Product Description

The Neobotix ArgoDriveModule is a two-axis drive unit for mobile robotic vehicles and similar applications based on the ArgoDrive from ebm-papst. In the ArgoDriveModule, the two servo controllers are integrated in a compact box on one of the sides of the ArgoDrive housing, either on the left or right. This massively reduces installation space and cabling requirements and the modules are very easy to install.

Components

The ArgoDriveModule is made up from the following components:

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  1. ArgoDrive housing
  2. Parking brake
  3. Drive wheel
  4. Servo controller assembly
  5. ArgoDriveModule connectors
  6. Connectors of the ArgoDrive

Control Software

The ArgoDriveModule is easiest to use with PlatformPilot from Neobotix. This industrial control software was specially developed for autonomous mobile robots (AMR) with omnidirectional kinematics and also supports the ArgoDriveModule. It offers various movement modes and can be customised in detail to individual applications using a variety of parameters.

Another very common option is the open-source framework ROS 2. The Robot Operating System is used by a huge international community and is constantly being developed further, so that it provides many advanced and unusual modules and solutions. Thanks to its flexibility, ROS 2 is particularly popular in research and development. Neobotix offers a suitable driver for connecting the ArgoDriveModules to ROS 2.

Possible Kinematics

One ArgoDrive with two fixed rollers

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This configuration is the cheapest and easiest to control. Although possible, it is very rare that the ArgoDriveModule is moved in a way that will make the fixed wheels jam.

In this configuration, true omnidirectional motion is not possible because the vehicle will always follow the drive unit.

Three ArgoDriveModules

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This configuration ensures high stability for smaller robots, avoids static indeterminacy and allows fully omnidirectional movement.

All three wheels must be aligned correctly at all times to avoid jamming or slippage. Please mind that the angle between the wheels must change according to the movement’s centre of rotation.

Four ArgoDriveModules

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This configuration is most commonly used for service robots. It guarantees highest stability even for big and heavy robots. Although it is statically indeterminate this will not cause problems in most applications because all wheels are aligned actively.

All four wheels must be aligned correctly at all times to avoid jamming or slippage. Please mind that the angle between the wheels must change according to the movement’s centre of rotation.