Hoss R1 User manual

Instruction manual
hoss R1
Personal assistance robot
English Version v1.3
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© 2020 Hoss Mobility GmbH
All rights reserved.
The information provided may not be reproduced or distributed in any form or by
any means ( electronically or mechanically) without the prior express written
permission of Hoss Mobility GmbH.
The information provided is generally based on data relating to designs known at
the time of publication. As Hoss Mobility GmbH pursues a policy of continuous
product improvement, the right to make changes is reserved.
The information provided applies to the standard version of the product. Hoss
Mobility GmbH cannot be held liable for any damage you may suffer because the
specifications of the product delivered to you differ from those of the standard
version.
The information provided has been compiled with all possible care. However, Hoss
Mobility GmbH shall not be liable for any errors in the information or any
consequences resulting therefrom. Hoss Mobility GmbH shall not be liable for any
damage caused by work carried out by third parties.
The names of use, trade names, trademarks, etc. used by Hoss Mobility GmbH may
not be regarded as free in accordance with the legal provisions for the protection of
trademarks.
This manual is valid for the models:
Hoss R1 Standard Range
Hoss R1 Long Range
The original document was written in german. The translation was done in all
conscience but errors can not be ruled out.
Table of Contents
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TABLE OF CONTENTS 3
FOREWORD 8
GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 9
CAUTIONARY /WARNING SIGNS 9
STICKERS AND NOTICES AFFIXED TO THE ROBOT 9
SPEED 11
MINIMUM DISTANCE 11
CORRECT SITTING POSITION 12
BRAKING DISTANCE 13
TEMPERATUR 15
EMERGENCY PARKING BRAKE RELEASE /EMERGENCY MODE 16
DANGER IN CROWDS OR HIGH WINDS 18
TRANSPORTING OBJECTS,ANIMALS OR PEOPLE 18
DISINFECTION 19
TIRES 19
GROUND CLEARANCE 19
CHECK BEFORE EACH TRIP 20
PINCHING FINGERS 21
FEET ON FOOTREST 21
NARROW POINTS 21
ROAD SURFACE / FOUNDATION 21
USER ENVIRONMENT 22
EMERGENCY STABILIZER SYSTEM 23
SEATBELT 24
CLOTHING / FOOTWEAR 24
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION 25
THUNDERSTORM /STRONG WIND 25
ADJUSTING THE HOSS 26
CORRECT SEAT ADJUSTMENT 27
ADJUSTING THE SEAT POSITION 28
ADJUSTING SEAT WIDTH 29
ADJUSTING SEAT HEIGHT 30
ATTACH /DETACH CONTROL PANEL 34
ATTACHING /REMOVING ARMREST 35
ADJUST ARMREST IN VERTICAL DIRECTION 35
ADJUSTING BACKREST 36
OPERATING THE HOSS 37
MAIN COMPONENTS OF THE HOSS 37
BLACK BOX 37
CONTROL PANEL 38
GETTING ON /GETTING OFF 40
SWITCH ON /SWITCH OFF 41
ACTIVATE/DEACTIVATE DRIVING MODE 42
ERROR REACTION: STABILIZERS CAN NO LONGER BE EXTENDED 43
RUN-AWAY PROTECTION 44
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PUSH MODE 44
PUSHING THE HOSS 45
FUNCTION BUTTON 46
HEADLIGHT ON/OFF 46
TURTLE MODE 46
RIDING THE HOSS 47
DRIVING ON LEVEL ROAD 48
MINIMUM DISTANCES: 48
REVERSE DRIVING 49
DRIVING ON SLOPES 49
ASCENT/DESCENT 50
HOW TO PROPERLY PARK ON SLOPES 52
VIBRATION ALERT 53
DRIVING ONTO EDGES (CURBS) 54
DRIVING OFF EDGES (CURB) 55
DRIVING AGAINST OBSTACLES 56
DRIVING TO TABLE 57
USE OF PUBLIC TRANSPORT 57
EMERGENCY STOP 58
RESTART AFTER AN EMERGENCY STOP 59
LOADING 60
MANUAL LIFTING 61
LOADING BY RAMP 62
HARNESSING THE HOSS 64
CHARGING 65
BATTERY 65
POWER 66
RANGE 67
MAINTENANCE OF THE HOSS 68
BEFORE EVERY RIDE: 68
EVERY 2MONTHS: 68
DRIVE WHEEL MAINTENANCE 69
MAINTENANCE ARMRESTS 69
SERVICE INTERVAL 70
CLEANING THE HOSS 70
END OF LIFE 71
RECYCLING 71
STORAGE 71
CONTACT 71
DEALERS - SERVICE PARTNERS 72
ACCESSORIES 72
ERROR DETECTION/TROUBLESHOOTING 72
HOSS CANNOT BE SWITCHED ON /OFF 72
DRIVING MODE CANNOT BE ACTIVATED: 72
SUPPORTS/BRAKES SHOOT DOWN WHEN DRIVING MODE IS ACTIVATED 73
THE HOSS PULLS TOWARDS ONE DIRECTION 73
VIBRATION SIGNAL GOES OFF DURING THE RIDE 73
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STABILIZERS DO NOT WORK 74
THE HOSS REDUCES SPEED 74
BRAKING DISTANCE IS TOO LONG 74
