[Electrosync] is the creator and driver of the world’s fastest robotic vaccum cleaner, the Vroomba. It’s a heavily modified roomba capable of speeds of around 60 kph, well beyond the pedaling speed of most bicyclists. Despite being rejected by Guinness for a world record, we’re fairly confident that no other vacuum cleaners have gotten up to these speeds since the Vroomba first hit the streets. That’s not going to stop [electrosync] from trying to top his own record, though, and he’s brought the Vroomba some much needed upgrades.
The first, and perhaps most important, upgrades are to some of the structural components and wheels. The robot is much heavier than comparable RC vehicles and is under much greater strain than typical parts are meant to endure, so he’s 3D printed some parts of the chassis and some new wheels using a nylon-carbon fiber filament for improved strength. The wheels get a custom polyurethane coating similar to last time.
Controlling the robot a handful with previous versions. This is because Roombas use differential steering, controlling direction by sending more or less power to one of a pair of wheels. This is great for maneuverability at low speeds but becomes nightmarish at 60 kph, so [electrosync] added an onboard gyroscope to help the controller maintain a stable direction.
The final improvement was a full aerodynamic body kit including a front splitter and a rather large spoiler. With those improvements, it was ready to hit the track. After some fine-tuning the Vroomba is nearly as fast as its previous record. This is presumably because of a combination of higher weight and losses due to downforce from the spoiler, but [electrosync] plans to continue this pursuit by building a new lightweight chassis for future versions. In the meantime, be sure to check out the first prototypes of the Vroomba.
Thanks to [Wouter] for the tip!
My rc pan is more rigid. The aluminum plate is perfect to drill holes in it, screw everthing in position.
Thanks for using a sensible speed unit. However you could go the extra… km and use the right abbreviation, too :)
Seconded.
I personally prefer the much more scientific m/s.
Complaining? Now ya done it!
Next time you get stadia per decimal second.
It’s got a diffuser, but no skirt? It’s already got the vacuum fan for downforce a-la Brabham BT-46/McMurty Spéirling
Seeing stuff like this makes me happy to be alive :D
This is brilliant. No doubt we will see Roomba Racing leagues pop up everywhere. At least I hope so.
A couple of notes
I think he inserted the heat-set upside down. Usually the top has a ridge on it. (I guess it’s also possible that I’m inserting them wrong)
I wonder about using an RC differential and drive it with 1 motor instead of 2 motors.
There’s the Lenz Effect – when you take a magnet and drop it down an aluminum tube it goes slowly, I wonder if you could use aluminum disks and electromagnets to apply subtle braking to each wheel. You might be able to dial in stability with high-count encoders.
I had no idea the Bambu had a filament drying function – that alone might open my checkbook.
That CF filament is also now on my shopping list.
As someone else mentioned, a giant downforce fan would be fun to toy with as well.
Thanks to internet I’ve seen Roombas carrying pets, sword fighting wth knives and ballons taped on top, pet poo shoved about, etc.
My hearty encouragement to anyone keeping the robo-vacs entertaing us!
I guess nobody on HAD watches Corner Gas Animated. This has been done, and resulted in a Skynet vacuum. =))
Don’t think this is the fastest vacuum cleaner. Didn’t F1 briefly experiment with suction fans to improve downforce?