• The Journal of the Institute of Internet, Broadcasting and Communication
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• v.20 no.5
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• pp.79-88
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• 2020

This paper propose the method to drive a solar panel cleaning robot efficiently on an inclined panel using vacuum pad pressure. In this method, the rubber pads using the vacuum pressure are used to attach robot body to the panel surface. By applying the linkage mechanism to the vacuum pads, it was possible to reduce robot weight and power consumption and to prevent slipping of the robot. In addition, the use of solenoid valves, proximity sensors, and encoders to detect movement of the robot body and the control of the pad pressure dedicate to the driving of the robot on an inclined panel. In order to move the robot forward, the operation sequence of multiple solenoid valves was completed, and the six vacuum pads mounted to both legs were accurately controlled to form vacuum and atmospheric pressure in right order so that the robot could move forward without slipping. At last, it was confirmed through experiments that straight-forward moving and rotational movement could be performed up to 36 degrees of inclination angle of solar panel.