Constructing an experimental wave drive tank

There are numerous methods to make a factor ambulatory past merely slapping on some wheels. James Bruton typically experiments with these distinctive drive mechanisms, whether or not they’re sensible or not. In his latest video, he constructed what he calls a “wave drive” to propel a tank-like robotic. This experimental wave drive tank includes a 3D-printed physique and distant Arduino-based management.

This drive mechanism works utilizing movement much like somebody doing the worm dance transfer, which could be very very similar to how flatworms swim by means of water in nature. For a extra technical visualization, think about a spinning helix projected onto a 2D airplane. The end result appears to be like like a sine wave, therefore the title. The underside of the wave makes contact with the bottom and friction gives grip, letting the mechanism roll ahead. That helix visualization additionally mirrors the bodily implementation right here, as a screw-shaped drive shaft guides tracks because it spins.

Bruton 3D-printed nearly each bodily a part of this robotic, with the foremost exception being the helical metallic rods. These rods spin on bearings and an Arduino Mega 2560 controls their 12V DC motors by means of driver boards. As with extra standard tank tracks, ahead or reverse motion happen when each motors spin in the identical course. To rotate the robotic, the motors simply have to spin in reverse instructions. The Arduino can vector motor course and pace in keeping with throttle and steering inputs from Bruton’s customized distant management.

As Bruton demonstrates within the video, this wave drive works – nevertheless it doesn’t work very nicely. It’s gradual, inefficient, troublesome to manage, and has a tough time overcoming obstacles. That is sensible, since this motion is best suited to ambulation in viscous fluid. Even so, it’s nice to see Bruton testing the actual world practicality of one other unconventional drive mechanism.