PLEN Robotics PC020B Cube the Palm Size Robot Instruction Manual
- June 5, 2024
- PLEN Robotics
Table of Contents
- PLEN Robotics PC020B Cube the Palm Size Robot Instruction Manual
- Thank you for purchasing PLEN Cube. Please read this manual in its
- [ Precautions for Safe Operation]
- 【 Battery Charging 】
- 【 Components 】
- 【 Charging the PLEN Cube 】
- 【 First-time Operation 】
- < Network setup >
- 1. Voice commands
- 2. Web Application
- 【 Music Streaming Services 】
- 【Infrared (IR) Remote Control Instructions】
- 【 Weather Report Setup 】
- 【 Connecting to a new network 】
- ** _In the event the spoken IP address was lost or misunderstood, the IP
- 【 Current Time Setup】
- 【 Updating Software and Firmware 】
- 【 Troubleshooting 】
- 1. The PLEN Cube does not respond to the trigger word
- 2. The head will not move or rotate
- 3. The PLEN Cube does not turn on when the power switch is held for 3
- 4. The PLEN Cube will not charge
- 5. The web application display will not update
- 【Specifications】
- 【 Warranty 】
- CE statements:
- Frequency range
- Manufacturer
- FCC statements:
- Read More About This Manual & Download PDF:
- Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
- Download This Manual (PDF format)
PLEN Robotics PC020B Cube the Palm Size Robot Instruction Manual
Thank you for purchasing PLEN Cube. Please read this manual in its
entirety for the correct use of this product before operation.
- PLEN Robotics Inc is not liable for any damages or accidents caused by failing to observe the items and precautions described.
- The diagrams and illustrations provided in this manual are representations. Actual images and form may differ in the received product.
- Specifications are subject to change without notice for product improvements.
- Unauthorized copying or reproduction of any of the contents of the product or this document is prohibited.
[ Precautions for Safe Operation]
PLEN Cube is a precision machine and there are many moving parts. If used incorrectly, it may lead to the failure of a mechanism / electronic component, or result in a serious accident. Please begin operation only after fully reading and acknowledging the full contents and precautions of this manual]
- Do not let any water or dirt into any cracks, holes, or components of the product
- Do not store, charge, or use the product in excessively hot or humid environments, near fire, or near water sources (ie: baths, lakes, etc…)
- Do not use or leave the product on an unstable or unbalanced surface • Never open, disassemble, or modify any components of the PLEN Cube or its accessories
- Use and store out of reach of small children. • Use and store out of reach of pets.
- Do not forcefully impede, manually move, apply a strong force, or torque to any actuating or moving parts. Forcefully moving components beyond their intended range may damage the mechanisms. • Do not operate with wet hands.
- Always operate within easy reach and tum off the power when not operating or leaving the product unattended for extended periods of time.
- Do not attempt to charge the device with any charger other than the one provided.
- Do not insert any wires, tools, or other invasive objects into the openings
- Do not operate when there is an abnormality or malfunctioning component due to failure or damage, including water damage.
- Be careful to keep fingers away from the moving parts. • If there are any unusual smells, smoke, or sounds, immediately tum off the power and stop using the product.
- Follow the instructions of your local municipality when disposing of the PLEN Cube as would be done for other electronic devices and batteries.
【 Battery Charging 】
The PLEN Cube is equipped with a lithium-ion battery. Improper operation may significantly shorten the battery life, damage the battery, or cause fire. Please read the following carefully and follow the instructions provided for use and charging:
- Use the charger provided with the PLEN Cube to charge the The charger is for domestic use only.
