket.
  • Plug in the power supply and turn the unit back on. Your Litter-Robot will perform a cycle and return to its Home position with the blue light on.
Litter Robot 3 Has Lights to Indicate issues.

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3. Fixing a Loose Gear on Your Litter-Robot

It may also happen that your unit has a loose or free spinning gear and no globe movement. In this case, it appears that the set screw has come loose and you will need a 3mm hex wrench to fix it.

  • First you will need to unplug the unit, remove the globe and press on the black gear located on the side. If it moves, you can continue the steps.
  • You will need to locate the shaft that’s attached to the gear - that’s where you can also find the screw and if you can see it straight away you can skip directly to using the wrench.
  • If you don’t see it, you can turn on the power and watch for the flat side to rotate into the position that allows you to actually see the set screw. The flat side of the shaft should be facing you.
  • Once aligned, turn off the power and unplug your Litter-Robot.
  • Using your 3mm hex wrench, tighten the screw by turning it to the right.
  • When it’s tight enough and doesn’t move anymore, you can place the globe back on the base, turn on the power and press Cycle. You’ll know everything is back to normal when you see the blue light again.

4. Bonnet Connections

If the bonnet is not securely placed on, the globe won’t rotate and you’ll find the yellow light blinking. An alternative cause to a faulty bonnet connection may be that the black key on the back of the globe is not in the slot and it’s lifting the bonnet.

If however the key is in place, the bonnet correctly assembled, yet the yellow light flashing still, you may need to:

  • Disconnect the bonnet.
  • Flex the two bonnet tabs outwardly.
  • Reattach the bonnet - you will know it’s securely in place when you feel a snap and hear a ‘click’.
  • While the bonnet is removed, you can also use a damp cloth to clean the two metal sensors that are on the left side of the bonnet.
  • If you’re still encountering the issue, you may also want to check the nightlight connection. There are wires on the underside of the bonnet and in a micro connector. This in turn plugs into the circuit board inside the night light housing. All you need to do is to push this micro connector into the circuit board in order to ensure proper connection.
  • The fin of the globe may also catch some of the bonnet wires, leading to the pause of the rotation.
  • It’s recommended to also check if there are any loose or pulled wires and securing them by taping them flat against the bonnet.
Automatic Cat Litter Box for multiple cats

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Related Reading:

Should You Buy a Litter-Robot Refurbished and Reconditioned? Pros and Cons!

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In terms of issues that may occur with your Litter-Robot 3, you may also see the blue light blinking. Before troubleshooting, it’s advisable to:

  • Unplug your power supply and then wait for 10 seconds.
  • Plug the unit back in and allow it to complete its cleaning cycle.
  • If the light is solid blue, everything has reverted to normal.

If the light is still blinking, you will need to troubleshoot. Before you continue, you need to make sure the waste drawer is empty and that it has a clean waste drawer liner.

Blue blinking light: The bag isn't fully inserted in the drawer

Blue blinking light but the bag is properly inserted: Usually, the DFI lens is dirty, wipe them with a cloth.

First of all, you will need to check your DFI lenses for any obstructions:

  • Turn off your Litter-Robot and unplug from the power base, after which you can remove the bonnet and globe.
  • Look for excess litter and clean accordingly where the globe usually rests.
  • Look for the green circuit board within the waste port of the base.
  • Use a Q-tip to gently clean the sensor eye.
  • Replace the globe and bonnet, while also ensuring the black key from the back of the globe is secure in its slot.
  • Plug your unit back in, power it on and press Cycle. After the cleaning cycle is complete, the unit should be back in its Home position with a solid blue light on.

If the issue still persists, you will need to further troubleshoot:

  • Remove the waste drawer and press the Cycle button.
  • You can then press Reset twice to abort the cycle and return to Home position.
  • While removing the waste drawer, make sure there isn’t anything in the drawer that may be blocking the sensor - in which case you would see a solid blue light.
  • If however the drawer is clear, it’s time to call Customer Service, since the base needs repairing.

