Mobile Robot, With Printable Gearbox

thingiverse

This miniature two-wheeled robot is designed for pattywac's bearing contest and features a unique geartrain made using a MakerBot printer. Distinct from similar robots, it does not employ gearmotors or continuous rotation servos but instead uses plain DC motors coupled with a homemade 8:1 reduction geartrain. Although the printed geartrain is noisy and less efficient than commercial alternatives, it offers cost-savings benefits. The robot's design features include a printable geartrain, compatibility with motors up to 25mm in diameter and 30mm long, and 3mm holes on the chassis and cover for modification/expansion. The assembly instructions are available at http://www.flickr.com/photos/nickames/sets/72157624952160443/. Assembled from two identical halves, each housing a wheel and the geartrain for that wheel, this robot utilizes a M3 bolt to clamp the wheel onto the bearing. The wheel and output gear shafts mesh inside the bearing bore to transmit torque, with two middle gears between the output gear and motor pinion. A choice of covers is available, including options for mounting an Arduino on top of the robot. Despite its small size, this innovative robot offers a range of customization possibilities, making it a fascinating project for makers and hobbyists.