ACCELERATION IS TOO SLOW 75
THE RED ERROR SYMBOL LIGHTS UP 75
THE RED WARNING TRIANGLE LIGHTS UP 75
TECHNICAL DATA 76
CE DECLARATION 78
EXTINGUISHING AGENT 78
FLAMMABLE PARTS 78
WARRANTY POLICY 80
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Package contents
For special orders such as special back pieces, special seat cushions or
armrests/footboards in special colors, the package contents may differ from the
illustration shown.
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Foreword
Read this entire manual carefully before operating the product. The information
contained in this manual is essential for the safe use and proper maintenance of the
hoss R1. For ease of reading, the hoss R1 is referred to only as hoss in this manual.
Hoss R1 is the product name! Hoss Mobility GmbH is the inventor, developer and
manufacturer of the hoss R1.
In addition to this manual, you will also receive a manual for the "Jay" backrest. If
the manual for the "Jay" backrest is not included in the delivery, please contact your
dealer.
Intended use
The hoss (personal care robot) is intended exclusively for people for personal use
indoors and outdoors on paved surfaces. Sufficient cognitive, physical and visual
skills are required to drive a hoss. The user must be able to assess and correct the
effects of actions when operating the hoss. The hoss cannot transport more than 1
person at a time. The maximum weight (the user's body weight and the weight of
the accessories installed on the wheelchair) must not exceed 120kg. The user must
read and understand the contents of this manual before riding the hoss. Therefore,
all users of the hoss must be thoroughly instructed by qualified professionals before
participating in road traffic. After instruction and handover, the user must practice
his/her first rides on open and free surfaces until the driving characteristics of the
hoss are understood and internalized.
The user of the hoss is at all times fully responsible for compliance with locally
applicable safety regulations.
Anyone who has taken medication or been treated with medication that could
impair their ability to drive the hoss must not operate the hoss.
Good eyesight is essential to safely operate a hoss.
Never allow more than one person to sit on the hoss at a time.
Children must never ride the hoss without adult supervision.
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General safety instructions
The safety instructions help you understand the features of the hoss. For safe use, it
is essential that you read and understand the safety instructions before taking your
first ride. Failure to do so may result in personal injury or property damage. The
order of the instructions does not indicate their importance.
Cautionary / warning signs
• The instructions marked with such a warning/cautionary sign must be carefully
observed! Failure to follow these instructions carefully may result in personal
injury or damage to the hoss or the surrounding area.
•Regardless of the special marking of the warning notes, the entire contents of
this operating manual must be applied to ensure safe operation!
Stickers and notices affixed to the robot
The signs, symbols and notices attached to the hoss are part of the protective
devices. These must therefore never be covered or removed. They must be present
and clearly readable / recognizable during the entire service life of the hoss. Replace
or repair all illegible or damaged signs, symbols and notices immediately.
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Speed
The hoss has a maximum speed of 15 km/h. As with all vehicles, you must adjust the
speed according to the situation. Especially in narrow places and also when driving
on slopes or curves it is necessary to reduce the speed. Always remember that you
have a longer braking distance when going downhill.
●Reduce speed to walking speed on steep inclines/declines or ramps!
●Use turtle mode if necessary!
●Drive no faster than walking speed in pedestrian zones.
●Drive with foresight: Always observe the necessary braking distance.
