Patent ID: 8290622

Claim:
A robotic cleaner for cleaning a surface with a cleaning cloth, the robotic cleaner comprising: a main robot body comprising: a drive system configured to drive the robotic cleaner in a forward direction toward the surface to be cleaned; and a microcontroller configured to control the movement of the robotic cleaner; a cleaning assembly connected at a front end of the main robot body whereby the cleaning assembly is in front of the main robot body when driven in the forward direction; wherein the cleaning assembly is configured to detachably hold the cleaning cloth; wherein the cleaning assembly comprises a cleaning pad configured to press the cleaning cloth against the surface to be cleaned; and at least one drop sensor connected to the cleaning assembly, each drop sensor comprising a member configured to move a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface to be cleaned; wherein the member is configured to apply pressure to the cleaning cloth and to protrude outward with respect to the cleaning pad when at least a portion of the cleaning cloth losses contact with the surface to be cleaned.