Uploaded February 2023 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Go to brilliant.org/JamesBruton to get a 30 day free trial + the first 200 people will get 20% off their annual subscription.
This is version 2 of my omni-directional tank.
The tank is omni-directional. That means it can move forwards, backwards, and left and right, or diagonally, or any combination out of 360 degrees. It can also turn on the spot.
Each track has little wheels mounted in each segment which allows them to slide sideways. This is really similar to other omni-directional robots I’ve built which use various types of omni directional wheels.
This seemed like it worked well, but it was really bad at climbing over things, which is what tanks are generally supposed to be good at. Two tracks at an angle like that just slipped on the edge of most objects and it couldn’t get traction. Also, as the front of the tank was lifted up, the back edge was pivoted off the ground, which didn’t have any drive in that direction anyway.
The main suggestions to improve this from the comments on the original video were to make the track style a trapezoidal shape like a traditional tank, and also to have each section able to pivot so each track can comply with the terrain.
Also at least one person suggested moving the little wheels in each track segment to the outside of the tracks so that they can help grip better on the corners as the track approaches objects.
CAD & code: github.com/XRobots/OmniTracks/tree/main/V2
You can support me on Patreon, join my Discord, or buy my Merchandise:
***************************
Discord: discord.com/invite/fc6MedG7eW
Patreon: patreon.com/xrobots
***************************
Other socials:
***************************
Instagram: instagram.com/xrobotsuk
Twitter: twitter.com/xrobotsuk
Facebook: facebook.com/xrobotsuk
***************************
Affiliate links - I will get some money of you use them to sign up or buy something:
***************************
10% off at 3dfuel.com - use code XROBOTS at the cart screen.
Music for your YouTube videos: share.epidemicsound.com/xrobots
***************************
CAD and Code for my projects: github.com/XRobots
Huge thanks to my Patrons, without whom my standard of living would drastically decline. Like, inside out-Farm Foods bag decline. Plus a very special shoutout to Lulzbot, Inc who keep me in LulzBot 3D printers and support me via Patreon.
HARDWARE/SOFTWARE
Below you can also find a lot of the typical tools, equipment and supplies used in my projects:
Filament from: 3dfuel.com
Lulzbot 3D Printers: bit.ly/2Sj6nil
Bearings from: simplybearings.co.uk
Lincoln Electric Welder: bit.ly/2Rqhqos
CNC Router: bit.ly/2QdsNjt
Ryobi Tools: bit.ly/2RhArcD
Axminster Micro Lathe: bit.ly/2Sj6eeN
3D Printer Filament: bit.ly/2PdcdUu
Soldering Iron: bit.ly/2DrNWDR
Vectric CNC Software: bit.ly/2zxpZqv
Go to brilliant.org/JamesBruton to get a 30 day free trial + the first 200 people will get 20% off their annual subscription.
This is version 2 of my omni-directional tank.
The tank is omni-directional. That means it can move forwards, backwards, and left and right, or diagonally, or any combination out of 360 degrees. It can also turn on the spot.
Each track has little wheels mounted in each segment which allows them to slide sideways. This is really similar to other omni-directional robots I’ve built which use various types of omni directional wheels.
This seemed like it worked well, but it was really bad at climbing over things, which is what tanks are generally supposed to be good at. Two tracks at an angle like that just slipped on the edge of most objects and it couldn’t get traction. Also, as the front of the tank was lifted up, the back edge was pivoted off the ground, which didn’t have any drive in that direction anyway.
The main suggestions to improve this from the comments on the original video were to make the track style a trapezoidal shape like a traditional tank, and also to have each section able to pivot so each track can comply with the terrain.
Also at least one person suggested moving the little wheels in each track segment to the outside of the tracks so that they can help grip better on the corners as the track approaches objects.
CAD & code: github.com/XRobots/OmniTracks/tree/main/V2
You can support me on Patreon, join my Discord, or buy my Merchandise:
***************************
Discord: discord.com/invite/fc6MedG7eW
Patreon: patreon.com/xrobots
***************************
Other socials:
***************************
Instagram: instagram.com/xrobotsuk
Twitter: twitter.com/xrobotsuk
Facebook: facebook.com/xrobotsuk
***************************
Affiliate links - I will get some money of you use them to sign up or buy something:
***************************
10% off at 3dfuel.com - use code XROBOTS at the cart screen.
Music for your YouTube videos: share.epidemicsound.com/xrobots
***************************
CAD and Code for my projects: github.com/XRobots
Huge thanks to my Patrons, without whom my standard of living would drastically decline. Like, inside out-Farm Foods bag decline. Plus a very special shoutout to Lulzbot, Inc who keep me in LulzBot 3D printers and support me via Patreon.
HARDWARE/SOFTWARE
Below you can also find a lot of the typical tools, equipment and supplies used in my projects:
Filament from: 3dfuel.com
Lulzbot 3D Printers: bit.ly/2Sj6nil
Bearings from: simplybearings.co.uk
Lincoln Electric Welder: bit.ly/2Rqhqos
CNC Router: bit.ly/2QdsNjt
Ryobi Tools: bit.ly/2RhArcD
Axminster Micro Lathe: bit.ly/2Sj6eeN
3D Printer Filament: bit.ly/2PdcdUu
Soldering Iron: bit.ly/2DrNWDR
Vectric CNC Software: bit.ly/2zxpZqv
