Quadrupedal robots such as ANYmal are capable of taking on challenging tasks, mapping their environment, and staying out of trouble. They will require a power source for longer missions though. Robotic Systems Lab has shared a video that explores an autonomous docking station for recharging these robots.
As the researchers explain, the position of the docking station is mapped after deployment. The robot approaches the station using a free-gait maneuver. Guiding brackets are used to avoid misalignment errors.