- Follow the precautions and directions of use of the charger as listed on the
- Please charge the device at least once every six months to prevent any shortening of the battery
- Do not hit, drop, or apply any impact shock to the device while charging
- When unplugging the charging cable, hold and pull from the head of the connector and not the cable
【 Components 】
- x1 PLEN Cube main unit
- x1 USB charging adapter
-
LED light (white)
-
Camera For photos, videos, and face recognition functionalities
-
Motion sensor Not used in this model
-
Speaker
-
IR (infrared) remote control For recording and sending IR signals to control home appliances
-
Power switch
-
USB micro-B terminal For charging the battery
-
Status LED ( red ) Illuminated while the battery is chargin
-
Status LED ( green ) Indicates the current status of the PLEN Cube such as startup (solid illumination) and errors (flashing)
-
Microphone x4 Mounted on the upper surface of the PLEN Cube head. Used for sound direction recognition, voice recognition, and general sound recording
-
LCD display (Only for models with LCD) Displays symbols, images, and information.
-
Built-in antenna Located on the inside wall of the PLEN Cube head. Covering with hands or objects may affect connectivity.
【 Charging the PLEN Cube 】
Before turning the PLEN Cube on please completely charge the battery. Insert the USB micro-B connector side of the charging adapter in the proper orientation into the charging terminal located on the back of the bottom half of the PLEN Cube.
※ Please charge the PLEN Cube using only the provided charging adapter
※ If the adjacent status LED light is flashing red , immediately remove
the USB connector from the terminal and stop using it.
【 First-time Operation 】
A smartphone, tablet, or computer is required for initial setup.
< Network setup >
This section will describe how to connect the PLEN Cube to a local WIFI
network.
The PLEN Cube will automatically try to connect to the most recently setup
network proceeding the initial operation and setup. The PLEN Cube will voice
its IP address of the current connected network during start-up. If the PLEN
Cube cannot recognize or connect to any available networks, the network
setup procedure must be conducted again. Please follow the described steps
whenever connecting to a new network.
-
Turn on the PLEN Cube by pressing and holding the power switch button, located on the back of the bottom half of the PLEN Cube, for 3 full seconds. When the start-up procedure begins, the front white LED light will turn on for a short time. Please wait approximately 1 minute for the start-up process to fully For the first time start-up, the PLEN Cube will be in hotspot mode and the fixed IP address will be 【 10.42.0.1 】 When the PLEN Cube is connected to a network, it will voice its IP address within that connected network, which may differ between different networks.
-
For the first time use or when the PLEN Cube is not connected to any network, the PLEN Cube will start-up in “Hotspot Mode.” From Hotspot Mode, please follow the following steps to connect to a new networ
-
While connected to the “plencube…” hotspot network, open a web browser (Google Chrome recommended) and enter the hotspot IP address of the cube: 【 42.0.1 】 and the network connection screen for the PLEN Cube will be displayed.The PLEN Cube creates its own limited WIFI network while on HotSpot Mode. On the smartphone, tablet, or PC device, please open the list of available WIFI networks and change the current network to the hotspot created by the PLEN Cube beginning with < plencube… >. When asked for a password, please input the security key < plencube > . (※)
-
When the PLEN Cube has successfully connected to the entered network, it will voice the name of the network it has connected to and follow by voicing its new IP address within this network. Please note this new IP address voiced by the PLEN Cube and do not lose it. The complete functionality of the PLEN Cube cannot be used until the user registration has been completed.
※ In the event the voiced IP address was lost or misunderstood, please turn off the PLEN Cube by pressing and holding the power switch for 5 full seconds and then turn the PLEN Cube back on by holding the power switch for 3 full seconds. During this new start-up, the PLEN Cube will again voice the network name and IP address it is currently connected to. It is important to take note of this voiced network and IP address to connect to the PLEN Cube.
※ If the PLEN Cube voices the hotspot network and IP address, or starts up in Hotspot Mode after turned on, the connection to the networks known by the PLEN Cube has failed. This procedure to connect to a network from the PLEN Cube hot spot must be repeated. ※_ _Please conduct the network connection procedure in a location to the WIFI network where the connectivity is strong.
