Robot Legs vs Wheels

The cluster centers on debates about the merits of legged versus wheeled locomotion in robots, with many commenters questioning why developers prioritize complex legs over simpler, more efficient wheels for movement, stability, and terrain navigation.

📉 Falling 0.4x Hardware
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ITT stackexchange.com researchgate.net WiRo CAD BTW youtube.com IIRC wheels robot wheel legs walking terrain leg motor tail balance

Sample Comments

usaphp Oct 5, 2013 View on HN

Can someone explain me, why are they spending so much time on trying to make it run instead of just fitting it with wheels? What is the benefit of it having legs vs wheels? I must have missing something sorry...

akosednar Mar 19, 2014 View on HN

Any plans on making one that can move around on wheels?

chr1 Sep 16, 2020 View on HN

The robot would be more like exoskeleton with wheels.

MrHamburger Oct 15, 2024 View on HN

With this logic you should also insist on legs instead of wheels.

7952 Aug 22, 2012 View on HN

I wonder why they dont just add wheels? Use the air to cushion and smooth out the ride. Its going to hit the ground anyway.

hliyan Feb 3, 2017 View on HN

It would be great if it could lock the wheels for walking and climbing on uneven terrain

yial Jan 6, 2024 View on HN

It sounds like it uses the wheels and tires to provide slight control and speed.

takeda May 21, 2016 View on HN

That's problem which is solved with wheels.

pestatije Jul 11, 2023 View on HN

each wheel has one point of failure whereas those moving limbs have at least two if not more points of failure

rdancer Dec 30, 2015 View on HN

Don't underestimate the brutal efficiency difference of wheeled vs quadrupedal locomotion.