A novel high adaptability out-door mobile robot with diameter-variable wheels

A novel high adaptability out-door mobile robot with diameter-variable wheels was proposed in this paper. The robot has advantages of good climbing obstacle capability, high terrain adaptability and stability for the self-adapting suspension and walking wheel combining the efficiency of wheels with the climbing mobility of legs. The mechanism structure and working principle were described. The kinematics model and dynamic model are presented of the folding and unfolding of the wheel and interaction between wheel and terrain respectively. A simulation in MSC.ADAMS has been carried out to verify the operation and the reality of the prototype. The simulation results show that the robot with diameter-variable wheels has good performance of climbing obstacles in the rough terrain.