_ ※ It will not be possible to connect the PLEN Cube to networks with 2-step verification that may be used in certain companies, schools, or other protected organizations_ -
Close the browser used to input the desired WIFI network. Again open list of available networks on the smartphone, tablet, or PC and connect the device to the same network that the PLEN Cube was connected. Open a new web browser search bar and input the new IP address voiced by the PLEN Cube and the PLEN Cube application will once again be displayed on the screen.
When connecting with a smart device to the PLEN Cube that is also connected to the internet, the user registration page will be displayed
- User registration is required to begin using the PLEN New users who are also Crowdfunding Backers of the PLEN Cube can register for free.
Enter a valid mailing address and desired password for the new PLEN Cube account to be associated, confirm the new registration, and restart the PLEN Cube by clicking the “Restart” button, or by pressing and holding the power switch for 5 full seconds and then turn the PLEN Cube back on by holding the power switch for 3 full seconds
While the PLEN Cube is connected to a WIFI network with internet access, the intended functionalities such as weather reports, IFTTT control, music services(※), and firmware updates will be carried out normally.
【 How to use the PLEN Cube 】
1. Voice commands
** Basic functionalities of the PLEN Cube can be controlled through the use
of speaking the trigger word followed by a command word.
Begin by speaking the trigger word “ Hirakegoma** ” (hee-rah-kay-goh-mah),
meaning “open sesame” in Japanese. If the PLEN Cube has successfully heard and
understood the trigger word, it will turn to face the user and a “pong” sound
will be heard.
The user can then voice one of the following commands in a clear, slow voice.
If no command is given, or the command is not recognized by the PLEN Cube, the
device will gesture misunderstanding and no commands will be carried out.
The trigger word must be voiced before giving any command word. A command
word will not be carried out if the trigger word is not first clearly stated,
or if the command is not given to the PLEN Cube within the default listening
period of 7 seconds.
2. Web Application
It is also possible to control the PLEN Cube using a smart device or PC that
is connected to the same network as the PLEN Cube.
A list of the voice control commands can be found in the “Settings” tab in the
menu on the web application and then select “Voice Commands.”
- Speak the trigger word “ Hirakegoma ” to the PLEN Cube in a slow and clear voice and wait for the PLEN Cube to completely finish moving and a “pong” sound will be heard from the PLEN Cube’s
- Say clearly the command “ take a ” The PLEN Cube will then ring 3 “pong” sounds followed by the sound of a camera shutter.
- The photo or video that was just taken will be displayed on the screen on the top of the PLEN
Videos can also be captured following the same steps described above. However,
in step 2, instead speak the command “ take a video.” The default video
length is 15 seconds.
Photos, videos, and other camera functionality can also be controlled with the
web application under the “Camera” tab in the drop down menu on the left of
the PLEN Cube web application.
The camera functionality can also be controlled manually in this page by selecting the camera icon or play icon to take photos or videos respectively. The camera and video settings can also be changed here to adjust the length of time a video can be recorded. The maximum length possible that can be captured is 15 minutes in one recording. The video recording will automatically stop after the maximum time has elapsed.
※ After recording a video, the PLEN Cube must process it. During this time,
use of the camera will not be possible. Video processing length depends on the
size and length of the video file
recorded. Selecting the icon of a face in the Camera menu will activate the
face-tracking functionality of the PLEN Cube. While this command is active,
the camera will follow the user’s face.
Captured photos and videos will be saved in the internal memory storage of the PLEN Cube. These will be found in the “Media” tab of the drop down menu on the PLEN Cube web application. The captured media are organized into three categories: photo, video, and panorama. Selecting the desired tab and captured image will give the user the option of saving or deleting the file.
【 Music Streaming Services 】
The PLEN Cube has the ability to connect to various internet streaming
platforms
(KKBOX, Tidal, Napster). However, this functionality is not currently
available. Music services will be offered beginning in the year 2020.
【Infrared (IR) Remote Control Instructions】
The infrared output (sending) LEDs are located on the left, right, and back
faces of the PLEN Cube, while the input (IR signal receiver) is located on the
right face with one of the output LEDs. The receiver is capable of recording
IR inputs from other device signals (ie: IR remote controls for televisions,
air conditioners, IR controlled lights, etc…).
