Society of Robots - Robot Forum

Mechanics and Construction => Mechanics and Construction => Topic started by: pacman411 on January 31, 2013, 12:46:20 PM

Title: Track or whell
Post by: pacman411 on January 31, 2013, 12:46:20 PM

Hello All

I am starting work on my first robot. I am starting with the platform right need I am torned between using a 4 wheel drive and 4 wheel sterring or using a track system. Since some of user in this forum have built many robot what are the pro and con of each? Any help will be welcome.

Paul

Title: Re: Track or whell
Post by: newInRobotics on February 13, 2013, 03:30:44 AM

Normally (depending on how You make it), track system offers more contact surface, hence less slippage (or that would be the case for some big heavy robot), if it's a small one You're building, slippage won't be very different. Which system do You prefer Yourself?

Title: Re: Track or whell
Post by: jwatte on February 13, 2013, 11:52:55 AM

How big is this? For mini-Sumo, tracks are fine. For two-foot-sized robots, tracks are a PITA. On the other hand, four-wheel steering is also a PITA; two-wheel steering is much easier.

The Dagu Wild Thumper comes in four-wheel and six-wheel versions, and uses "tank steering" with wheels -- it breaks the wheels on the side it wants to turn towards. It "works" as long as the surface you're driving on isn't too grabby. Dirt is great; anti-skid carpet, not so much.