From Cassette Recorder to Robot Propulsion

There are currently three principal methods for the propulsion of a mobile robot: the modified radio-control servo, the stepper motor, and the DC motor. All have advantages and disadvantages, which are important to be familiar with before making your choice.

The modified radio-control servo offers numerous advantages, the main one being that it offers relatively high tractive power without needing a reducing gearbox, as this is already contained within the servo case. So all you have to do is mount it onto the robot and fix the wheels directly onto its shaft. What’s more, a radio-control servo is powered from 4.8 V, which is particularly handy for robots using four 1.2 V rechargeable batteries.