5 Wheeled Robot?
 

OK I don't know how to do the math on how to find out if this would work or not. Or know of any other way to find out without making it. Here is an idea for a 5 wheel drive system.

[] = Motored wheels
() = Non-motored wheels
_ and | = Chassis border
. = Empty space

_____.....____
|......|...|.....| Front
|[]....|...|..[]|
|[].....---...[]|
|.................|
|.................|
|____()_____| Back

(The non-motored wheel is in the center, sorry for it being off.)

The non-motored wheel would be something like a caster but its turning would be controlled by a motor.

1. Would that work any better on turning? Should there be 2 in the back?

2. Would this create a horrible off balance and mess everything up?

If its not to much trouble I would like some feedback.

Re: 5 Wheeled Robot?
 

I really don't see the wheel in the back providing much help. I don't think balance is a big issue here since it'll be rather stable but I just don't think that it would provide any help with the turning since each wheel would have less weight on it.

Re: 5 Wheeled Robot?
 

It might help with turning but not sure. Try building a small model of your design and try it. Thats the best way of knowing.

Re: 5 Wheeled Robot?
 

One wheel in the back steering and pulling a trailer would be a nightmare

Re: 5 Wheeled Robot?
 

I think the non motored wheel is just to keep it from dragging the back.

Re: 5 Wheeled Robot?
 

I believe huskie brigade (65) did that last year, Except they had 2 powered wheels instead of 4, but they had a rear wheel to turn. Try contacting them to see how they liked it...

Re: 5 Wheeled Robot?
 

Thanks guys.