omnidirectional drive

[Newz2000]

Does anyone have a good understanding of how "Omnidirectional Drive" works?

It seems to be an interesting way to move in any direction (two dimensionally at least). I saw it mentioned here, regarding a "mac mini" robot named MiniPsi.

Additionally, I've seen a few people who have suggested using modified servos for locomotion. They remove the limiter and the potentiometer so that the servo rotates freely 360 degrees. What is the benefit of doing this? Is it just a technique for getting a low-cost gear motor?

Just curious...

[Michael J]

Sometimes its useful to have a servo able to
fuly rotate or just keep going.
They can be stepped slowly, accurately, if
needed, FWD & REV,who could ask for more.
And all this on only 3 wires, Pos, Neg, CTRL.

[Adam Y.]

Omnidrives use a fancy type of wheel that can move in two axis. http://www.radioshack.com/product/index ... age=search Generally the servo motors are only useful for getting a low cost gear motor. Fortunately, Radio Shack sells omniwheels and low cost gear motors that don't have to be modified. The only problem is that they use square shafts to transfer power.