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All 3 Lights Flashing on a Litter-Robot 3

You will find that with your Litter-Robot you may also encounter another technical issue that manifests itself through all of the three lights blinking. (Read our whole post dedicated to this.) Now there can be three different reasons why this may be happening, so let’s take a look at each one of them:

  • There’s excess weight in the unit. Make sure you check the litter level and ensure it’s not above the Fill line. If you do take some litter out from the globe, make sure you hit the Restart button afterwards. Another way to remove excess weight is to empty the waste drawer, especially if it’s getting close to being full.
  • Check your power supply. First of all, make sure there is no damage to the power cord and check that your adapter meets the needed specifications: 15VDC regulated adapter 400mA to 1000mA. If you’ve plugged your unit into an extension cord, try switching to a wall socket and see if there’s any difference.
  • Check the internal shield or black key at the back of the globe. As a note, all Litter-Robots purchased after February 21st, 2018 will not have an internal shield, but the black key instead. When not set correctly, either one of them can cause disruptions to the cycling process. When the unit is in Home position, the shield should be in the top left corner and the key should be placed properly in the groove situated in the base.
  • Check the bonnet, it may not be placed correctly. Make sure that each of the four tabs, two curved in the back and two on the sides, are secured properly. You should hear a ‘click’ when that happens.
  • If you notice the globe lifting during the cycle process, it may be because it’s encountering resistance. This means there will be friction between the plastic of the globe and the base, causing the magnets in the globe to skip the position sensor, further leading to the 3 blinking lights. A simple solution is to apply furniture polish to the tracks on which the globe sits. Each time you make changes to the unit, remember to press Reset.

7. The Fresh Restart

If no other troubleshooting method works, then it’s best to try the Fresh Restart technique, as suggested by the team at Litter-Robot. This should enable you to identify the issue and further communicate it to the Customer Service team. Here’s what you need to do:

  • First press the Power button and turn the Litter-Robot off, then unplug the power supply from the back of the base.
  • Disassemble the bonnet and globe by depressing the side tabs, tilting the bonnet backward, then lifting it up and setting it aside.
  • While in Home position, also carefully remove the globe.
  • Ensure the base is sitting on firm, level ground and that it’s not pushed against the wall. The Litter-Robot must not be leaning on anything.
  • Empty the waste drawer even though it may not be full.
  • Reassemble the Globe back in Home position. If you sense that its weight may be imbalanced, just gaze through the screen into the litter pocket. Check for any stuck litter, as it may throw off the unit during cycling. Clean the Globe accordingly.
  • Once you align it on track, make sure the litter level inside the Globe is at or below the raised Fill line.
  • Reassemble the bonnet by aligning the rear tabs in the base. Tilt the bonnet forward, snap the tabs into place, ensuring they are secured.
  • You will also need to ensure the black key at the back of the base is properly secured in its pocket.
  • Plug the power supply back into the base and turn the unit on.
  • Your Litter-Robot should now perform a cleaning cycle. It will first rotate to the dump position, then past the Home position in order to level the litter inside and then back to Home position again, with a solid blue light. It’s important to also note that the Cat Sensor is automatically reset at the end of each cycle performed.
  • In order to manually activate the Cat Sensor, you can press the globe just above the entrance by using a forward-backward motion and then release. This should activate the Cat Sensor and you will see the blue light going off and the read one going on instead - as a simulation of a cat entering and then exiting the unit. Allow the unit the wait time you’ve set it to, regardless if it’s 3, 7 or 15 minutes, and the clean cycle to finish. If the globe then returns to Home position with a solid blue light, then your Litter-Robot is functioning properly.

