Build a REAL Robot Episode 3 - Selecting Motors

Selecting the proper motors for your robotic creation is a very important step - get it wrong and your whole design will suffer. I’m using DC gearmotors for my DB1 robot as they offer high torque and low RPM, two important qualities in a robot motor. They are also very affordable.

DC Gear motors have a multitude of specifications which can often be very confusing, especially since different manufacturers use different units to represent the same parameter. I’ll explain which parameters are the most important ones and what the different values mean.

I’ll also show you an excellent online resource that can greatly simplify the task of selecting the perfect motor for your robot.

You’ll find an article on the DroneBot Workshop website that covers everything I mention here and will also give you links to the online resource and to the motors that I used in my design.

While you are on the website please consider signing up for my free newsletter. I’, about to launch a new feature that lets you suggest new video and article topics and will also be sending my newsletter members details about getting more detailed plans for building tis robot.

And if you haven’t done so yet please subscribe to the YouTube channel. That way you won’t miss any of the videos.

[us-wolf]

I don't know why there are people dislike this valuable information, I really appreciate your work and the high level of education that you have.

[MartinBgelund]

Yes! Thank you for announcing the next DroneBot episode about rotary encoders, that's exactly what I need where I am on my own robot build! And thanks for your excellent YouTube channels!

[inayathussain]

i have been watching your vidoes from about 8 months. one thing i can say is " I'm not wasting my time". your videos are very helpful for me.

[ronfpv]

The best ever tutorial to select motor for a robotics project!

[jezebabe]

DB1 is taking shape nicely! Really enjoying this series Bill along with the Saturday videos. Great work as ever. Thanks.

[tvm]

Bill, awesome as usual. I love the attention to detail and the effort you put into everything - from the quality of graphics/illustrations to continually changing camera positions to keep things lively. One point I’d like to make - relying upon independent bearings/axle for the wheels vs using the motors bearing/axle (mounting the wheels on them directly) will make your chassis much more versatile and capable. True for any car, buggy etc. Of course you would have to rely upon some kind of belt, chain or shaft drive - which will add to cost/complexity. But the result will be more long lasting and reliable.

[azyfloof]

Can't wait for that encoder episode :P That's gonna be useful for me!
Excellent work, Bill!

[itisonlyadream]

This is exactly what I need, for years I've been trying to build a base for my robot, but couldn't figure out what motors I needed to carry the payload, now with the tools he recommended I can do it!

[Vhbaske]

I do really follow you here in Puerto Rico, in the Caribbean sea. Your's is a very excellent example to follow.

[northshorepx]

damn that's the most perfect 'making things move' tutorial I've seen. You've made it really simple!. THANK

[ukwerna]

Wow, seriously these videos are fantastic. Thanks!

[tinkmarshino]

Bill, I have always thought of Canada as a very progressive country.. But your lack of circles has me rethinking this!! I am glad how ever you were able to overcome and adapt to the lack you found. Good video on motors! I was a "car guy" in my youth and I know about gearing and it's importance (trannies and rear ends) But I would never have thought about the wheels so I am geared up (as we say) to hear your next bot video.. and as usual can't wait for saturday to see the video on encoders.. I am going to build that other kit robot you built with my grandson this summer when he comes to visit me.. But I would like to build a handy dandy robot of my own just to prove I am not to old to learn something new.. Although my coding is weak my mechanical mind is still somewhat attached and while it still lives... well you know what I mean... Carry on my friend thumbs up and thanks for the share.

[aradsoltani]

Thank you, sir. The video was so amazing and very helpful.

[opalprestonshirley]

Thank you for this video on motors. I've forgotten much on motor selection.

[vonries]

Fantastic as usual! Keep up the great work.

[kissingfrogs]

Awesome. Very informative video. Thanks

[gswilder]

@DroneBot Workshop Bill - What would be the pros and cons of mounting the 2 motors in a "diagonal" configuration. ie. One motor on each corner front/back. That way the robot could be "less wide". Great series... thanks....

[orionthegsp]

Thank you for another great video. My kids and I have been working on our own robot for a while now and I've learned a lot from this channel. We are using stepper motors for the sake of precision instead of using rotary encoders. Would steppers have any advantages/disadvantages over using the gear motors and rotary encoders?
It was great to hear you talk about de-coupling the motors from the wheels with beveled gears because that's what I have done.
Thank you also for mentioning the wheels, I hadn't considered the weight on the actual wheels. With the motors and the battery Rover is already getting heavy and we haven't built his arm yet.

[garybiggs]

@ 16:25 RE: Upping the RPM + Upping the Torque. I believe these are opposing factors. If you want more torque out of same size motor, RPM output will need to be lowered via internal gears. If you want more of both, you will need a bigger size motor.

[erickalfaro]

In Latin America those things are very expensive to get, even build a simple proyect,

I got a lot of ideas see your projects
Thanks