Comments | ams16: Kind of like the Segway

ams16

Kind of like the Segway

Apr 07, 2009 15:04

What is the point of the PUMA? Seriously - if they want something that small, they don't need to rely on computers so that it balances on two wheel - they could just put it on three wheels.

If you don't know what I'm talking about:
NY Times article

And on YouTube

Comments 5

Stability? robot_culinaire April 7 2009, 23:36:21 UTC

If you rely on having three wheels to hold you up, there are limits about how fast you can start, stop, and turn, depending on how far apart the wheels are and where exactly your center of gravity is. It is conceivable that a Segway-based vehicle can accelerate and turn faster than a three wheeler with a similar wheelbase.

But it might be because the marketing drones think it's cooler.

Re: Stability? ams16 April 8 2009, 00:02:54 UTC

I can believe that it can turn faster (something that is inherently unstable is more maneuverable than something stable - which is how our brains work, but that's another topic.)

But why would it accelerate faster?

Re: Stability? robot_culinaire April 8 2009, 16:26:21 UTC

Let me start with an easy example. You know that if you hit the front brakes on a bicycle too hard, you flip over the front wheel. (If you hit the back brake too hard, you skid. It is for the same reason, so let's simplify and only talk about the front brake. Including both brakes changes the numbers but not the scaling ( ... )

Re: Stability? ams16 April 8 2009, 18:18:24 UTC

Ok. I can see that. But wouldn't having the third wheel dynamic also help? Such as the Toyota I-Real?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lLB1Po5JxGI&feature=related

So, with a lot less computer support (and reliance*) you have the stability of three wheels, with the acceleration advantages you desire.

*I'm a little scared of relying on a computer for everything, due the possibility of overheating, etc, and the delicacy of the computers in general. Perhaps I'm being too cautious.

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