8. Litter-Robot Turning the Wrong Way

Another issue that may arise with your Litter-Robot 3 is that it can turn the wrong way from what it’s supposed to turn. If you’re confronted with your Litter-Robot turning the wrong way, it’s usually due to one of the following two reasons:

  • The issue may be caused by a malfunctioning of the circuit board which may ultimately need replacing. It’s recommended that you talk to the Litter-Robot support team about this.
  • The issue may be caused by the harness/magnetic sensor. It may be slowly giving out, so once again you will need to talk to the Litter-Robot support team and see if you need to replace it.
Solutions for Flashing Lights on a Litter-Robot 3

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9. Litter-Robot Hall Effect Sensor

The Hall Effect Sensor is an integral part of the Litter-Robot and it’s the very core technology that makes it such an intelligent machine.

  • The Hall Effect Sensor is part of the Wiring Harness and is only sold together with it.
  • We’ve talked before about the three lights blinking. If you’ve checked the voltage of the power supply and the set screw on the motor and the issue still persists, then it most likely comes down to the Hall Effect Sensor, which may need replacing.

If you find yourself in need of replacing the Wiring Harness system, rest assured it’s an easy process as long as you follow these steps:

1.

Opening the Control Panel
  • Make sure that first off all you cut off all power from your Litter-Robot by unplugging the machine.
  • Remove the Bonnet, Globe and Waste Drawer.
  • On the top of the base, which is called the bezel, you will find five screws - unscrew them to remove the top.
Trigg Looking in on the Litter-Robot

2. Look For the Circuit Board and Sensors

  • Lift the bezel by using needle-nose pliers.
  • You will now be able to see the Hall Effect Sensors, the circuit board and the motor.
  • You’ll find 3 connectors on the motherboard - gently unplug them.
  • The motor will also have 2 connectors - unplug them and then remove the motor.
  • You may find tape holding the Circuit Board and Keypad in place - remove it without second thoughts.
  • Find and remove the wire locker.

3. Opening the Base

  • The next step is to turn the base upside down, while also making sure the control panel has no loose parts left in it.
  • You’ll find 9 screws here - simply remove them.

4. Removing the Entire Harness

Before you go through this process, make sure you take a mental note of how the wiring on the Litter-Robot was made. Better yet, take a photo of the entire electrical arrangement, so you’ll have something to turn to when you assemble back the machine.

  • Use the pliers from before and carefully remove the Power Jack.
  • The blue and black wires represent the Cat Sensor’s connector - unplug them.
  • The purple and black wires represent the Bonnet’s wires - unplug them as well.
  • The red and black wires represent the Battery wires - gently remove them.

5. Installing the New Wiring Harness

  • Plug back in the blue and black wires which represent the Cat Sensors.
  • Pass the red and black wires which represent the Battery wires in the small hole.
  • Plug back in the white and black wires which represent the Power Jack Connector.
  • Plug back in the purple and black wires, which represent the Bonnet’s connectors.
  • Pass the Hall Effect Sensor through the Control Panel hole.

6. Installing Back the Control Panel

  • Ensure that all wires go under the Motor.
  • Clip back the Wire Locker.
  • Install the motor and pay attention to the wiring: red with green and white with brown.
  • Install the plastic piece with the Hall Effect Sensor in place.
  • Secure the Hall Effect Sensor by adding a piece of tape.
  • Plug back those 3 initial connectors on the Circuit Board.

7. Closing the Unit Back

  • Clip back the main board on the plastic panel.
  • Screw back all the initial 5 screws, while also making sure all the wires are plugged in securely.
  • Screw back the 9 screws on the back of the base from earlier on.

8. Plug It Back It and Give It a Run

  • Once you’ve reassembled the unit, make sure you also install the Globe.
  • Clip the Bonnet back.
  • Plug the power supply back in.
  • If it doesn’t power up automatically, you simply press on the Power Button.
  • Let the unit cycle and follow its program.
  • Enjoy your Litter-Robot.

10. Litter-Robot Won’t Cycle Automatically

If you notice your Litter-Robot won’t cycle automatically and the yellow light won’t turn off, it’s most likely because it entered Sleep Mode. This mode has been created in order for you to have some peace and quiet for eight hours, especially if the Litter-Robot is placed somewhere where, at times, you require no disturbance.

