Differential Drive: the simplest, toughest chassis structure
Differential drive means the left and right wheels (or two wheel groups) are driven independently: the faster side pulls the robot toward the slower side - the speed difference between the two sides does the steering, no dedicated steering mechanism needed.
What problem it solves
The simplest chassis around: two motors, two wheels, a shell. No steering servo, no rollers - tough, cheap, easy to repair, and the most shipped chassis structure worldwide.
The trade-off: turning draws an arc - no omni-style strafing. Paired with SLAM self-navigation, it is enough for most indoor scenarios.
How to read the key specs
- Turning radius: two-wheel differential can theoretically spin in place (radius 0), but prolonged in-place turning wears tire spots, so real motion planning prefers small-radius arcs.
- Payload range: the Tbot-N5-3D six-wheel mid-drive differential carries 100-500kg; Tbot-X2/L/H cover light to medium loads - see the spec table.
- Terrain capability: large rubber wheels outperform omni/Mecanum on curbs, ramps and speed bumps.
- Speed efficiency: highest efficiency on straight runs - ideal for long corridors and hall shuttles.
Common misconceptions
Misconception 1: differential chassis = cheap and low-end. The Tbot-N5-3D six-wheel mid-drive differential carries 500kg; most cleaning robots are differential.
Misconception 2: in-place turning is free. Long in-place spinning wears tire patches; fleet software should avoid high-frequency rotation.
Misconception 3: differential cannot work omnidirectionally. SLAM plans arc turns - in narrow aisles it just shuttles a few more times, not unusable.
Recommended models
Tbot-N5-3D six-wheel mid-drive differential: 100-500kg payload, 3D multi-line LiDAR navigation; Tbot-X2/L/H cover light to heavy loads. Full parameters in the full spec table.
Related articles
- Mobile Chassis Selection Guide: Differential vs Omni vs Mecanum
- Why 3D Multi-line LiDAR SLAM Is the Best Humanoid Chassis Navigation
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