What is a Robot Chassis?

A robot chassis is the main structural frame of a robot that supports all the components such as motors, batteries, circuits, and sensors. It provides the foundational base upon which the rest of the robot is built. The chassis must be strong and rigid to withstand the stresses the robot will encounter, while also being lightweight to maximize the robot’s speed, agility, and battery life.

Some key considerations when designing a robot chassis include:

• Size and shape to fit all necessary components
• Material (metal, plastic, wood, etc.)
• Weight and strength
• Mounting points and access to interior
• Wheels or other mobility method

Types of Software for Robot Chassis Design

There are several categories of software tools that are useful for designing robot chassis:

CAD (Computer-Aided Design) Software

CAD software allows you to create precise 3D models of your robot chassis and individual components. You can easily modify dimensions, add or remove features, and ensure proper fit of all parts before physically building anything. Some popular CAD programs for robot design include:

Software	Description	Price
Autodesk Fusion 360	Cloud-based 3D CAD/CAM tool with robot design features	Free for students/educators, $495/year for commercial use
SolidWorks	Parametric 3D CAD software with simulation and visualization tools	$3,995 – $7,995 depending on license type
OnShape	Fully cloud-based, collaborative CAD platform	Free for public projects, $1,500/year for private projects
FreeCAD	Open source parametric 3D modeler	Free

Simulation Software

Before building your physical robot chassis, it’s often helpful to simulate its performance to optimize the design. Simulation software can model factors like stress, strain, motion, and more. Some tools include:

Software	Description	Price
MathWorks Simulink	Graphical programming environment for modeling and simulating robots	Included with MATLAB, starts at $2,150
Gazebo	3D dynamic multi-robot simulator	Free
Webots	Open source robot simulator	Free
V-REP	Virtual robot experimentation platform	Free for educational use, €300 for pro version

Printed Circuit Board (PCB) Design Software

If your robot chassis will include custom circuit boards, PCB design software is essential. These tools help you lay out components and traces to create a functional board that will fit your chassis. Some options are:

Software	Description	Price
Autodesk EAGLE	Schematic capture and PCB layout tool	Free for non-commercial use, starts at $15/month
KiCad EDA	Open source electronics design automation suite	Free
Fritzing	Beginner-friendly PCB layout tool	Free (donations welcome)

How to Choose Robot Chassis Design Software

With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right software for your needs. Here are some factors to consider:

Ease of Use

Some robot chassis design software has a steeper learning curve than others. Depending on your experience level and how much time you’re willing to invest in learning a new tool, you may prioritize ease of use.

For beginners, tools like TinkerCAD (a simplified CAD program) or Fritzing (for PCB design) can be a good place to start. More advanced users may prefer the capabilities of industry-standard software like Fusion 360 or SolidWorks.

Compatibility

Consider what file formats your robot chassis design software needs to be compatible with. Will you be 3D printing components or sending designs to a manufacturer? Make sure your software can export files in the necessary formats, such as STL or STEP.

If you’re designing a chassis for a specific microcontroller or development board (like an Arduino or Raspberry Pi), you may want to choose tools that are commonly used with that platform. For example, EAGLE is a popular choice for designing Arduino Shields.

Price

Robot chassis design software ranges from free and open source to several thousand dollars per license. Free tools can be a great option, especially when you’re just getting started. However, they may lack some advanced features or have limitations on file size or number of components.

If you need professional-grade capabilities, a paid tool is often worth the investment. Students and educators can sometimes access discounted or free licenses. Alternatively, you can start with a free tool and upgrade if you hit its limitations.

Collaboration

If you’re working on a robot chassis design with a team, look for software that facilitates collaboration. Cloud-based tools like Fusion 360 and OnShape make it easy to share designs and work together in real-time.

Even if you’re working solo, being able to share designs with the wider robotics community can be valuable for getting feedback or inspiring others.

Features to Look for in Robot Chassis Design Software

Beyond the basics, here are some specific features that can be useful for designing robot chassis:

Parametric Modeling

Parametric modeling allows you to define relationships between different dimensions of your model. For example, you could specify that the length of a panel should always be twice its width, and the software will maintain that relationship if you change either value. This can save a lot of time and effort when you need to modify your design.