Once you set the Sleep Mode on, it will not cycle automatically for 8 hours straight. Once these 8 hours are done, it will begin a Clean Cycle. In order to exit the Sleep Mode, press and hold the Cycle button until the yellow light turns off.

11.  Litter-Robot Won’t Cycle Automatically, Doesn’t Detect the Cat

The Litter-Robot Cat Sensor is created in order for the Litter-Robot to know when the cat enters and exits the unit. Every time the unit is turned on, the Cat Sensor measures the weight of the unit and detects if there are any changes to it.

Pressing the Reset Button every time you change the weight of the Litter-Robot will enable it to understand that something has changed. It’s recommended that you press the Reset Button in any of these cases:

  • You’ve emptied the Waste Drawer;
  • You’ve added litter;
  • You’ve cleaned the unit;
  • You’ve moved the Litter-Robot.

Once you press the Reset Button, the blue light will flash and the Cat Sensor will be reset and reactivated.

The Cat Sensor’s normal functioning may be affected whenever you:

  • Place the Litter-Robot on an uneven surface, against the wall or on the carpet;
  • You haven’t filled the Litter-Robot with enough litter to meet the raised Fill Line;
  • Your cat weighs less than 5 lbs;

When the Litter-Robot simply doesn’t detect your cat, perform these quick checks:

  • Look at the display on your unit. If both the blue and yellow lights are on, it means the unit is in Sleep Mode.
  • If you notice a dirty litter box and that the light doesn’t change from blue to red when the cat is inside, then the Cat Sensor didn’t properly detect your cat. Test this by pressing the Cycle button, so the unit can perform a Clean Cycle. Afterwards, it should simply return to Home position with a solid blue light on, indicating that everything is running normally. You can then press the Reset button, which will make the blue light blink and which confirms the Cat Sensor has been reset.
  • You can then test the Cat Sensor by pressing back and away on top of the entry unit towards the back of the unit. The blue light should now turn red, as if the unit registered your cat is inside. If it does, it’s a great sign. Simply press the Reset button and the unit will return to its blue standby light. In case the light did not turn red, it means your Cat Sensor did not feel the pressure you applied, in which case you’ll need to perform a Hard Reset.
  • In order to perform a Hard Reset, make sure the Globe is in Home position and there’s a solid blue light on. Remove the power supply from the back and wait 10 seconds, after which you can plug it back in. You can now allow the unit to complete a Clean Cycle, then press and hold the Cycle button for 5 seconds. Both the blue and yellow lights will turn on - now press and hold the Cycle button for 5 seconds. This will make the yellow light turn off, while the blue light remains on. You can now activate the Cat Sensor by pressing down and away on the unit entryway towards the back. The red light should come on now - if it does then it’s a great sign. Simply allow the unit to finish its Clean Cycle. Once in the Home position again, the unit will be reset. If the red light did not turn on, it’s recommended that you contact Customer Service.

12. Litter-Robot Gets ‘Stuck’

It can also happen from time to time that your Litter-Robot simply gets ‘stuck’. In case this happens, one of the following scenarios may apply:

  • There may be too much litter in the Globe;
  • The type/brand of litter is heavier than the average litter. In this case, you can put a little less than you would normally do with regular litter - fill in just below the Fill Line. In case your litter is regular, make sure you put in just enough so that it’s below the raised Fill Line or reaching this level.

13. Litter-Robot Is Dumping Clean Litter

In case this happens, you should know that most likely there’s too much litter in the Globe. Simply scoop some out and when you fill in the unit the next time, do so ensuring the litter level is at or below the raised Fill Line.

14. The Waste Inside the Litter-Robot Sticks

In case you observe the waste to be sticking, you can simply adjust the Litter-Robot Wait Time setting to accommodate your litter - you can do so by decreasing or increasing it.

