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Vectoring RobotsMechanical EngineeringProgrammable Robots

Vectoring Robot Support

Vectoring robots are robots that are able to add left/right strafing to their motion. In other words, vectoring robots can move sideways. Conventional wheeled mobile robots can only move forward and backwards and turn left/right. By adding the left and right strafing components, vectoring robots are able to move in any direction along the ground and turn left/right. This is accomplished by equipping special wheels and using a microcontroller to calculate the motor speeds required for a commanded motion.

How Vectoring Movement is Possible

Vectoring movement is achieved through a sum of forces generated by each wheel. In Figure 1 below, you will notice that for the robot to move to the right motor A will need to move in the negative direction and motors B and C would move in the positive direction.

This diagram also shows why motors B and C must be reduced while moving sideways. Motors B and C must have the same power to negate the forward and back movement while motor A must generate the same amount of sideways force as the sum of B and C.

vectorSupportPage1.jpg


Figures 2 and 3 show the two distinct types of omni wheels. Both Omni wheels and Mecanum wheels provide traction in normal wheel movement as any other wheel would. however, what makes these wheels special are the small rollers along the wheel's edges. These wheels are designed to provide a minimum amount of friction sideways allowing the wheels to move in any direction.

vectorSupportPage2.jpg


Omni wheels have smaller rollers on the edges that move completely perpendicular to the wheel itself. With this type of wheel they must be mounted perpendicular to the center of the robot as seen in Figure 1.

Mecanum wheels are unique in that the small rollers are at a 45 degree angle. This allows them to be mounted like normal wheels but provide the same style of movement as Omni wheels.

4WD Omni-directional Robots

We have several options for four wheel omni-directional robots. They use mecanum wheels or omni wheels mounted at a 45 degree angle. By changing the speeds and directions of the wheels you can achieve movement in any direction! Due to the style of the wheels it is possible to move the wheels in a standard "tank style" motion to drive normally when needed. These robots also work well for supporting high payloads since the wheels allow them to turn with very low friction. See the load ratings on the robot page for an idea of the payload.

4WD Vectoring Robot Platforms

3WD Omni-directional Robots

Our 3WD omni-directional robots use our double-row omni wheels, allowing them to vector in any direction. 3WD Vectoring Robot Platform

Controls and Specifications

Motors and Motor Mounts

We have mecanum wheel robot kits that use IG32, IG42, and IG52 motors. Below are the motors that we recommend using with these platforms, though you can use different motors if you need more speed or higher payloads. All motors are available in wide range of RPMs and some are available with a built in encoder option. For a detailed list of our available motors please see the link below. The Omni wheel based chassis is available in both IG32 and IG42 variants.

Suggested Motors

Motor Hookups

Click here for a listing of our available motors.

Wheels and Drive Shafts

Our Mecanum wheels are available stand-alone or paired with compatible wheel hubs. All wheels listed below fit any of the nexus aluminum hubs. The 4" mecanum wheels also fit the SDR manufactured flush mounted hubs.

Nexus Aluminum Hubs

The Omni wheels are shafts are sold together as one unit. The shaft comes with a bearing and lock collar that fit into/onto the motors and motor mounts. The wheels are 4 inch in diameter. The traction wheels are made of durable urethane to help grip the floor. The wheels are available in two types; single row and double row. The double row wheels provide smoother operation but both work great.

Mecanum Wheels

Below is a diagram showing how the mecanum wheels should be mounted and which direction to turn the wheels for vectoring movements.

mecanum drive wheels vectoring robot tn.jpg


Motor and Speed Controllers

RoboClaw 2x15 Motor Controller

We offer a variety of motor controllers to allow for simple operation of the robot. The motor controllers are independent of the chassis type (Mecanum or Omni). To provide vectoring movement it is required to have one motor channel per motor. Higher amperage motor controllers will be needed as the motor size and payload of the robot increases.

For the best vectoring performance, use motors with encoders and a motor controller that has closed loop speed control, such as a Roboteq or Roboclaw. To vector cleanly in a desired direction, the robot's wheels must rotate at precise speed ratios relative to one another. If the ratios are off, then the movement will be sloppy -- e.g. instead of strafing purely to the right the robot might also drift slightly forward and turn slightly left during the movement. Closed loop speed control mitigates this effect so the robot moves as commanded.

Dimension Engineering's motor controllers are versatile and reliable options when no closed loop speed control is needed.

Recommended Motor Controllers

Controller and Controller Interface

We offer three main control options for vectoring robots: Radio Controlled, WiFi, and wireless serial (xBee).

R/C (Radio Control)

For R/C control of the robot, although the motor controllers listed above support RC you will still need a microcontroller on the robot in order to handle the motor mixing necessary to achieve vectoring motion.

For accurate robot control, the remote will require at least a two axis joystick/control and a signal switch to change driving modes if desired. Below is a recommended listing of our R/C remotes.

WiFi Control

We offer an Arduino-based Wifi control interface package (TE-900-003) that includes an Arduino Mega, SDR Breakout shield, Raspberry Pi, voltage regulators, and a 4 channel TTL Relay Board (TE-010-405). The control package also comes with the source code for the control software and the Arduino firmware needed for operation of the robot.

Please see our WiFi Control Interface Support Page for more information.

Wireless Serial Control

Wireless serial control is achieved through an xBee radio. Wireless serial is currently only available if you choose an Arduino-based control system. The xBee radio connects to the Arduino through the Arduino Wireless SD Shield (MCU-064-000). A Wireless Serial Control system is available by request. Please contact us for more information.

Please see our Wireless Serial Support Page for more information.

Hardware

The final item you need to make your kit complete is a hardware package. It includes nuts, bolts, washers, cable ties, and cable hold downs.

Sensors

In order to make your robot autonomous, you will need to add sensors. Sensors can always be added or removed at a later date but always be mindful of how the sensors interact with your microcontroller. Some sensors operate under I2C, some SPI and some analog. See our Sensor Support Page for more information.

  • Accelerometers, Gyros, GPS, and Compasses
  • Contact Sensors
  • Current Sensors
  • Force Sensors
  • Gas Sensors
  • Optical Sensors
  • Sonar Range Finders
  • Temperature and Humidity Sensors
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