Effectiveness of Casters

[Alavinus]

Our team is going with two wheels in the back and skids up front. (Gives a new definition to skid steer- doesn't it ) The skids will be made of Delrin and give omnicaster like abilities with the neccessary machining complexities.
You might want to consider this method over the infamous castor, or you will have a story to add to it.

[Will Hanashiro]

i also would not recommend casters. four wheel drive is sufficient, six wheel drive may be going overboard. if you're looking for on-the-dime turning, why not try a trick wheel? for those of you who dont know, a trick wheel is a normal wheel, but with a whole lot of miniature discs going around the perimiter. the miniature discs allow the wheel to slide sideways, yet they provide sufficient traction for rotating foward.

[ryan_f]

When our team used casters on past robots, it worked well. We went in straight lines and didn't have any problems with them. I think the wobbly factor that some of you are talking about is maybe because there is not enough weight on the castor or it is not parallel to the ground. If you are going to go up the steps, then i wouldn't suggest casters, go with 4-6 wheel drive for that

[Cory]

Originally Posted by Will Hanashiro

i also would not recommend casters. four wheel drive is sufficient, six wheel drive may be going overboard. if you're looking for on-the-dime turning, why not try a trick wheel? for those of you who dont know, a trick wheel is a normal wheel, but with a whole lot of miniature discs going around the perimiter. the miniature discs allow the wheel to slide sideways, yet they provide sufficient traction for rotating foward.

Search for "omniwheels" to get more information on such a "trick wheel"

Cory