Bobbing Along- The Sledding Continues

As you remember, the essence of Rover Bob includes; Capabilities, Human Interface, Guidance, AI, Guidance, Sustainability and Locomotion.

For the past week I have been focused on Locomotion. And, that effort has driven me friggin loco. However, today, after many failed attempts (FUMUs) I have a workable Self Driving Wheel. (SDW)
OK, it is not perfect but nor was the first steam engine or Elon’s auto come home feature on his cute rocket ship. In fact, the world is far from perfect and Bob certainly fits comfortably under that umbrella. 

Here is the first successful test of Bob’s SDW.
https://youtu.be/ainU42EN77E

Not bad considering that this prototype could use a little attention to ‘fit and finish’ detail.
With locomotion under control we need to turn our attention to control in general.

How will we steer Bob? I know. I know! Let’s use servos from the remote control aeroplane world.

For you laymen/laywomen, here is a slide to help understand this complicated control scheme. Truly from the depths of Wailer Work’s greatest minds who took this design from a $15 remote controlled truck. (NASA, you should have used a $15 truck.)

Ol’e Willy is always on the lookout for the most dumbed down technology that is available. In this case, from a 7 year old kid in China.

So, what is next on the project management Pert Chart? The critical path to Mars.
  1) Clean up and print two SDWs that don’t sound and act like a 1913 International Tractor.
  2) Design and print the arms for the Side Wheel Assembly
  3) Design a servo attachment mechanism for the lead SDW.

Maybe
  1. Design and print the arms for the Side Wheel Assembly
  2. Design a servo attachment mechanism for the lead SDW.
  3. Clean up and print two SDWs that don’t sound and act like a 1913 International Tractor.

                             Not sure where to go after my nap.