Mecanum wheels

[math311]

My team has used mecanum wheels for the last three competitions, and each time we had great success with our drivetrain.

The system is meant to give a robot high levels of maneuverability, and when it is allowed to move at high speed, it creates a formidable opponent. Having the range of motion provided by a mecanum drive can allow a driver to jump out of the way of onrushing defenders, all while maintaining a scoring opportunity

When discussing pushing and mecanum, it should not be forgotten that the goal of this drivetrain is maneuverability, not brute strength. Due to this, a pushing match with a robot designed for pushing will be lopsided. But that does not mean that this drivetrain is easy to push. I have seen our past mecanum drives stop six wheel drives dead, and win pushing matches. When we use mecanum, we maintain a balance of speed and pushing power, and ensure we are not compromising one for the other.

This quote sums the entire discussion up, and is good food for thought. "Mecanum drivetrains, like every other, have advantages and disadvantages" - Mr. B