●Reduce speed on curves
Minimum distance
The special feature of the hoss is that it dynamically stabilizes itself. That is, it always
strives to keep the center of gravity on its axis. This is achieved by the hoss
constantly adjusting the angle (vertical axis). If you move forward, the hoss has to
take up some forward travel to counteract your center of gravity change. To do this,
the hoss must be able to move a bit at any time. Therefore, it is extremely important
that you always maintain the minimum distances to obstacles/people. When the
hoss is in balance mode, it can move within the safety distance at any time.
If it is not possible to maintain the
minimum distances, e.g.: when
driving through a doorway or in the
checkout area of a supermarket, steer
with special care and drive at
minimum speed.
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Correct sitting position
●The hoss can lean forward 8 degrees and backwards 12 degrees. This angular
range is needed for accelerating and braking.
●Sitting off-center reduces the possible angular tilt forward or backward.
●Sitting too far forward increases braking distance, sitting too far back reduces
acceleration. It is therefore extremely important to sit centrally.
Too far back Correct position Too far forward
●The braking distance can increase drastically if the seat is in the wrong
position
●Make sure that both armrests are firmly mounted on the hoss. This ensures
that you are also seated centrally to the side.
●Driving without an armrest or with only one armrest is not permitted.
●Your seat position must be adjusted to suit you during initial setup. Your
standard seating position must be set so that the hoss is horizontal when you
sit on it.
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Braking distance
Note the braking behavior on which the system is based! The self-balancing system
reacts differently than conventional four-wheeled wheelchairs! Get to know the
braking distance of the hoss on an open area before you participate in road traffic.
Even during the braking process the hoss has to keep you in balance. Thus the hoss
must shift the center of gravity backwards before the actual braking process by
accelerating the wheels briefly. The strength of the braking depends on how far the
center of gravity can be shifted backwards. A heavier driver will therefore have a
shorter braking distance. If you also lean backwards when braking, you will shorten
the braking distance. It is extremely important to understand the braking behavior of
the hoss precisely.
●The braking distance depends on the load, seat position, incline and decline.
●Practice braking extensively in a safe environment before participating in
traffic with the hoss!
●The self-balancing system results in different braking behavior than
conventional power wheelchairs. Therefore, always drive with increased
caution and anticipation. The braking distance may be longer than with
conventional powered wheelchairs.
●On downhill slopes, you have a longer braking distance than on level road
surfaces due to gravity and dynamic balance. Travel down slopes slowly and
familiarize yourself with the braking behavior. Move your center of gravity as
far back as possible to increase the braking effect.
●Never drive on slopes with loose gravel or sand. The drive wheels may lose
traction during braking, resulting in an emergency stop.
In the event of an emergency stop, you may skid and fall if the traction of the
wheels is uneven.
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Settings
●Do not make any settings or changes to the hoss that are not described in
these instructions. No liability or warranty is assumed for damage resulting
from improper settings.
Solar Radiation
•In direct sunlight, parts of the hoss can become very hot. Risk of burns.
Bring your phone along
You can cover long distances with the hoss.
Always carry a cell phone so that you can call for help in an emergency.
Do not talk on the phone while driving!
Movable parts
The hoss contains moving parts and rotating parts. Contact with the moving parts
can cause serious bodily injury or damage the wheelchair. Contact with the moving
parts of the hoss must be avoided at all costs.
Movable parts
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Temperatur
The operating temperature of the hoss is between 0°C and 45°C (temperature of the
hoss!). If the operating temperature has been exceeded or has fallen below, the
lithium battery can no longer deliver or absorb the necessary power. Therefore, safe
operation outside this temperature range is not possible.
The ambient temperature can be significantly below the operating temperature as
long as the temperature of the hoss (temperature of the lithium ion battery) is within
the permissible range. To ensure that the operating temperature (temperature of the
hoss) is not undercut, never park the hoss at temperatures below 0°C or above 45°C.
●If the operating temperature exceeds or falls below the permissible range by
up to 5°C while driving, the maximum speed is reduced to 5km/h.
●If the temperature of the hoss exceeds or falls below the operating
temperature, the balance mode cannot be activated.
●The hoss must never be stored in a car when it is exposed to direct sunlight.
●The interior of cars under direct sunlight can quickly reach temperatures
above 60°C (140°F). This can damage the hoss's lithium batteries.
●Storage temperature: -10°C to +60°C
●Attention! Storage temperature is not equal to operating temperature!