The Wait Time is the elapsed time between the moment your cat exits the Globe and the unit starts a Clean Cycle. It can usually be set for 3, 7 or 15 minutes, although the default Wait Time is 7 minutes.

When you reduce the Wait Time:

  • You’ll have the chance to reduce unpleasant odors;
  • Or reduce the time that litter is available to other pets as well;
  • You may also reduce cleaning effectiveness if the litter has not had enough time to clump up.

On the other hand, you can also extend the Wait Time when you’re using lower-quality litter that needs more time to clump up;

In order to set up the Wait Time:

  • Press and hold the Empty button for about 5 seconds. One of the lights will start flashing, indicating the current setting for the Wait Time.
  • Use the Reset Button to switch to the next setting: blue for 3 minutes, yellow for 7 minutes and red for 15 minutes.
  • Press and hold the Empty button to save the setting you selected. The blue light will blink to confirm your choice and then it will return to its standby solid position.

Buy the Litter-Robot

All in all, these are the most common issues you can encounter when owning the Litter-Robot 3. Of course, they may or may not occur, but by knowing these steps mentioned above, you’ll be able to successfully get out of any unpleasant situation that may arise.

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Robotic scavenger

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Rakhimov M. R. 1


Ashirbekova

Fayzullina T.R. 1


Ashirbekova

The author of the work was awarded a diploma of the winner of the II degree

Diploma of a student Certificate of the head

The text of the work is placed without images and formulas.
The full version of the work is available in the "Files of the work" tab in PDF format

Abstract

The problem of garbage in forests and parks is one of the most urgent on our planet. One of the main problems is the pollution of forests. The forest park zone of any city is perceived as a place for recreation, and therefore traces of their stay regularly remain after people: plastic cans; plastic bags; disposable tableware. All this is found both individually and lies in whole heaps in the forest. The collection and disposal of this waste is an urgent problem.

Purpose of work: to create a garbage collector from the LEGO Ev3 set using additional materials.

Tasks

Examine the literature on the subject.

Collect LEGO Ev3 parts and accessories to build a robot. Build a robot with LEGO Ev3 parts.

Learn to program in TRIK STUDIO. Write a program for a garbage collection robot.

Test and debug the garbage collection robot.

Methods and techniques used in the work on the project: study of literature, work on the Internet, generalization and systematization, ICT technologies, construction using LEGO Ev3 parts and additional materials, programming in TRIK STUDIO.

Hypothesis: If we create a robotic scavenger that will help to remove garbage in forests and parks, then there will be less garbage in forests and parks.

Object of research: design and programming process.

Subject of study: design and programming of a robotic scavenger.

New: There are no robotic scavengers for cleaning forests and parks yet, there are garbage sorting robots, there are "smart" bins, there are janitors and garbage trucks that clean the streets, there are also swimmer robots for cleaning rivers. Meanwhile, pollution of forests and parks is an urgent problem, people cannot cope with this problem on their own. And my robotic scavenger can solve this problem. The garbage collection robot rides on tracks, and therefore it can reach the most inaccessible places.

The practical significance of is that the robotic scavenger can be used in real life.

Actuality: Garbage follows a person on the heels. And leaving no waste is impossible. People do not always clean up after themselves, so the problem of garbage collection by a robot is relevant.

The functionality of a robotic scavenger: search and collection of garbage in forests and parks.

Robotic Scavenger consists of a robot based on LEGOEV3 parts and additional materials.

The creation of a robotic scavenger involves the following steps :

Building a system with LEGO EV3

For constructing a robotic scavenger I used:

EV3 Brick

Large EV3 Servo Motor

EV3 medium servomotor

Color sensor EV3

Ultrasonic transducer

Lego EV3 parts:

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

1. Gears, sprocket

2.Hub

3. Beams

4. Curved beams, corner beams

5. Axles

6. Clips

7. Pins

8. Bushings

9. Frames

10. Angle connecting pins

11. Track links

Cable

Robot moves with large servo motors, 2 pcs. To drive through forests and parks, he used not wheels, but caterpillars, so that the robotic scavenger could reach the most inaccessible places. To move along the line, I used color sensors (2 pcs). An ultrasonic sensor is needed so that the robot can see the debris. From parts, Lego designed a garbage cart and a mechanism to push garbage into the cart.

