diving to 4 directions

[EricH]

Originally Posted by Cory

Traditionally, a true omnidirectional drivetrain allows translation in the x and y axes as well as rotation about it's center point, at the same time. A swerve drive will not allow you to do this. I don't believe a mechanum drive will either, but to be honest I haven't paid an ounce of attention to them beyond that cool Airtrax video.

A mecanum can theoretically rotate while translating. It also drives like a four-wheel with all the wheels independently powered. (In fact, driving like a four-wheel and only using the mecanum for short distances is possibly the best way to use one.)

[MrForbes]

A mecanum can REALLY translate and rotate at the same time...I've seen it in real life.

Theory becomes Reality....ah, the joy of robotics!

[lukevanoort]

The definition of holonomic that I am familiar with is that all possible degrees of freedom must be controlled--but not necessarily at the same time. Thus, IMHO, Killough/Other omni-wheel designs/Some (67/111/469 style) Swerves/Mecanum = holonomic, 118 style swerves = omnidirectional.

[guy_rom]

thank you all, this really helps!
hope to see you all in atlanta

[joeweber]

In 2004 our team won awards for using an omni drive system, http://team1322.org/omni_drive.htm . Our system worked very well, we could go all directions including rotate. The trouble is finding students that can drive it. Their is too many directions avalable and then have to keep up with the game and points. In our system we solved the traction problem by adding rows of wheels. We could actual go fast and have a good amount of power.