As you move the wheel from "fast" mode to "torque" mode, do you believe the frictional load caused by sliding the sphere sideways on the carpet will cause issue?
My goal would be to make these as high traction as possible, to get the use out of my torque in the low end. I'm worried that this high traction would seriously impede the movement from high-low and vice versa.
We're talking about a not insignificant amount of force.
Just something to consider.
This is definitely an interesting concept. I wish I had more time to build a proof-of-concept out of Vex. I hope this gets further developed, and possibly put into practical application.
-JV