For a 4 wheel drive robot; Would it be better to use 4 smaller motors, one for each wheel, or 2 larger motors with chain drive to both wheels on either side?
Also what would be more power efficient? Would I use less battery amperage using 2 vs. 4 motors?
One problem with four motors, you should be driving them with four motor controllers. It’s generally not advisable to parallel motors on a single controller.
Alan KM6VV
When you use skid steering on a four wheel robot (two motors or four, it does not matter), the wheels will always need to be dragged sideways. Visualize a very long and slender frame with four wheels at the corners… how would that turn? Now visualize a very short but very wide frame with wheels on the end - it’s much easier for that to turn. 2WD robots have no problems turning and moving on flat surfaces, but might have issues on rugged terrain. We’re not aware of any significant differences between using one motor to power a side (motion transmission via a chain, timing belot or gears) versus using two motors. Granted one approach has added mechanical complexity, and you might find the cost of one motor, the gears, shafts, bearings etc. might be the same price as two smaller motors (which is why most people opt for a motor per wheel; it’s simply easier to build.
