Work

Design of the drive system for an explorer robot with a continuous track traction system

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Exploration robots face a challenge in maintaining stability when traversing uneven surfaces. This article aims to address this issue by proposing the design of a drive system that enables an exploration robot to adapt to terrain irregularities and achieve greater traction capability. The design parameters for the robot’s desired operation are established. Subsequently, the design of the drive system is proposed, consisting of three subsystems: the suspension system, the traction system, and the transmission system. To ensure that the proposed design functions properly under the desired parameters, an analysis is conducted using finite element methods. The resulting analysis provides the stresses, deformations, and safety factors of the components that make up the drive system. Overall, the analyzed components exhibit minimal deformations, which remain within the elastic range, as the yield strength of the materials from which they are made is not exceeded. This article concludes that the proposed design operates reliably under the stresses it must withstand and that a drive system capable of adapting to surface irregularities is essential, as it enhances the mobility of exploration robots.

Source: Advances in Mechanical Engineering

DOI: 10.1177/16878132251360190

Authors: Marco Amaya-Pinos, Mateo Torres-Espinoza, Joan Uruchima-Castro, Castro Julio Loja-Quezada, Luis M. López-López

Institution: Politecnica Salesiana University

Language: English

Topic: Soil Mechanics and Vehicle Dynamics

Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering

Field: Engineering

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Industry, innovation and infrastructure

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,650