How to Select a Logistics Robot Chassis

The logistics robot chassis serves as the foundational platform for logistics robots, providing mobility, load-bearing capacity, and control capabilities for the entire robot. It directly impacts load capacity, operational stability, navigation accuracy, endurance, and adaptability to diverse environments. Below is a detailed selection guide to help you choose the appropriate chassis based on your specific requirements:

1. Application Scenarios and Environments

The selection of logistics robot chassis should primarily be based on specific operational environments and task requirements. Different environments impose distinct demands on chassis performance, which can be categorized as follows:

Indoor: Typically featuring flat surfaces, wheeled chassis (such as differential drive, omnidirectional wheels, or Mecanum wheels) are suitable.

Outdoor: Consider dustproofing, waterproofing, shock absorption, and climbing ability. Tracked or reinforced wheeled chassis are suitable.

Ground Conditions:

Smooth surfaces (e.g., tiles, epoxy flooring) accommodate standard wheeled chassis;

Uneven surfaces, slopes, thresholds, and gaps require consideration of chassis ground clearance, drive type, and suspension system.

Space Constraints:

Narrow aisles require chassis with small turning radii (e.g., omnidirectional wheels or steering wheel configurations);

High-density shelving areas necessitate consideration of robot dimensions and obstacle avoidance capabilities.

Common scenarios include:

Warehouse Logistics (e.g., e-commerce warehouses, manufacturing facilities): Prioritize shelf height, aisle width (ranging from narrow 0.8 meters to over 3 meters), and floor flatness to ensure unimpeded chassis movement.

Production line transport (e.g., automotive manufacturing): Emphasizes high load capacity (500 kg to several tons) and precise docking to ensure operational accuracy and efficiency.

Hospital delivery (e.g., medication/sample transport): Requires quiet chassis operation with flexible obstacle avoidance and navigation capabilities in complex indoor environments.

Sorting centers (e.g., parcel hubs): Must support high-speed operation (1–2 m/s) and agile maneuvering.

2. Load Capacity and Dimensions

Define the maximum load (referring to the maximum weight the logistics robot chassis can safely carry during normal operation), including:

① Cargo weight

② Upper structure weight (e.g., lifting platforms, roller conveyors, robotic arms, shelving, etc.)

③ Additional equipment weight (e.g., batteries, sensor mounts, protective covers, etc.)

Note: Center of gravity distribution must prevent tipping during high-speed operation.

Chassis dimensions must match warehouse aisle widths, elevator dimensions, door clearances, etc., typically including:

① Length × Width × Height (including minimum ground clearance)

② Turning radius (minimum inner/outer turning radius)

③ Aisle clearance width (typically chassis width + safety margin ≥ 20 cm)

Allow for future upgrade potential. If increased payload or upper-mounted functions are anticipated, select a chassis slightly exceeding current requirements.

3. Comparison of Common Drive Methods

4. Navigation and Positioning Method Compatibility

① The chassis must support the selected navigation technology (e.g., laser SLAM, QR codes, magnetic strips, UWB, visual navigation, etc.);

② Ensure the chassis structure does not interfere with sensor installation (e.g., lidar, IMU, cameras, etc.);

Lidar: Typically mounted on the top or upper-middle section of the chassis (height 60–120 cm), requiring 360° unobstructed field of view. Chassis structure must not feature protruding brackets or cables that block the scanning plane.

Camera (downward/forward view): Used for QR code or visual navigation. Requires pre-installed openings or brackets on the front or bottom of the chassis to prevent image blurring caused by vibration.

IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit): Should be mounted near the chassis' center of gravity, away from high-vibration sources like motors to minimize noise interference.

③ The chassis control system must provide open interfaces (e.g., ROS, CAN, Modbus) to facilitate navigation algorithm integration.

5. Battery Life and Charging Methods

Select battery capacity based on operational duration (typically lithium batteries);

Support automatic charging (e.g., contact-based, wireless charging);

Consider fast-charging capability and battery lifespan.

If you can provide more specific details (e.g., warehouse area, load capacity, budget range), I can recommend specific chassis models tailored to your needs.