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This guide provides essential information for getting started with the Husky A300. For detailed instructions, refer to the Clearpath User Manual.

Note

Images on this page are sourced from Clearpath Robotics Documentation.

Pre-requisites

Before operating the Husky A300, ensure you have:

  • Completed safety training (see Robotic Manipulator Safety)

  • Access to the robot’s SSH credentials

  • A compatible joystick controller (paired with the robot)

  • Adequate workspace with proper clearance

Charging Robot

Manual Charging:

  1. Use only Clearpath-provided chargers (standard indoor or IP66-rated outdoor models)

  2. Open the rear charge door to access charging terminals

  3. Connect charger cables: red-to-red, black-to-black

  4. LED indicator shows charging status:

    • Red: Charging in progress

    • Green: Fully charged (when robot is off)

    • Red with pulsing status lights: Charging while robot is on

Wireless Charging (if equipped):

  1. Position the robot’s Mobile Coil within 30mm of the Stationary Coil

  2. Charging begins automatically when aligned

Pre-Storage Charging:

  • Charge batteries to minimum 50% before extended storage

  • Set Battery Breaker to “OFF” for storage

Warning

Never charge the robot in temperatures outside -20°C to +40°C range. LiFePO4 batteries require temperature-safe charging conditions.

Emergency Stop

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Emergency Stop Buttons. Source: Clearpath Robotics


The Husky A300 is equipped with two red mushroom emergency stop buttons located at the front and rear of the robot. When pressed, they immediately disconnect power to the drivetrain.

Activating Emergency Stop:

  • Press either red mushroom button to immediately halt the robot

Resetting Emergency Stop:

  1. Twist both depressed red actuators clockwise until they pop out (extended position)

  2. Press the Safety Restart button (green button)

  3. The robot may begin moving immediately after restart if commanded

Wireless Emergency Stop (Optional):

  • Optional wireless E-stop kit allows remote halting of the robot

  • Automatically engages if communication with the wireless transmitter is lost

Power On

To power on the Husky A300:

  1. Open the rear charge door

  2. Locate the Battery Breaker and set it to “ON”

  3. Press and hold the Power Button for one second

  4. Wait approximately one minute for initialization

    • Lights will transition from solid red to white/red pattern

  5. Press the Safety Restart button (green button) to enable drivetrain

Important

The robot may begin moving immediately after pressing the Safety Restart button if it has pending motion commands. Ensure the area is clear.

Power Off

To power off the Husky A300:

  1. Press and hold the Power Button for one second

  2. Wait until all lights extinguish (approximately 10 seconds)

  3. For extended storage, set the Battery Breaker to “OFF”

Basic Operation

Remote Control

Joystick Controls:

Before operating, ensure your joystick controller is paired with the robot.

Controller Mapping

Button/Control

Function

PS Button

Connect controller to robot

L1 (Hold)

Slow mode - max 0.3 m/s

R1 (Hold)

Fast mode - max 2.0 m/s

Left Thumbstick

Movement control (forward/reverse/turn)

Recommended Operating Speeds:

Speed Recommendations

Terrain/Condition

No Payload

With Payload (up to 50kg)

Paved surfaces

2.0 m/s

1.5 m/s

Off-road terrain

1.5 m/s

1.0 m/s

Initial testing

0.1-0.3 m/s

0.1-0.3 m/s

Safety Tips:

  • Place robot “up on blocks” during initial testing to keep wheels clear of ground

  • Start with slower speeds (0.1 m/s is acceptable) while learning

  • Never cross the robot’s path during operation

  • Keep clear of wheels during operation

  • Use chock blocks on wheels when stationary

Network Interface

Ethernet Direct Connection:

  1. Connect your laptop directly to the robot’s Ethernet port

  2. Configure your laptop’s network settings:

    • IP Address: 192.168.131.100

    • Netmask: 255.255.255.0

  3. Connect via SSH:

    ssh robot@192.168.131.1

  4. Default credentials:

    • Username: robot

    • Password: clearpath

Warning

Change the default password upon first connection for security purposes.

Wi-Fi Configuration:

After establishing an Ethernet connection, you can configure Wi-Fi using standard netplan configuration procedures. Refer to the Clearpath Network Setup Guide for detailed Wi-Fi configuration instructions.

First Test

  1. Place the robot on blocks so wheels are clear of the ground

  2. Power on the robot following the Power On procedure

  3. Connect to the robot via SSH

  4. Verify ROS 2 is running:

    ros2 topic list

  5. Test basic motion using the joystick at low speed (L1 held)

  6. Once comfortable, place robot on ground and test motion at slow speeds

  7. Gradually increase speed as you become familiar with the controls