#Japan #Tokyo #All-Directional Robot #Mecanum Wheel #Tokyo Tech Institute

Development of an All-Directional Transport Robot

The construction industry faces challenges with labor shortages, prompting a shift towards automated transport solutions. However, traditional transport robots struggle to navigate uneven surfaces and tight spaces, often rendering them ineffective. To combat this issue, the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Industrial Technology has developed an innovative all-directional transport robot that boasts a remarkable 7.5 times improvement in overcoming obstacles compared to earlier models.

Key Features of the Robot

This cutting-edge technology maintains the current wheel size while vastly enhancing its performance, making it ideal for not just construction sites but also for factories, warehouses, and medical care facilities. The robot will be showcased at the 10th RoboDEX from January 21 to 23, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight, providing a live demonstration of its capabilities.

1. Understanding Mecanum Wheels

At the core of this robot’s technology is the Mecanum wheel, which features a series of rollers arranged at a 45-degree angle around the wheel. This unique design allows for precise control over the direction of each wheel’s rotation, enabling the robot to move fluidly in any direction without altering its orientation. It excels in narrow passages, making it a popular choice for transporting long items and operating alongside robotic arms.

Despite its advantages, traditional Mecanum wheels have had two significant drawbacks: insufficient performance when overcoming obstacles and considerable energy loss during lateral movements, leading to lower traction.

2. Development Breakthroughs

In a significant step forward, the research team has introduced a mechanism that allows for real-time adjustments of the wheel's camber angle—known as toe angle—ranging from 0 to 25 degrees while the robot is in motion. This adjustment results in three major benefits:

• - Enhanced Obstacle Navigation: By changing the toe angle, the wheel’s edge aligns more effectively with obstacles, improving its ability to overcome them. Adding anti-slip components further enhances this capability, benefiting both forward and backward movements.
• - Increased Traction: Reducing lost energy by optimizing force conversion has boosted propulsion by 1.5 times compared to previous models, while maintaining load-bearing capacity without compromising design.
• - Maintained Precision: The robot retains its all-direction capability, ensuring high positioning accuracy without the need for temporary stops often required in four-wheel steering scenarios, thus eliminating time delays.

3. Upcoming Demonstration

A live demonstration of the system, along with detailed explanations from the development team, will take place at the upcoming RoboDEX event. Media coverage is welcome, allowing an in-depth look at this transformative technology.

• - Event: 10th RoboDEX
• - Date: January 21-23, 2026
• - Venue: Tokyo Big Sight, South Building, 1st Floor (Booth No. S3-26)

With these advancements, the all-directional transport robot is poised to revolutionize automation in various sectors, particularly those facing logistical challenges due to spatial constraints and uneven flooring.