Unsurprisingly, therefore, the requirements defined for the WITTENSTEIN drive module were very high: extreme size and weight restrictions, single-wheel drive for optimal mobility and two operating modes – torque and speed. In torque mode the robot benefits from high torque, for example when navigating kerbs. Speed mode is selected whenever high travelling speeds are essential.

Since the objective was to build a vehicle that is as light and as compact as possible, every extra ounce mattered. That was why the idea of using two motors to achieve two separate operating modes was rejected as suboptimal. Instead, two different windings are now housed in a single motor – an absolute novelty in this class. The robot operates in speed or torque mode depending on which winding is excited. To save even more weight, special components and materials were employed – like aluminium, special braided sleeving and a special encoder system. The customized mechanics developed by the WITTENSTEIN team are integrated directly in the wheel drive. The entire electrical and mechanical components for the module were designed with maximum reliability in mind.

Gradients of up to 45 degrees or 100 percent are overcome with ease. Even obstacles up to 50 centimetres high or trenches 60 centimetres wide are not a problem. The four tracks are each controlled separately and can be moved individually, in pairs or all together as desired. The telemax is particularly impressive when climbing stairways, coping effortlessly with narrow or steep steps. The robot’s maximum speed is equally remarkable, namely up to 10 km/h (6 mph).

We are proven masters in this field. We realize customized mechanics and sensors in close cooperation with our users: with enormous development expertise, deep process know-how and advanced tools to optimize the machine’s design. We offer a high level of vertical integration – such as an in-house winding shop and our own test lab. Our customers are free to concentrate on their core competencies – yet another decisive advantage. And incidentally, even with small batch sizes, we can frequently move mountains.