Mecanum Wheels

Bengt Ilon invented this wheel concept while working for the Swedish company Mecanum AB. The Mecanum-style drive base uses 4 wheels, including 2 right wheels and 2 left wheels. One right and left is on each side of the robot. Each wheel is driven independently. For more information on Mecanum drive methods, see the Wikipedia site on Mecanum wheels.

STRUCTURE: The AndyMark version of the Mecanum wheel utilizes 2 bent sheet metal plates and rubber rollers.

SIZE: We offer 6 inch, 8 inch and 10 inch diameter wheels. All of these wheels have the rollers positioned at 45 degree angles. This design enables the wheel to propel a vehicle forward, backward, and directly sideways.

Load Capacity (each wheel)

6" Wheel: 40 kg (88 pounds)
8" Wheel: 80 kg (180 pounds)
10" Wheel (steel body): 200 kg (440 pounds) 10" Wheel (aluminum body): 50 kg (110 pounds) estimated

Coefficient of Friction

These are the coefficient of friction constants, as tested on tight pile carpet:

• 6" Mecanum Wheel: 0.6 static forward/reverse, 0.5 sideways
• 8" Mecanum Wheel: 0.7 static forward/reverse, 0.6 sideways
• 10" Mecanum Wheel: 0.54 static forward/reverse, 0.41 sideways

The 6" Mecanum wheels utilize 16 rollers positioned between 2 steel plates. Each wheel weighs 1.3 pounds.

The 8" Mecanum wheels utilize 12 rollers, positioned between 2 aluminum side plates. Each wheel weighs 2.5 pounds. These wheels are delivered in kit form, unassembled.

The 10" Mecanum wheels utilize 12 rollers, positioned betwen 2 plates. The steel version has a tubular hub on the interior.

Wheel Weights

• 6" Mecanum Wheel: 1.3 pounds
• 8" Mecanum Wheel: 2.5 pounds
• 10" Aluminum Mecanum Wheel: 7.8 pounds
• 10" Steel Mecanum Wheel: 14 pounds

Specification sheet for AndyMark Mecanum wheels


Patent #: 7641288