Assembly Tools

Unless your robot chassis is a single piece, you’ll need to create an assembly from multiple components. Look for CAD software with robust assembly tools that allow you to visualize how parts fit together and check for interferences. You should be able to specify the positions and orientations of parts using constraints or mates.

Simulation Capabilities

While standalone simulation tools offer the most advanced capabilities, some CAD programs include basic simulation features. These can be handy for testing the mechanical properties of your robot chassis design without switching to a separate tool.

For example, Fusion 360 includes stress analysis tools to help identify weak points in your design. SolidWorks has a built-in motion study environment for simulating kinematic and dynamic motion of assemblies.

Photorealistic Rendering

Photorealistic rendering allows you to create lifelike images of your robot chassis design. While not strictly necessary from a functional standpoint, these can be useful for presentations or marketing materials. Some CAD software includes built-in rendering capabilities, while others allow you to export models to dedicated rendering programs.

Customization and Automation

As you gain experience with robot chassis design, you may find yourself repeating certain tasks or creating similar components over and over. Customization features like macros, add-ins, or scripting support can help automate these tasks to save time.

For example, you might create a script to automatically generate mounting holes of a specific size in each component. Or you could develop a library of frequently used parts to easily insert into new designs.

By considering your needs and comparing the available features, you can find the robot chassis design software that will work best for your project.

Integrating Robot Chassis Design Software into Your Workflow

Once you’ve chosen your software, it’s important to think about how it will fit into your overall design process. Here are some tips:

Start with a Rough Sketch

Before diving into CAD, it can be helpful to sketch out your ideas on paper or a whiteboard. This allows you to quickly experiment with different shapes and configurations without getting bogged down in details.

Create a Component Library

If you’ll be designing multiple robot chassis or iterations of a design, create a library of common components like motors, wheels, and batteries. This will save you from having to model these parts from scratch each time.

Use Consistent Naming and Organization

Develop a naming convention for your files and stick to it. Use descriptive names and a clear folder structure to keep your project organized. This will make it easier to find specific components and avoid confusion, especially if you’re collaborating with others.

Iterate and Refine

Don’t expect your first robot chassis design to be perfect. Plan on going through multiple iterations, testing and refining as you go. Use simulation tools to identify potential issues early on, and be open to making changes based on real-world testing.

Document Your Design

As you work on your robot chassis design, keep detailed documentation. This might include annotated images, written descriptions of design decisions, or step-by-step assembly instructions. Good documentation will make it easier to share your design with others or refer back to it in the future.

FAQs

What is the best software for designing robot chassis?

There is no one “best” software for designing robot chassis. The right choice depends on your specific needs, experience level, and budget. Some popular options include Autodesk Fusion 360, SolidWorks, and OnShape for CAD, and MathWorks Simulink or Gazebo for simulation.

Do I need to know how to code to use robot chassis design software?

In most cases, you do not need programming skills to use robot chassis design software. Tools like CAD programs and PCB design software use visual interfaces that don’t require coding. However, some advanced features like scripting or automation may require basic programming knowledge.

How much does robot chassis design software cost?

The cost of robot chassis design software varies widely. Some tools are free and open source, while high-end professional software can cost several thousand dollars. Many paid programs offer free trials or educational licenses for students and teachers.

Can I design a robot chassis without CAD software?

Yes, it is possible to design a robot chassis without using CAD software. Traditional drafting techniques with pencil and paper can work for simple designs. However, CAD software offers many advantages in terms of precision, efficiency, and the ability to simulate and test designs.

What file formats do I need for 3D printing robot chassis components?

The most common file format for 3D printing is STL (stereolithography). This format describes the surface geometry of a 3D model without any color or texture information. Most CAD programs can export models in STL format. Other formats like OBJ or STEP may also be accepted by some 3D printing services.

Conclusion

Designing a robot chassis can be a complex process, but the right software tools can make it much easier and more efficient. By understanding the different types of software available and considering factors like ease of use, compatibility, price, and specific features, you can find the best tools for your needs.

Remember to start with a clear plan, stay organized, and be willing to iterate and refine your design. With practice and the right tools, you’ll be able to create strong, functional robot chassis that bring your ideas to life.