pic: Team 195 driving base 2007

[meatmanek]

Originally Posted by Arefin Bari

I sure would like to know how does a team turn without lowering their middle wheels. If there is anyone out there with a proper answer with reasonings behind it, please post.

Team 868 did a 4 wheel, long drivetrain in 2005. How did we turn? Very slowly. But we did drive in a straight line very nicely, something that mecanum and 2WD drives aren't able to do without software help.

What I'd really like to see is an eight wheel drive, with 4 centralized drive wheels that are in contact with the ground all of the time, except when accelerating hard in one direction, or pushed from the top. The front 2 and back 2 would be raised up a bit (1/8" or so), be smaller (to reduce weight), and probably unpowered. This would have the benefits of a long drivetrain, be stable (none of the rocking back and forth I'm guessing you get with a 6WD), and have a more predictable center of turning.