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A supply store for people who want to build robots, electronic gadgets, kinetic art or anything else that moves, beeps or flashes. | |
Motion Systems |
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| Robots are usually moved by a combination of wheels, gears, motors and associated electronics. Sometimes motor systems are assembled piece-by-piece but the most common form of robot motion these days comes from servos similar to the kind used with radio controlled airplanes. While most robots roll, it is possible to build robots that walk, jump or even swim or fly. A continuous rotation servo is a modified hobby servo that can rotate 360 degrees in either direction. These servos are economical and provide a neat systems of motors, gears and electronics that can be directly connected to most robot controllers. A number of different types of wheels are available which attach directly to the servo axle. Most simple robots use two servos to provide both motion and direction control. Direction is controlled by what is called "differential steering" -- steering by varying the speed and direction of each wheel. If your robot needs to turn left, just slow or stop the left wheel servo while maintaining or increasing the speed of the right wheel. The bigger the difference in speed, the sharper the turn. Motion systems can become as complicated as you choose and often require custom design and building of the mechanical and electronic components. Sometimes the mechanical components can be "borrowed" from a toy or other hobby. Radio controlled planes, cars and boats (including submarines) have been used to provide the base and motion system of robots. An H-Bridge is an electronic circuit which translates and boosts controller output signals to the level required to drive a standard electric motor with variable speed and direction. An H-Bridge is built into hobby servos, so they can be connected directly to the controller. When using other types of motors you need to provide your own H-Bridge. These can be purchased as completed assemblies or assembled from components. Shop for motion systems ... Go to Robot Builders Menu ... Go to home page ... Ask us a question ... |
The content on this page was updated on 9/30/2004