Experts in the technology sector are constantly coming up with innovative products that improve our daily lives. Robotics, in particular, feature some of the most groundbreaking technologies, as well as one essential piece of equipment: adjustable caster wheels. 

How do casters contribute to today’s new robotic technology? This guide explains why inventors utilize caster wheels for their machines and how they compare to other types of wheels. Discover the difference that the best caster wheels can make for anything from a robotics project to furniture and more. 

Turn to Caster Central for all of your caster needs. Contact our specialists for more information on the variety of products we carry to find the perfect one for your project. 

The Role of Caster Wheels in Robotics

Robots can easily move and swivel when they feature caster wheels as their primary method of movement. Depending on the machine’s key functions, the wheels play a big part in helping it complete tasks. You’ll find that some wheels work better in different environments or create more stability for the machine while in operation. 

Where do casters fit in this discussion? Let’s dive deeper into the role that adjustable caster wheels play in robotics and their efficiency. 

How Casters Compare to Other Types of Wheels

When creating a mobile robot, you have plenty of options regarding which wheels to use. The most prevalent wheels in the industry include the following:

• Standard: A traditional and cost-effective option, standard wheels provide more traction but are limited in their mobility. 
• Caster: A versatile and affordable wheel that comes in a variety of styles, including heavy-duty workbench casters, adjustable height casters, and more. 
• Omni-directional: These aptly named wheels can turn in any direction, making them a popular choice in the field of robotics. They feature smaller wheels within the outer edge to enable directional control. 
• Mecanum: A slightly different type of omnidirectional wheel, mecanum wheels place their inner wheel at a different angle, providing them with more traction. 

You’ll find pros and cons with all of these options, but overall, adjustable caster wheels tend to be the go-to choice for those in the robotics field. They allow the robot to move freely in an instant and can make the design more compact. Including caster wheels in your project can make it more mobile without compromising control. 

Factors To Consider When Building a Mobile Robot

Say you’re looking to create a machine that can travel throughout large venues and disinfect all of the surfaces after events like trade shows, concerts, or other large gatherings. You determine that adjustable caster wheels will work best for this project because the robot needs to maneuver all corners of the event space and turn quickly so the venue is clean in minimal time. After you figure out which type of wheel you’re going to use, you have several other factors to consider. 

One of the most important parts of designing your robot is figuring out which size caster works best. Do you want the robot to move faster to save time cleaning the venue? If so, investing in larger wheels can give the robot more speed, though it will also require more torque to rotate. 

Next, you need to determine the number of casters the robot will need. The total number of wheels the machine uses impacts several key factors, including:

• The machine’s weight
• Total power consumption
• Torque
• Traction and stability
• Speed

Pinpoint the ideal outcome for each of these components and select your wheels accordingly. Keep in mind that more wheels can provide higher speeds and greater traction, but they also increase the robot’s weight and total power consumption. 

How To Create Effective Robots Using Caster Wheels

Adjustable caster wheels can greatly improve the mobility of a robot and provide easy maneuvering while in operation. To achieve this result, specialists must slightly adjust the mechanics of the device. Since caster wheels require constant turning around the steering axis, builders must be careful about the placement of any motors. 

Putting the motor within the wheel fork is possible, though you’d also need to include a slip ring around the steering axle so no cables twist when the caster turns. Another option is to install the motor above the fork and use gears and belts for power transmission. Casters remain a wheel option when you eliminate the need for cables by placing the controller and batteries inside the wheel module. 

It’s possible to incorporate different types of wheels in your design for optimum performance. For instance, you could line standard wheels along the back of the robot for stability and place smaller casters in the front for easier maneuvering. You may also utilize leveling casters, which come with a top plate mount to easily turn a stationary device into a mobile one.

How Caster Wheels Struggle in Robotics

Adjustable caster wheels prove to be a promising solution when creating a mobile robot. However, their design and capabilities have some minor drawbacks when it comes to certain technologies. 

The full maneuverability of caster wheels makes them suitable for indoor robots. They tend to be less stable for outdoor use and require more control while operating the robot.

For example, an agricultural robot could benefit from caster wheels because they allow the machine to navigate rows of crop fields. The only issue is that casters can create more friction and make the robot harder to control in such settings. Using standard wheels, in this case, provides more traction against the ground so that the machine can move outside with ease. 

Another potential drawback is that caster wheels tend to skid when moving at higher speeds. If you’re building a robot that can quickly get from one location to another, another type of wheel could be more effective. However, most robotic technologies don’t travel at high speeds and, therefore, work wonderfully with adjustable caster wheels. 

The Overall Efficacy of Casters in Robotics

Building a robot with caster wheels proves to be quite efficient. Depending on the design and mechanics of the machine, caster wheels provide seamless mobility during indoor operations. You can create machines that serve a unique purpose and move effortlessly with casters that support the weight. 

These wheels work great on their own, but you can get even better results by pairing them with another type of wheel, such as standard or omnidirectional wheels. Once you create the robot, you can fine-tune it and make mechanical adjustments according to your needs. Some of these adjustments may include tailoring the machine, so it performs equally well indoors and on tough outdoor terrain. 

Take Robotics to the Next Level With Caster Wheels

Are you working on creating new robot technology that needs to move effortlessly? Applying caster wheels to your invention enables the device to move in any direction you maneuver it. You will need to account for the increased friction that these wheels create for robotics, but compared to the alternative, caster wheels are the top choice for any robotics specialist. 

The experts at Caster Central can supply you with adjustable caster wheels for your next project. Our inventory boasts a wide variety of sizes and materials, so you can find the perfect caster for your needs. Contact our specialists for tips on how to stop caster wheels from rolling, the total weight that wheels can support, and much more. 

Explore our online selection of products or call Caster Central at (800) 445-4082 to speak with a specialist.