The original concept for this wheel was based on a project from Osaka University. The wheel is an omni directional wheel, normally these have smaller wheels around the circumference of a bigger wheel, and I’ve done quite a few omni-wheel projects in my channel.
In this case though, it’s a ball. The wheel is split into two hemispheres which can rotate freely and independently, this allows the wheel to be driven actively in one axis and passively in the other.
There’s only one small issue though, which is what happens with the active axis is driven so the peak of the hemisphere touches the ground, because the hemisphere can no longer rotate. For that reason, there’s a little wheel in the top of the hemispheres. This does limit ground clearance when the wheel is in this position, but this is no worse than a standard omni wheel with little wheels around its circumference.
The probability of driving on the little wheel for any length of time is also pretty small, so we’ll live with that part of the design for now.

You can support me on Patreon or buy my Merchandise:
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Patreon:   / xrobots  
Merchandise: https://teespring.com/stores/james-br...
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Affiliate links - I will get some money of you use them to sign up or buy something:
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Matterhackers 3D printing supplies: http://www.matterhackers.com?aff=7500
Music for your YouTube videos: http://share.epidemicsound.com/xrobots
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Other socials:
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Instagram:   / xrobotsuk  
Facebook:   / xrobotsuk  
Twitter:   / xrobotsuk  
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CAD and Code for my projects: https://github.com/XRobots

Huge thanks to my Patrons, without whom my standard of living would drastically decline. Like, inside out-Farm Foods bag decline. Plus a very special shoutout to Lulzbot, Inc who keep me in LulzBot 3D printers and support me via Patreon.

HARDWARE/SOFTWARE

Below you can also find a lot of the typical tools, equipment and supplies used in my projects:

Filament from: https://www.3dfuel.com/
Lulzbot 3D Printers: http://bit.ly/2Sj6nil
Bearings from: https://simplybearings.co.uk/
Lincoln Electric Welder: https://bit.ly/2Rqhqos
CNC Router: https://bit.ly/2QdsNjt
Ryobi Tools: http://bit.ly/2RhArcD
Axminster Micro Lathe: http://bit.ly/2Sj6eeN
3D Printer Filament: http://bit.ly/2PdcdUu
Soldering Iron: http://bit.ly/2DrNWDR
Vectric CNC Software: http://bit.ly/2zxpZqv

Why not join my community, who are mostly made up of actual geniuses. There’s a Facebook group and everything:   / 287089964833488  

XROBOTS

Former toy designer, current YouTube maker and general robotics, electrical and mechanical engineer, I’m a fan of doing it yourself and innovation by trial and error. My channel is where I share some of my useful and not-so-useful inventions, designs and maker advice. Iron Man is my go-to cosplay, and 3D printing can solve most issues - broken bolts, missing parts, world hunger, you name it.

XRobots is the community around my content where you can get in touch, share tips and advice, and more build FAQs, schematics and designs are also available.