Build a REAL Robot - Episode 4 - Selecting Wheels

In Part 4 of the Build a REAL Robot series I will discuss selecting and installing wheels for your robot project. I will also show you the wheels that I used on my DB1 robot.

Today we will talk about wheels, and while it might not seem like the most thrilling subject, selecting the correct wheels for your robot is an important task.

I will go over some of the considerations that you’ll need to take into account when choosing wheels for your robotic project. I will also show you some of the different types of wheels that you can use.

My DB1 robot uses two types of wheels. On the front there are the traditional standard wheels, these are powered by the motors that we looked at in the last video.

The rear wheels are a special type of wheel called Omni Wheels. Actually, each rear wheel consists of two Omni wheels, mounted in a “staggered” pattern for improved performance.

Omni wheels open up a lot of different wheel configuration possibilities. I will show you which one I chose (the most boring one I’m afraid), as well as other mounting arrangements you might consider.

The article that accompanies this video gives you more details about the mounting of both types of wheels on DB1, along with part numbers and links to the components I used.

Hope you enjoy the video! Next week I’ll be working on the base unit electronics and power distribution, so please subscribe to the YouTube channel so you don’t miss out on anything.

[Logical_Controls]

Never stop doing what you're doing Bill! The effort that you put in doesn't go unnoticed. What a fantastic teacher, thanks for the videos!

[itisonlyadream]

Who knew there were so many different types of wheels and wheel configurations, I'm learning things I didn't even know I needed to know. This series is priceless and yet it's free.

[MysticDreamer]

Just want to chime in and repeat what others have said. Your excellent well-crafted instructional videos do not go unnoticed. I consider your channel to be one of the finest robotics instructional channels on YouTube. As always, looking forward to watching your next published video. Thanks Bill.

[turbofan]

Started the Arduino as a hobby this month and your chanel is by far on top to learn the thing. I appreciate the time and work you put into the videos to explain in detail how it works, how to wire and code. Keep up with your great work
Greets from Germany

[rankoutsider]

I really enjoy Bill's videos. They're so well produced and they always teach me something new. Plus, his unassuming but friendly demeanor makes him a pleasure to hear every Thursday and Saturday. Keep the great content coming, Bill! 👍

[namero]

I'd really be curious to read the comments of the people hitting thumbs down on such a content.... Thank you Bill for these videos, you are the best!

[tinkmarshino]

Oh Bill, your a great tease.. But this was rather interesting.. I had never heard of omni wheels before.. you gave me some new things to think about.. I may change the car bot kit a bit when my grandson gets here from florida this summer.. that is also another reason I am excited about this build.. I have to be smarter then he is about this.. he is 11 years old and I am afraid it will be hi building the robot and me being taught how.. Thanks for the share my friend.. always interesting and enjoyable.. Carry on and have hope the mud will dry out soon!

[UReasonIt]

As usual, great video. Wheels can be boring but needed for most bots. There are so many options for real bot wheels these days! I love it. Back in the long-ago days, it was lawn mower, trolly or some rc wheels to choose from. I agree with you on caster wheels and have given them many names over the years, two clean ones are "Bot rudders" and "Encoder defeaters". I opt to use ball rollers in there place, but these have other issues. Again, a great series that I think will inspire many to build a bot!

[vonries]

Your transactions are getting much better from camera to camera. Great job! Of course another great video, which goes without saying. The other great thing I love about your channel is the fact that you are not constantly begging for money. I can understand why people use patreon, but I hate when they make it so you can't do the project unless you pay. Not everyone can pay, so thanks.

[NoahPeeters]

This robot will be awesome! Can't wait to see the end result!

[oriyogi]

Great tutorial thank you very much
Can you please make a video on powering the robot

[cfsmithjr]

You are an awesome educator. I have a crazy question about the Omni Wheels. How do you clean fur from the omni wheel? My furry family is curious. Thank You.

[karthikbalu]

But you didn’t mention about 3 wheel method, differential drive + one omniwheel which is the most popular

[moathnaji]

Can you tell main difference between a DC motor, a Servo Motor, and a Stepper Motor with advantages and disadvantages.?

[inayathussain]

when you see the notification of dronebot workshop you are like 😍😍.
when the video is about to end you are like 😥😥

[vineethyo]

Bro make it fast I'm very exited about the new video

[grahamtech]

Fantastic work as always, please ide be honored if youd have a look at my channel ive designed and built a humanoid robot using your methods

[mattack]

You are usually such a precise guy, and that's why it makes me cringe every time you use the word "circle" for that disc shaped plate. If you want to keep it simple, calling it a disc is probably precise enough for everyday use. But calling it a circle, therefore using the term for a one-dimensional shape to describe a three-dimensional object? That's two dimensions off and that just hurts! ;-)
Does that make me a square?