Description: A wheeled robot is a type of robot that moves using wheels instead of legs or caterpillar tracks. This design allows it to move efficiently and quickly over flat surfaces, making it ideal for various applications. Wheeled robots are typically equipped with electric motors that drive the wheels and may incorporate sensors for navigation and obstacle avoidance. Their structure can range from simple, compact models to more complex versions with multiple wheels and advanced control systems. The mobility they offer enables them to perform tasks such as transportation, exploration, and surveillance, among others. Additionally, their design facilitates the integration of technologies like artificial intelligence and connectivity, which expands their functionality and versatility in different environments. In summary, wheeled robots are a key manifestation of modern robotics, combining mobility and technology to meet various needs in industry and everyday life.
History: Wheeled robots have their roots in the early developments of robotics in the 1950s. One of the first examples was ‘Shakey’, a robot developed by the Stanford Research Institute in 1966, which used wheels to move and could perform simple navigation tasks. Over the decades, technology has advanced significantly, allowing for the creation of more sophisticated and autonomous wheeled robots. In the 1980s and 1990s, mobile robotics began to gain popularity in industrial and research applications, and in the 21st century, miniaturization and improved sensors have led to a surge in the use of wheeled robots in domestic and commercial environments.
Uses: Wheeled robots are used in a variety of applications, including logistics and transportation, where they can move goods in warehouses and factories. They are also common in exploring difficult terrains, such as in research missions on Mars, where wheeled rovers have been essential. In the domestic sphere, robotic vacuum cleaners are an example of wheeled robots that autonomously perform cleaning tasks. Additionally, they are used in surveillance and security, where they can patrol areas and monitor activities.
Examples: A notable example of a wheeled robot is NASA’s ‘Curiosity’ rover, which has been exploring the surface of Mars since 2012. Another example is the ‘Roomba’ robotic vacuum cleaner, which uses a wheel-based navigation system to autonomously clean homes. In the industrial sector, automated guided vehicles (AGVs) are wheeled robots that transport materials in factories and warehouses.
