Generative Design in Weight Optimization of Reconfigurable Continuous Track Robot

Rapid prototyping of mechatronic devices is becoming more and more popular nowadays. The rapid development of additive manufacturing technologies and a wide range of available open-source microcontrollers allows realizing ideas on both hobby and university project levels. Current work presents a weight optimization of the reconfigurable continuous track robot, developed as a student theses project at Tallinn University of Technology. The paper describes prototype development stages and post-development optimization methodology for optimal motor-drive selection based on the requirements of traction forces. As one of the trending methods for improving mechanical construction, the generative design technique was selected to further development of the prototype, and to reduce the rated power of the motor-drive system required for developed platform. Moreover, the time needed for the printing of the prototype was reduced.