Robot Accelerometer

[GeeTwo]

Originally Posted by Pockets

My team is experimenting with this idea. We're using mecanums.

Because the mecanums might slip some as they drive, and because the rate of slip may be variable, encoders on the wheels may not be very accurate. We're going to try adding small, non-driven wheels in the center of the robot, perpendicular to each other. Each one will be on a pneumatic powered arm and be connected to an encoder so we can measure how far the robot has traveled in the x and y directions.

Because mecanums only slip along one axis, but not the other (at least not usually), it would be possible to use encoders to keep track of a mecanum drive, but I wouldn't want to tackle it as one of many projects during build season. Your idea is rather like putting a roller-ball style mouse under the robot.