Problems turning

[Cody Carey]

Originally Posted by Bochek

Well we shipped the robot with 2 main problems, we are 5 lbs over weight, and the robot doesn't turn.

im working on a sollution to the weight problem, but i have a question about the turning problem.

if you watch this video:
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?doc...15467259458065

you can see that we have issues with turning, we have to take a run and then quickly reverse one side to get it to turn.

i was thinking as a simple and easy sollution would be to replace all 4 wheels with the omni wheels available from andymark. as well as premounting the wheels to aluminum sprockets from ifi robotics so that its a simple swap at the competition.

my questions are as follows:

will this help us turn?
what are the disadvantages?
how much weight can we expect to loose by swaping to the aluminum sprockets?

Thanks alot.

- Bochek

Yes, it will help you turn, but you will get pushed sideways. A lot. A more cost-effective/easy solution would be to just switch out two wheels for omnis. The only thig is that you would pivot around the two wheels that still have sideways traction, but if you replace your back wheels, it will allow you to pivot around the front of your robot... which could be a huge advantage while positioning around a target such as a tube.You can reasonably expect to lose between a pound and two pounds by switching out the sprockets.


-Cody C

EDIT: Your drivers have learned to cope with the decreased ability to turn very well. Good job.