wheelbased

Wheelbased is a term used in engineering to describe systems whose primary mode of propulsion and support is wheels. It is commonly applied to land vehicles and mobile robots, where wheels are arranged on axles and driven by motors to generate motion. Wheelbased designs emphasize rolling contact with the surface, generally yielding higher efficiency on smooth terrain than alternative locomotion modes.

Advantages include higher energy efficiency on level ground, simpler mechanical architecture, and predictable steering and traction. They often achieve higher speeds for a given power and are typically easier to maintain than legged or tracked systems. Limitations arise on rough, uneven, or obstacle-rich terrain, where wheel slip, clearance, and obstacle negotiation are harder. Punctures or damage to tires or wheels can increase downtime, and the wheelbase and track width influence stability and turning.

Key design factors include wheelbase (distance between front and rear axles), track width (distance between left and right wheels), wheel type (solid, pneumatic, omni, or mecanum), and drive configuration (two-wheel differential, four-wheel independent, or multi-wheel drives). Suspension, steering geometry, and drive control interact to determine handling, ride quality, and traction. Odometry and wheel encoders are commonly used to measure speed and estimate position in robotics applications.

Applications span passenger cars and motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, and autonomous or remote-controlled robots. Innovations such as omni wheels and mecanum wheels enable non-traditional motion, including sideways translation in some cases. The term wheelbased is often used to describe any platform that relies primarily on wheels for mobility, though the exact meaning can vary by field.