Differential vs Omni-wheel vs Mecanum: How to Choose a Mobile Chassis
One-line takeaway: differential chassis suffices for 95% of indoor scenes (simple, cheap, durable); choose omni-wheel when you need strafing/in-place rotation in tight space; choose Mecanum when you need omnidirectional motion with heavier load and a flatter floor. Don't pay for "looks advanced".
Core Differences at a Glance
| Dimension | Differential (6-wheel mid-drive) | Omni-wheel (OW) | Mecanum (MW) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Representative model | Tbot-N5-3D | Tbot-OW-3D | Tbot-MW |
| Motion capability | Forward/back + arc steering; needs room to maneuver in narrow aisles | Strafing / diagonal / in-place rotation | Omnidirectional, higher load capacity |
| Payload | 100~500kg | 100~500kg | 50kg |
| Footprint | Ø500mm | 500mm square / 1000×600mm | 600×500mm |
| Slope / obstacle | 15° / 2cm | 30° / 5cm | 15° / 2cm |
| Localization accuracy | Secondary localization 10mm (single 3D multi-line LiDAR standard across the lineup) | ||
| Protection | IP54 body (LiDAR IP65) | ||
| Complexity | Low: two direct-drive motors, simple wheels | Medium: 2 roller sets per wheel, sensitive to floor flatness | Medium-high: 4 angled rollers, high calibration demand |
Where Each Shines
- Differential: workshop transport, commercial cleaning, hospital delivery, inspection – any "point-to-point walking" job it handles, and it is the toughest.
- Omni-wheel: humanoid bases, charging docking, strafing between shelves, working flush to walls or machines.
- Mecanum: heavier omnidirectional transfer platforms, assembly-station docking, production lines on flat floors.
Cost Comparison
- BOM: differential lowest (simple structure, cheap wheels); omni-wheel next; Mecanum wheels and drive electronics most expensive.
- Maintenance: differential wheels wear evenly and are cheap to replace; omni/Mecanum small rollers wear out faster and are sensitive to pebbles and expansion joints.
- Calibration effort: differential is nearly calibration-free; Mecanum needs four-wheel alignment and recalibration after a wheel swap.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: assuming omnidirectional is always better. If aisles are wide and routes fixed, differential is cheaper and more durable; omnidirectional ability is idle cost.
Mistake 2: ignoring floor conditions. Omni/Mecanum perform poorly on bumpy floors and cables; obstacle crossing is weaker than large-wheel differential.
Mistake 3: deciding structure by payload. Structure follows "motion need", payload follows "chassis spec" – first decide whether you need strafing.
Selection Advice
Walk your site against this table: ① How wide is the narrowest aisle? ② Do you need strafing / in-place rotation? ③ Is the floor flat? ④ What payload? Then go to the full specs table to match parameters, or use the selector guide. Unsure? Ask pre-sales – differential or omni, one ten-minute call settles it.
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