Tug Specifications Help

Let's Make Robots Beginners
1

Hello, I am a novice at robot construction but I do need to build a custom robot for a DIY project I am doing. I was hoping someone out there can help me spec out a robot tug that has the following characteristics:

  1. Must be able to tow 180lbs on two plastic 10” wheels on concrete
  2. Must be able to go up and down moderate hills (<5% grade)
  3. The chair it must tug has four wheels and is 11” wide, 34” deep and 44” high
  4. The tug will pick up the front end of the chair (thus elevating the front two wheels) and pull it using the back two wheels of the chair
  5. It can travel at very low speeds (<5 mph)
  6. It will be battery powered capable of traveling 1/4 of a mile
  7. It will have an arm mounted on top that can pick up the front two wheels of the chair
  8. It should be in a “U” shape with the wheels on the sides, the open end of the “U” enabling the two back wheels to roll and the closed of the “U” holding the arm that picks up the front of the chair

I would like to purchase the pre-fabricated parts and construct myself. I am indifferent as to the type of software used to program the tug.

I would appreciate any tips to spec this out or direct me to the best site/course, etc… where I can figure this out myself.

Thank you.

2

Hello @Tug and welcome to the RobotShop forum,

As you’re planning on constructing it yourself I recommend checking the “How to Make a Robot” tutorial series, that will guide you through pretty much everything. And as you have pretty much figured the weight the robot would have to carry, the size of the wheels and the speed I suggest using the Drive Motor Sizing Tool

That will help you find the specs of the motors you will need and with that information, you’ll be able to select the motor controller.

I’m guessing you will want to control it using a remote control so you will need to choose an R/C motor driver (Sabertooths are a great option) and you will also need a transmitter and a receiver you can find some great options in the Wireless RC / PWM Servo Controllers section of the store. Or maybe you want it to be autonomous? In that case, you will need a microcontroller and some sensors.

For the rest of the robot I suggest checking these sections:

I hope this information can help you out!

Let us know how it turns out :grin:

1 Like
3

Thank you so much @geraldinebc15!! I will review the information you referenced to get started.

1 Like