[Robotgroup] Robot platforms

[TomD]

The Lynxmotion platforms are about 2x cheaper than the others,
do you need the super heavy duty offroad models?

None of them seem to have shaft encoders nor even the option for them.
Having shaft encoders lets you run the wheels under closed loop control.
The 6 wheel bot might be interesting if you could sense the passive wheel
as well to see if you are slipping the drive wheels.
Although, with tank steering there is going to be lots of wheel slip,
so the encoders might not be as useful as on a 2 wheel differential driven bot like
Eyebot or Black Knight.

thecomers at juno.com wrote:
> I have tentative approval to buy one or two robotic platforms to be 
> used for special projects in our Robotics Fundamentals course and to 
> promote the Robotics and Automation Program. I am looking for 
> something more impressive than a Lego robot or BOE-bot.
> 
> I have been looking at platforms like:
> 
> the Machine Lab: the MMP-5 and MMP-8 platforms:
> 
> http://themachinelab.com/
> 
> Lynxmotion: the 4WD2 and 4WD2 platforms, and the track units:
> 
> http://www.lynxmotion.com/Category.aspx?CategoryID=30 
> 
> SuperDroid Robots: All Terrain or Heavy Duty All Terrain Robot Kit
> 
> http://www.superdroidrobots.com/shop/category.asp?catid=51
> 
> Does anyone have suggestions about other platforms to consider or 
> comments about these platforms?
> 
> Thanks,
> Bob Comer
> 
> 
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