Operating temperature: +0°C to +45°C
Operating altitude: 0 m to 2000 ml 
Exceeding/falling below the storage temperature may damage the battery and void
the battery warranty.
When the hoss is not in use, make sure that it is not exposed to direct sunlight.
Some parts of the hoss, for example the seat, backrest and armrests can heat up
when exposed to direct sunlight. This can cause burns or allergic skin reactions.
Caution must be exercised when driving on slippery roads due to rain, ice or snow!
Ice-slick surfaces are not safe to drive on with the hoss and should be avoided at all
costs.
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Emergency parking brake release / emergency mode
The hoss has a mechanical parking brake installed. This means that when the hoss is
in park mode, the drive wheels are locked. You can therefore not push the hoss.
If you need to push the hoss when it is switched off, there is an emergency release.
This release is decoupled from the main drivetrain, meaning it has its own power
supply and will work even when there is a defect on the electronics.
There are 2 buttons on the front panel.
The emergency unlocking function only works when the hoss is switched off.
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There are 2 modes for unlocking the brakes. One mode is very manual with no logic
/ CPU behind it. This is made to ensure that the break can still be released even
when there is a defect on the hoss.
Manual no logic mode:
●Make sure that the hoss is switched off.
●press and hold both buttons simultaneously. The breaks are released as long
as the buttons are pushed. There is no processor controlling any logic. The
power for releasing the breaks comes from an extra set of batteries. Once the
buttons are released, the breaks will tighten again.
Logic mode:
●Make sure that the hoss is switched off.
●Press and hold both buttons simultaneously.
●After about 5 seconds you will hear a continuous clicking sound from the
hoss.
●The emergency mode is active
●Press both buttons simultaneously 2x briefly
●The stabilizers will move up a few centimeters. The brakes will be released.
●You can now push the hoss.
●The mode remains active until you exit it or power on the hoss via the control
panel.
●To lock the brakes again, press both buttons simultaneously 1x.
●To return the stabilizers to the normal position, press both buttons 2x in quick
succession.
●The hoss will continue to make a clicking sound for about 30 seconds. After
that, the hoss is back in the normal deactivated state.
●Caution: when the brakes are released, the hoss can roll away. All safety
functions are deactivated. Always hold the hoss firmly.
●Only use the emergency release in an emergency.
●When the emergency release is used, the brakes are deactivated and there is
then no further braking option. The hoss must now be pushed and braked
purely manual.
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Danger in crowds or high winds
A third party bumping into the vehicle results in external driving commands. The
hoss may start moving a short distance.
If there is a risk of being bumped by third parties, drive with particular care. When
stationary or waiting, be sure to extend the stabilizers (parking mode). Passers-by
could touch the joystick and cause unwanted driving commands. Keep a sufficient
distance.
On platforms or in subways, a strong suction can occur and displace the hoss. Keep
a sufficient safety distance from the track. Always activate the stabilizers when at
standstill.
Transporting objects, animals or people
The hoss is only approved for transporting one person.
If you wish to transport luggage, use only bags designed for the hoss. Please
contact your dealer.
• Never hang a backpack over the backrest. The backpack can block the
function of the rear support. The rear support would thus not function either
in normal operation or in emergency operation. Risk of falling!!!
• Never transport a second person or animals with the hoss.
• Never fix the leash of your pet to the hoss. The pet can cause an unintended
drive command or knock the hoss over by pulling on the leash. The leash can
get caught in the drive wheels! Risk of injury!
• Never fix the leash of your pet to your body. The pet can cause an
unintended drive command by pulling on the leash. The leash can become
entangled in the drive wheels and injure you or the pet.
• If you wish to keep a pet on a leash while using the hoss, keep the leash in
your hand at all times. Make sure you can let go of the leash at any time in
case of an emergency.
• Make sure your pet keeps a safe distance from the hoss.
• Make sure that the pet does not jump onto the hoss! Risk of injury to you and
your pet!
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Disinfection
●If you want to disinfect the backrest and or the seat cushion follow the
instructions of the Jay backrest /seat cushion.
●The armrests are made of wood. This natural building material is sensitive to
disinfectant. Apply disinfectant only in a thin layer and wipe immediately with
a dry cloth.
●The armrests are not lacquered, but oiled. You can roughen the armrests, if
they are worn, with a fine sandpaper and re-oil them with a suitable oil.
