AndyMark Mecanum Wheel tests

[Andy Baker]

All,

We at AndyMark have started a study regarding AndyMark Mecanum-style wheels. We are testing these wheels with regard to the factors listed below. While there are some commonly-accepted rules of thumb regarding Mecanum wheels, we are conducting tests to see if they are actually true.

Here are our current tests:

1. Weight limit of new design of 8" AndyMark Mecanum wheels: Our initial tests show that these wheels can each handle 120 pounds each easily, thanks to our new roller axle design.

2. Pushing power of 8" Mecanum Wheels vs. 8" 2010 Kit wheels (on carpet)

3. Distance traveled of a drive system with 8" Mecanum Wheels (using a 3 second auto-mode) vs. 8" 2010 Kit wheels

4. Pushing power and distance traveled of the system with 8" Mecanum Wheels while strafing sideways, using the same values of input with the automode, but with appropriate wheel direction changes to allow for sideways movement (thanks, Joe Blay)

These tests will be done with a lightweight drive base (~80 pounds), a medium weight drive base (~150 pounds), and a heavy drive base (~230 pounds). We will also vary the cleanliness of the rubber surface on the wheels to see how that effects the testing.

What other tests would you like to see? If you would like to request a reasonable test, you can either send me a PM or post your request in this thread.

In other news... we are currently in the middle of a redesign for our 6" Mecanum wheel. While we will still offer our current 6" wheels, we are working on a heavy-duty version, due to be out by mid-July.

Thank you,
Andy B.