Robot Will Not Enter Autonomous Mode

The J1600 only drives autonomously when the operator has explicitly handed it a task and confirmed the mode change. Most failures to enter autonomous mode come down to one of the preconditions below.

Confirm the key switch position

The three-position key switch selects power off, manual only, or automatic mode. In the manual-only position the robot never drives itself. Turn the key to the automatic position.

Select a task and confirm it

Autonomous driving always starts from a task:

1. Create or select a task on the touchscreen, with a saved destination.
2. Execute the task. The robot asks for confirmation to enter automatic mode.
3. Confirm using the physical LED start/resume button. On-screen selection alone does not start autonomous driving.

If the destination you need is not in the list, it has not been saved yet — see Task and location problems.

Step clear of the robot

After confirmation, the interface instructs the operator to step away. The robot's 360-degree safety field must be clear before it moves. If you or anyone else is standing inside the protected area — shown by the blue floor lights — the robot will not drive off. See Obstacle or safety-field stops.

Release the tiller

Grabbing or moving the tiller is the takeover mechanism that returns the J1600 to manual control, and tiller-position switches are part of the safety system. Make sure the tiller is released and in its normal position when you confirm automatic mode.

Check the floor

Autonomous mode is a level-floor application: automatic gradeability is 0%. Slopes, ramps, and dock plates are manual territory. If the task would send the robot up or down a gradient, drive that portion manually instead.

Still stuck in manual mode

If all preconditions are met and the robot still refuses the mode change, contact support — see Submit a support request. For how the mode handover is designed to work, see Dual mode.