Weeding Robots: How to Choose a Chassis?

Weeding robots are essential tools for agricultural automation and refined garden management. An inappropriate chassis will directly impact the robot's operating efficiency, environmental adaptability, and maintenance costs. When selecting a chassis, consider factors such as terrain complexity, load capacity, endurance requirements, and control accuracy, and incorporate technical indicators such as modular design, protection level, and cost optimization.

The operating environments of weeding robots vary significantly. First, clarify the terrain and application scenarios for the chassis:

Flat terrain (such as home lawns, parks, golf courses, and school lawns)

When using a weeding robot on flat terrain, while the terrain conditions are relatively simple, the robot's operating efficiency, stability, and safety must still be considered. Focus on the following performance factors:

1. Simple structure and flexible steering (with on-the-spot rotation), suitable for frequent starts and stops and working in confined spaces. A differential chassis is recommended for its proven control and low cost.

 2. Equipped with sensors such as ultrasonic waves and cameras to enable dynamic obstacle avoidance (e.g., pets, children, and temporary objects). 

3. Intelligent route planning, automatically identifying mowed and unmowed areas to avoid duplicate work.

4. The robot's endurance under load should be optimized based on the operating area (e.g., a 24V/100Ah lithium battery supports 4 hours of continuous operation).

Complex terrain (such as farmland, orchards, and mountainous areas)

Complex terrain features soft soil, mud, and numerous obstacles. Consider the robot's power performance, perception, obstacle and climbing capabilities, and protection level. The following are requirements for complex terrain weeding robots:

1. Tracks chassis must have a large contact area, low pressure, and excellent slip resistance, making them suitable for muddy terrain and steep slopes.

2. The motor must have high torque to handle starting on steep slopes and the resistance of weeds. Brushless DC (BLDC) hub motors are recommended for their high efficiency and long life.

3. Integration of an IMU (inertial measurement unit), lidar, and visual SLAM enables real-time obstacle recognition and dynamic path planning.

4. Key components (motor, sensors, and battery) must be sealed or equipped with protective shields to prevent the intrusion of mud, water, and grass debris. 

5. Complex terrain requires high energy consumption, necessitating a large-capacity battery (e.g., 48V/20Ah or higher lithium iron phosphate battery).

Recommended Model Selection (Based on Application Scenario)

XspireBot, a comprehensive robotic chassis supplier integrating R&D and manufacturing, has undergone real-world testing and inspection, accumulating extensive customer experience. We provide professional technical support and test reports.

Modularity and Scalability

1. Select a chassis that supports modularity to facilitate the repair and replacement of wheels, bearings, and transmission components.

2. Ensure the chassis has a CAN bus/RS485 communication interface compatible with weed control modules (e.g., vision recognition systems, automatic obstacle avoidance sensors).

3. The power management system must support multiple voltage outputs (e.g., 12V/24V/48V) to accommodate devices with varying power requirements.

Safety and Maintenance

1. Weed control environments often involve water mist, dust, and tangled weeds, so the chassis must meet IP65 dust and water resistance standards. 

2. Key components (such as motors and sensors) are recommended to be sealed to prevent grass debris from intruding and causing short circuits.

3. Anti-collision/anti-rollover design: Install tilt sensors, collision sensors, and emergency stop functions in the event of a fault.

4. After-sales and accessories: Prioritize manufacturers with comprehensive technical documentation, remote support, and a parts supply chain. 

5. Clearly define the after-sales service and warranty period and related procedures.

Before selecting a chassis, it is recommended to clearly define the terrain, slope, grass conditions, and area of the operating area. Then, based on budget and functional requirements, select or customize the most suitable chassis solution. For further recommendations on specific models or parameter calculations (such as motor torque and battery capacity), please provide detailed information about your operating environment. We can assist with detailed design and provide a customized solution tailored to your needs.