The designed robotic scavenger can be viewed in appendix 1

Programming TRIK - studio

I program on TRIK Studio, because is an intuitive programming environment that allows you to program robots using a sequence of blocks. For me, programming with TRIK Studio becomes easy and fun.

The principle of operation of a robotic scavenger.

The robot moves along the line, sees debris with the help of an ultrasonic sensor, stops. He pushes the garbage into the cart, drives on until he finds more garbage. Arrives at the waste processing plant.

The robot moves along the line with two color sensors using a proportional controller (P-controller).

I used 2 color sensors, as when using one sensor, the line is often lost, after which the robot becomes uncontrollable.

I used a P-regulator, because when using relay regulators it leads to frequent loss of the line and inefficient movement along it.

In a proportional controller, the control variable is proportional to the deviation of the measured value from the norm (error). The greater the deviation, the greater will be the control action.

As the name implies, the control variable is proportional to the deviation:

u = k*err, where k is the proportionality factor and err = (x0-x) is the deviation from the norm (x0 is the norm value, x is the current value).

The relationship between u and err is linear, and a controller operating according to this formula is called a proportional linear controller.

When using one light sensor, the formula becomes:

u = k*(current light sensor value - gray border value).

I will describe how we implement this in TRIK Studio.

The first thing the robot needs to know is the value of the “ideal point” located on the border of black and white.

The location of the red dot in the figure just corresponds to this position.

The ideal calculation is to measure the value of black and white and take the arithmetic mean. You can do it manually. But the cons are immediately visible: during even a short time, the illumination can change, and the calculated value will turn out to be incorrect. So you can make a robot do it.

The next parameter involved in the movement is the proportionality factor. The larger it is, the more sharply the robot reacts to changes in illumination. But too high a value will cause the robot to wobble. The value is selected experimentally individually for each robot design. For my design, this is 1.5.

The last parameter is the base power of the motors. It affects the speed of the robot. An increase in the speed of movement leads to an increase in the response time of the robot to changes in illumination, which can lead to departure from the trajectory. The value is also selected experimentally. I took 50

The logic of moving along the black line is as follows: the deviation from the ideal point is measured. The larger it is, the stronger the robot should strive to return to it.

To do this, we calculate two numbers - the power value of each of the motors B and C separately.

Looks like this:

The rest of the program can be seen in appendix 2

Testing, adjustment of an autonomous system for watering plants and looking after animals.

After I designed the robotic scavenger, wrote the program, I decided to test the robot.

During testing, I found the following shortcomings: 1) I started the system, but the robot did not go along the line, on the contrary, it left the line; 2) the robot did not see the garbage, it drove by. All shortcomings are eliminated.

Conclusion

During my research, I completed the following tasks:

Learned about robotic scavengers, built a robot from selected LEGO parts and additional materials, and wrote a program. After testing and correcting bugs, I tested my robotic scavenger in action.

Considering the main stages, developed a robotic scavenger.

Used the LEGOEv3 set to build the models.

When programming the project, I used the block "motors forward", "color sensor", "ultrasonic sensor", "motor power", "motor stop", "condition", "cycle".

After testing the robotic scavenger in action, I confirmed the research hypothesis: if a robotic scavenger is created to help clean up garbage in forests and parks, then there will be less garbage in forests and parks.

This work is aimed at solving an urgent problem - garbage collection in forests and parks. Thus, the chosen topic is relevant. The results can be used in real life.

Study plan

First stage: preparatory (September 2019-October 2020)

Awareness of the urgency of the problem;

Approval of the subject of work and determination of the goal, formulation of tasks, identification of sources of information, planning of methods for collecting and analyzing information;

At this stage, analytical work has been carried out, proving the relevance of the topic and the issues raised. Planned follow-up activities.

