Building a Tracked Robotics Base

Posted by Too_Many_Tools on July 24, 2005, 2:01 pm

With all this discussion about the Walmart tanks being used for robot
development, I would like to build a tracked robotics base.

Does anyone have any link or websites that discuss construction of this
type of base? In particular, I would be interested in seeing how the
treads are built and materials used considering the severe and abrasive
environment they operate in.

Thanks in advance.

TMT

Posted by Steve on July 25, 2005, 1:32 pm

Hi TMT,

> Does anyone have any link or websites that discuss construction of this
> type of base? In particular, I would be interested in seeing how the
> treads are built and materials used considering the severe and abrasive
> environment they operate in.

If you actually want to tackle making your own treads (something I wish I
had the time to try), you must check out:

http://www.seattlerobotics.org/encoder/mar97/mold_art/molds.htm

Failing that, hit the toy stores big time. There's always toy tanks,
snowmobiles etc that have soft rubber treads that typically fit the bill
unless you're building something large.

HTH
Steve

Posted by Too_Many_Tools on July 26, 2005, 2:33 am

Thanks for responding....

I was thinking about building all the parts.

I was considering a larger platform.

The rubber treads one sees on snowblowers would be an interesting store
brought substitute....has anyone used them?

The tanks I saw in Walmart looked to be too fragile for any significant
usage.

TMT

Posted by Clifford Heath on July 26, 2005, 7:03 am

Too_Many_Tools wrote:

> The tanks I saw in Walmart looked to be too fragile for any significant
> usage.

Some pool-cleaning devices have rubber tracks, and are more
substantial. They must be available second hand or on throw-
out days (where I got a pair I still haven't used).

Otherwise there's the common fallback of a toothed timing
belt from a car - inside out if you want teeth. Available
for free from places that replace them.

Posted by Clifford Heath on July 26, 2005, 7:36 am

Clifford Heath wrote:

> ... They must be available second hand

Sorry, I meant they must be available as replacement parts.
Don't know what I was thinking.

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