Sumobot Competition: Torque vs RPM?

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    Competition Rpm Torque
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the considerations of torque versus RPM in the context of building a sumobot for a competition, with specific constraints on weight and dimensions. Participants explore the implications of motor specifications on performance in a competitive setting.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests prioritizing torque over RPM, using the analogy of a truck that can carry heavy loads despite low speed, indicating that high torque is crucial for a sumobot's performance.
  • Another participant notes that gearing down a higher RPM motor can increase torque significantly, emphasizing the relationship between power, torque, and angular velocity.
  • A different viewpoint highlights the importance of understanding motor performance curves, suggesting that peak power occurs at half the maximum no-load RPM and that torque is generally higher at lower RPMs.
  • Participants discuss the trade-offs involved in selecting motors and gearing, indicating that the choice depends on maximizing torque after gearing reduction.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on the importance of torque versus RPM, with some advocating for torque while others emphasize the potential benefits of gearing and power considerations. The discussion remains unresolved, with multiple competing views present.

Contextual Notes

Participants mention the need for specific motor performance curves and the implications of gearing on torque and speed, indicating that assumptions about motor behavior and performance characteristics are critical to the discussion.

sarathyplkr5
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hi .. ...
i am entering a sumobot competition..weight limitation 1kg..dimensions 150mm*150mm...what is more important
torque or rpm...say i have 10 rpm motors with 38kg torque ...and ..60 rpm motors with 20 kg torque...which should i go for...due to the size limitation ..i can go only for 2 motors...any comment is appreciated... Wink
 
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Every single things are not perfect. They will come with pros and cons. With this kind of competition, I would go for TORQUE.

Put it this way, just imagine a big truck can carry a load that heavier than its weight. Even it move at low rpm but still can pull its load with high torque.

In your case, you are about to build a sumo robot, I suggest you go for a motor that has a higher torque than rpm itself.

Just my humble opinions.
 
thanks a lot...
 
sarathyplkr5 said:
hi .. ...
i am entering a sumobot competition..weight limitation 1kg..dimensions 150mm*150mm...what is more important
torque or rpm...say i have 10 rpm motors with 38kg torque ...and ..60 rpm motors with 20 kg torque...which should i go for...due to the size limitation ..i can go only for 2 motors...any comment is appreciated... Wink

If you gear down the 60 rpm motor to 10rpm, it will give you 6 times the torque it had at 60 rpm. What matters is power = torque x angular velocity. In your example the 60 rpm motor has much more power, so it can potentially create more torque at the same angular velocity.
 
Assuming you can gear the motors, then you're looking for power that is geared down so that the geared down and multiplied torque is at a maximum. See if you can get the specific motor performance curves for the two motors you're considering.

Note that electrical motors usually produce peak power at 1/2 the maximum no load rpm, but will generate more torque at lower rpms than higher rpms. Link to article that explains this:

dc_motors.html

You'll need to decide on a trade off of speed versus the torque after gearing reduction of your bot when choosing the motor and the gearing.
 

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