※As of October 2019, the voice commands “TV On” / “TV Off” / “Light On” /
“Light off” have been implemented and are available.
-
The open hold on the right side of the PLEN Cube’s top layer is where the IR signal receiver is where the IR signal receiver receiver is located.
-
In the PLEN Cube web application, open the “Infrared” from the menu panel, choose a command to record a signal from the drop down menu, and select “Record Signal.” The PLEN Cube will immediately start recording any infrared signal entering the receiver Push the desired button on the remote control to record that IR signal to the PLEN Cube while pointing the sending LED of the controller at the hole on the right side of the PLEN Cube (with the IR receiver).
【 Weather Report Setup 】
In order to have the PLEN Cube give accurate weather reports, the PLEN Cube’s current location must be setup. In the PLEN Cube web application menu, select “Set Location,” input the required information into the bars and select “set” at the bottom.
【 Connecting to a new network 】
Follow this procedure to input and connect to a new network that is different
from the initial network introduced during first use of the PLEN Cube.
Choose the “Settings” option in the web application menu and select “Network
settings”. Click on the “+” icon at the bottom of the screen to add a new
network manually. Enter the SSID and password of the desired new network.
Ensure this new network is running and available, and ensure that the PLEN
Cube is in a location to receive a strong signal from the new network.
Choose the “Settings” option in the web application menu and select “Network settings”. Click on the “+” icon at the bottom of the screen to add a new network manually. Enter the SSID and password of the desired new network. Ensure this new network is running and available, and ensure that the PLEN Cube is in a location to receive a strong signal from the new network.
After the new network has been entered and the “Connect” button pressed, the PLEN Cube will speak out the name of the new network it has connected to if the connection was successful. Now that the PLEN Cube is connected to a new network, the web application will no longer update nor be able to control the PLEN Cube. The PC or smart device must also change its connected network to the new network with the PLEN Cube.
※ If the PLEN Cube speaks out “Hotspot” instead of the new network
name, the connection has failed.
Please ensure that the desired new network is running and available, that
the SSID and password information are correct, or that the signal is strong
enough for the PLEN Cube to receive, and then restart this “Connecting to a
new network” process.
※ It will not be possible to connect the PLEN Cube to networks with 2-step
verification that may be used in certain companies, schools, or other
protected organizations.
When the new network connection is successful and the PLEN Cube speaks the new
network name, it will also speak the new IP address for the web application
access. Please take note of this new IP address.
** _In the event the spoken IP address was lost or misunderstood, the IP
address can be retrieved by two ways:_**
- Turn off the PLEN Cube by pressing and holding the power switch for 5 full seconds and then turn the PLEN Cube back on by holding the power switch for 3 full seconds. During this new start-up, the PLEN Cube will again voice the network name and IP address to which it is currently It is important to take note of this voiced network and IP address to connect to the PLEN Cube.
- Speak the trigger word “ Hirakegoma ” to the PLEN Cube in a slow and clear voice and wait for the PLEN Cube to finish moving and ring the “pong” Speak in a slow and clear voice “ IP address. ” The PLEN Cube will then nod and speak its current IP address.
※ Note that the spoken IP address may be the address of the PLEN Cube hotspot
or of another network that the PLEN Cube has previously successfully connected
to if the new network is not available.
After switching the smart device or PC to the new network, open a new web
browser and input the new IP address that the PLEN Cube has spoken into the
search bar to access the web application.
【 Current Time Setup】
The PLEN Cube will automatically adjust it’s current time when it has successfully connected to a network with internet.
【 Updating Software and Firmware 】
Updates will be available regularly for the PLEN Cube and will be downloaded and updated automatically. Updates will take some time, please do not turn off the PLEN Cube while it is updating.