Suitable oils for outdoor wood are available in specialized stores / hardware
stores
Tires
• Check the tire pressure regularly. This must be between 1.0 bar and 2.5 bar.
The tire pressure has a significant influence on the range and driving comfort.
High pressure results in a high range. Lower pressure results in a softer, more
comfortable ride.
• Make sure that both tires have equal pressure. Unequal tire pressure leads to
changed driving behavior! The hoss can drift left or right. Danger of falling!
• Only use tires with the dimension 120/70 - R12. The drive train and the safety
devices have been designed for this dimension. Failure to observe this can
result in damage to the hoss and poses a considerable safety risk. No liability
or warranty is assumed for damage resulting from the use of incorrect tires.
• Tire repairs may only be performed by qualified personnel. Since the hoss is
equipped with common rims and tires, you can also contact tire shops or
motorcycle dealers for tire repairs.
• To guarantee good traction, the profile depth must be checked regularly. The
minimum profile depth is 2mm. Observe the winter tire obligation. Driving in
winter conditions is only permitted with winter tires.
Ground clearance
• The ground clearance strongly
depends on the incline or
decline.
• On level road surfaces, the
hoss has 8 cm ground
clearance.
• On inclines/slopes, this value
can be reduced to approx. 5
cm
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Check before each trip
●Only operate the hoss if you feel capable and fit to do so. Never drive under
the influence of alcohol or medication.
●Make a visual check of the tire pressure! (The tire pressure must be equal).
●The correct tire pressure is 1.0 bar - 2.5 bar.
●Make sure that you are sitting correctly. (See item "Correct seating position")
●Make sure that the minimum clearances are maintained before operating the
hoss.
●Make sure that any payload is properly stowed and does not interfere with
the moving parts of the hoss (body parts, objects, belts, etc.). Must not touch
the supports / wheels).
●Check the charge level of the batteries! Do you have enough charge for the
planned trip? Depending on the vehicle version, you can expect a range of
up to 30/60km with a full battery (See point "Range")*.
*Range strongly depends on load, terrain, tire pressure, temperature.
●Check that the control panel is in good condition and firmly seated.
●Check that the armrests are correctly fitted and firmly seated
●Make a visual inspection of the front and rear stabilizer! Can the stabilizers
move freely? Is there any visible damage?
●Always wear sturdy shoes when using the hoss.
●Check that there is no damage to the lighting system, armrests, drive wheels,
back section and footboard.
●Make sure you have a working cell phone with you for planned trips to
remote areas so you can call for help in case of an emergency.
●Use the seat belt.
●Make sure that the back is locked in its fixed upright position..
• No objects such as: Backpacks, bags, or clothing may be hung over the
backrest. The objects could block the rear stabilizer -> The function of the
stabilizer can therefore no longer be guaranteed -> Risk of falling!
• It must be ensured that neither your clothing nor any other objects or body
parts touch the wheels, stabilizers or other moving parts or otherwise impede
their function in any way!
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Pinching fingers
Due to the design, there is a gap of approx. 10 mm between the wheel housing and
the wheel. Danger of pinching!
In drive mode, do not let your hands hang off the side of the hoss.
Feet on footrest
Always keep your feet on the footrest. There is a risk that you will pinch your feet
between the track/obstacle and the footrest.
Narrow points
The hoss has a width of 67 cm. If the minimum distances cannot be maintained, be
sure to drive with extra care. In such situations, reduce your speed to below walking
speed!
Road surface / Foundation
The hoss is designed for indoor use as well as for outdoor use. Care should be taken
to ride only on paved, load-bearing surfaces (roads, sidewalks, walkways, bike
paths).
Do not drive on unpaved surfaces! Due to the well-dimensioned tires, the hoss also
tempts you to drive on soft ground to a limited extent. If you drive on unpaved
surfaces, you are outside the safety parameters. On unpaved surfaces, safe driving
and safe braking are not guaranteed, and therefore safe emergency stops are not
guaranteed. Risk of falling!
In case of poor traction (snow road, gravel, ...) you must not drive faster than walking
speed. It is possible that the hoss will lose traction. In the event of a loss of traction,
the emergency stop is triggered automatically. This will keep you safe on slippery
surfaces at walking speed. At higher speeds, a safe emergency stop on slippery
ground cannot be guaranteed. Risk of falling!
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