Design and Efficiency Mapping of an Electric Drive for Mobile Robotic Container Platform for Use in Industrial Halls

This article discusses specific design approach to the electric drive used in mobile robotics. The results are shown at the example of autonomous robotic platform, which is considered for use in interoperation logistics in manufacturing. Major technical limitation with the current state of knowledge are still the energy storage systems. Due to their limited specific and volumetric density, combined with higher production cost it is necessary to define critical points for significant energy savings. One of the most significant power consuming parts of mobile robots is its own drive unit. It is necessary to take into consideration every single detail of the electric drive design. From the driving dynamics simulations to the selection of components such as motors, gearboxes and transmission topology so as to achieve the optimal design with high efficiency.