【 Troubleshooting 】
1. The PLEN Cube does not respond to the trigger word
- Ensure the environmental background noise is not too loud. If it is equally as loud as the spoken trigger word, the PLEN Cube will not recognize
- Confirm if there is a “pong” sound ringing from the speaker after the trigger word is If there is a “pong” sound, please refer to the “2. The head will not move or rotate” troubleshooting.
2. The head will not move or rotate
- The battery is Please connect the PLEN Cube charger and try again.
- Check the status light at the back of the PLEN Cube beside the power If the light is flashing red, something has interfered with the head rotation and it has been locked. Press the power switch twice (for 1 second or less) and the head will become unlocked.
- In the case that the head does not become unlocked after following the above procedure, or the situation is outside of one of the above conditions, please restart the PLEN Cube by pressing and holding the power switch for 5 full seconds and then turn the PLEN Cube back on by holding the power switch for 3 full
3. The PLEN Cube does not turn on when the power switch is held for 3
seconds
- Confirm if the green LED at the back of the PLEN Cube beside the power switch is on. If so, confirm if the speaker is used by the PLEN Cube during the next 60 seconds of start up. If the speaker is heard, please see “2. The head will not move or rotate”
- Please connect the PLEN Cube charger and wait approximately 5 minutes then try the power switch again while the PLEN Cube charger is still
- If none of the above conditions solve the issue, please contact PLEN Robotics Inc. for guidance.
4. The PLEN Cube will not charge
- Plug in the provided charger into the PLEN Cube and an electrical If the red status LED beside the power switch turns on solid, the PLEN Cube is currently charging. Please wait approximately 5 minutes before attempting to turn on the PLEN Cube if the battery has been completely used up. If the red status LED does not turn on, the battery may already be 100% charged.
- Check if there is any dust or obstructions in the micro-B USB terminal in the PLEN Cube and remove Plug in the charger and try again.
- If the red status LED beside the power switch is flashing while the provided PLEN Cube charger is connected to the terminal and an electrical outlet, a charging error has Please do not use the PLEN Cube and contact PLEN Robotics Inc. for guidance.
5. The web application display will not update
- Try reloading the
- Try accessing the PLEN Cube application with a different browser (Google Chrome recommended).
If the troubleshooting recommendations above do not solve the issue, or if a different issue not listed above is discovered, please contact PLEN Robotics support at: support-plencube@plenrobotics.com
【Specifications】
| Product Name | PLEN Cube PC020B |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | apprx. 74 x 74 x 74mm |
| Weight | Battery Included model: apprx.320g |
| Head motion range | Pitch/Roll:±15 ° Yaw:350 ° Up-Down: 10mm |
| Display | 320 x 240 pixels(PC020DB only) |
| Camera | Full HD |
| Microphone | 4 microphones (MEMS) |
| Sensors | Motion sensor(pyroelectric) |
| Wi-Fi | IEEE802.11 b/g/n |
| Bluetooth | 4.2 |
| Infrared Sensor | LED signal: 3 (left, right, and back faces) Receiver: 1(right |
face)
Battery Capacity (Battery Model Only)| 3450mAh
Charging time (Battery Model Only)| apprx. 2 hrs (dependant on product use)
Operating time (Battery Model Only)| Waiting︓apprx 3 hrs(varies depending on
use)
Constant video streaming︓apprx. 1 hr (varies depending on use)
Main Functions| Photos / videos / panoramas / live video streaming /
voice control / internet connection and services / IR appliance control / Bluetooth connection / face recognition / Real time face tracking
【 Warranty 】
Should the product experience failure or malfunction from normal use while the
user has followed the instruction manual and has not forcibly interfered or
opened the product, repair or replacement will be performed free of charge for
90 days from when the product arrives.
