A4WD3 Rugged Rovers

Wheeled and tracked robots are still the backbone of mobile robotics and Lynxmotion offers a selection of durable and proven professional mobile platforms as part of the A4WD3 series. These rovers are general purpose mobile robotic platforms which can be used for many applications, from development platforms to surveillance and inspection and more. The frame of the robot is used in three configurations: four wheel drive (4WD); Mecanum (omnidirectional) & tracked, and variations of each platform include without electronics (so developers can integrate their own parts); an RC version and microcontroller-based for autonomous or semi-autonomous use.

The 4WD variant of the rover includes four 160mm diameter off road beadlock wheels which provide damping and are a good choice when the robot will be traveling over flat or uneven terrain. These wheels provide a respectable 41 mm of ground clearance. The tracked version includes four sets of sprockets and a pair of reinforced continuous rubber tracks which offer incredible traction and weight distribution on a variety of surfaces and give the rover 63 mm (~2.48 inch) of ground clearance which allows it to be used effectively over brush, forest floor, paved and unpaved roads, on sand, over snow and mud, in urban environments and more. Finally, the omnidirectional A4WD3 includes a full set of four 152 mm diameter Mecanum wheels (two left and two right) allowing the robot to move in virtually and direction or perform complex manoeuvers. Mecanum wheels offer unmatched motion on flat surfaces, allowing not only for the full range of movement provided by 4WD, but also the ability to move side to side and more. These Mecanum wheels are intended to be used on flat indoor surfaces.

The A4WD3’s machined aluminum frame integrates seals around each motor shaft, and solid rubber cord between the frame and all panel openings, making it dust and water resistant. A large marine inspection hatch on the top panel provides easy access to internal parts as well as being able to quickly swap or recharge batteries. Aside from the internal electronics mounting plate, the platform is symmetric and can be inverted. The rover uses four powerful 12 V DC motors coupled to 27:1 all metal planetary gears. The rear shaft of each motor has a magnetic encoder which provides 12 pulses per revolution (PPR). These motors provide 4WD and allow the rover to reach a top speed of around 3 m/s (120 inches per second) without payload. Access panels are made of G10 composite and are intended to allow users to machine openings to add their own components. Included are also transparent polycarbonate panels which allow for an internally mounted camera and/or or LED lights for increased visibility (Lynxmotion – A4WD3 Red Brake & White High Power LED Module).