Second stage: implementation stage (November 2019 - March 2020)

Study of literature, Internet sources on this issue;

Study of robotics, legoconstruction, programming on trickstudio;

Creation of a robotic scavenger (robot).

Programming.

Third stage: final - analytical (April 2020)

1. Summarizing the work on the project implementation.

The result of this research work is the designed and programmed robotic scavenger.

References

1) Construction

https://education.lego.com/ru-ru/support/mindstorms-ev3/building-instructions

www.youtube.com

2) Learn to Program EV3 in TRIK Studio

http://mosmetod.ru/metodicheskoe-prostranstvo/robototekhnika/uchebno-metodicheskie-materialy/lego-konstruirovanie-i-robototekhnika/uchimsya-programmirovat-ev3-v-trik-studio.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vvnT9bWr7SE

3) TRIK-Studio in examples and problems

https://docplayer. ru/70395736-Trik-studio-v-primerah-i-zadachah.html

Appendix 1

Appendix 2

Main body

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SpinWave Robot, CleanView Connect Robot, EV775 Robot Pairing Guide with Apps | App Support

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1 Follow the steps below to pair with your robot.

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Follow these steps to pair with your robot.

Pairing error?

  • Uninstall and reinstall the BISSELL Connect app.
  • Reboot your phone and try pairing again.
  • If you are still getting an error message, refer to the specific error message. Troubleshooting steps in our Pairing Errors guide

Do you have an LG phone?

Yes > Go to LG Phone Settings before attempting to pair

No > Follow the steps below to pair with the robot.

Pairing steps:

  • Step 1: Download the BISSELL Connect app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
  • Step 2. Connect to the BISSELL Connect app.
  • Step 3: Connect the product to Wi-Fi
  • Step 4: Set up the robot

Step 1: Download the BISSELL Connect App from the Apple App Store or Google Play.

* Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC. Apple and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the US and other countries and regions. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.

  • Can't download the app? Make sure your device has enough storage space and a reliable internet connection.
    • If the problem persists, please restart your device and try again.
    • If the BISSELL Connect app still does not download to your device, contact your phone service provider.

Step 2: Connect to the BISSELL Connect App

  • Create a BISSELL account to log in or log in with Google or Facebook
    • If you use Facebook to log in, you can only log in with one Facebook account on your mobile device.
  • Select a product
    • If you have previously created an account, click the hamburger menu in the upper left corner of the app.
    • Click the plus icon and select the product you want to add.

  • Turn on the robot with the side switch.

  • Remove the dust container to find the QR code.
    • Immediately after scanning the QR code, return the machine face up.

  • If BISSELL wants to access your camera, a message will appear > Click "Go to Settings".
    • Turn on the switch next to "Camera".

  • Scan QR code
    • Make sure your phone has Wi-Fi turned on, connected to your home network, and is near a router.

  • Turn on the robot's Wi-Fi
    • Press and hold the Start/Pause button for 5 seconds until you hear a beep.
      • Select "Ok beep".
        • If the device does not beep, hold the play/pause button for 45 seconds until it beeps 3 times > Turn the device on and off with the side power switch > Try pairing again
      • Select "Next" to connect your phone to the robot's Wi-Fi network.

  • On some models, a ring of light may appear around the machine.
  • You will be prompted to join the BISSELL network, select "Join".
  • If prompted to allow BISSELL to find and connect to devices on your local network > click OK.

  • The application will show that the robot is connecting to the phone - this may take several minutes.
  • After a successful connection, this will be indicated in the application.
    • Select the next


  • If the network is not displayed immediately, move the robot and phone closer to the router and select "Rescan" at the bottom of the screen.
    • Keep the BISSELL Connect app open and active on your phone until the pairing process is complete.
  • To change the Wi-Fi network your robot is connected to, go to the settings screen in the app and click the Wi-Fi settings option, then follow the instructions