When requesting repairs within the warranty period, confirm the date of
purchase and contact the PLEN Robotics support at support-
plencube@plenrobotics.com. This
warranty will not be reissued.
| Product name | PLEN Cube PC020B |
|---|---|
| Warranty time frame | Up to 90 days after purchase |
| Customer Name | |
| Customer Address | |
| Date of product purchase |
Repairs may be charged even within the warranty period in the following cases:
- This warranty is not
- Malfunction or damage has been incurred due to improper use or improper repair or modification by the user contrary to the explanation and caution of the following cases:
- Damage has been incurred due to dropping, getting wet, or other pre-cautioned effects after he manual.
- Damage has been incurred due to uncontrollable natural disasters such as fire, earthquake, storm and flood damage, lightning strike, salt damage, gas damage, or damage due to experiencing abnormal power inputs
- The battery has been replaced by a party not authorized by PLEN Robotics Rrobotics Inc.
※ This warranty is only valid in Japan.
※ Repairs will not be conducted while on business trips.
※ Customers will be responsible for repair shipping costs that are outside
this warranty. PLEN Robotics will be responsible for shipping fees should
there be failure within one week after the product arrives.
CE statements:
CAUTION RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT TYPE. DISPOSE
OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS.
Do not use the device in the environment at too high or too low temperature,
never expose the device under strong sunshine or too wet environment.
The suitable temperature for the product and accessories is 0℃-40℃.
When charging, please place the device in an environment that has a normal
room temperature and good ventilation. It is recommended to charge the device
in an environment with a temperature that ranges from 0℃~40℃. Please ensure to
use only the charger offered by the manufacturer. Using unauthorized charger
may cause danger and violate the authorization of the phone and the guarantee
article.
The charger type is ATS018T-W050V, output voltage/current is 5V DC/3A. The plug considered as disconnect device of adapter.
The SAR limit of Europe is 2.0 W/kg. Device types PLEN Cube PC020B has also been tested against this SAR limit. The highest SAR value reported under this standard during product certification for use on the body is
0.038 W/kg. This device was tested for typical body-worn operations kept 0.5cm
from the body. To maintain
compliance with RF exposure requirements, use accessories that maintain a
0.5cm separation distance between the user’s body . The use of belt clips,
holsters and similar accessories should not contain metallic components in its
assembly. The use of accessories that do not satisfy these requirements may
not comply with RF exposure requirements, and should be avoided.
Frequency range
Operating Frequency Range, Max EIRP 2.4GHz WiFi: 2412MHz ~ 2472MHz, 16.76dBm
Bluetooth: 2402MHz ~ 2480MHz, 7.21dBm
Manufacturer
Manufacturer: PLEN Robotics Inc.
Address: Crepis21 303,4-6-3,Toyosaki,Kita-Ku,Osaka-shi,Osaka,Japan
This product can be used across EU member states.
EU Regulatory Conformance ****
Hereby, PLEN Robotics Inc. declares that this device is in compliance with the
essential requirements and other relevant provisions of Directive 2014/53/EU.
For the declaration of conformity, visit the Web site
https://plenrobotics.com/pc020b_ce_fcc.pdf
FCC statements:
This device complies with part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
- this device may not cause harmful interference, and
- this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired
NOTE: The manufacturer is not responsible for any radio or TV interference caused by unauthorized modifications or changes to this equipment. Such modifications or changes could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
- Reorient or relocate the receiving
- Increase the separation between the equipment and
-Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
-Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
The SAR limit of USA (FCC) is 1.6 W/kg averaged over one gram of tissue. Device types PLEN Cube PC020B (FCC ID: 2AWGK-PC020BD) has also been tested against this SAR limit.The highest SAR value reported under this standard during product certification for use when properly worn on the body is 0.532 W/kg. This device was tested for typical body worn operations kept 5mm from the body. To maintain compliance with FCC RF exposure requirements, use accessories that maintain a 5mm separation distance between the user’s body and the back of the handset. The use of belt clips, holsters and similar accessories should not contain metallic components in its assembly. The use of accessories that do not satisfy these requirements may not comply with FCC RF exposure requirements, and should be avoided.
Read More About This Manual & Download PDF:
Read User Manual Online (PDF format)
Read User Manual Online (PDF format) >>