Quote:
Originally Posted by JesseK
If all 8 wheels are driven, wouldn't that cause the outer wheels to fight the inner wheels since their smaller circumferences cause slower linear translation than the middle wheels? Is it too minor to worry about?
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Even if it weren't too small of a difference to actually make a difference, there is a wee bit of theoretical benefit to a minor mismatch in speed. If the corner wheels are any less grippy than the specially-treaded middle ones, they'll be slipping slightly. The way friction works, they'll thus slide sideways more easily than if they were in solid lock-step with the rest of the wheels.
But it's not an issue. Andy Baker's suggestion is a proven one. The TechnoKats 2008 robot uses six-wheel drive with in-line axles and extra tread on the center wheels, and it drives great.