Black Gladiator - Tracked Robot Chassis

The Black Gladiator is an agile tracked robot chassis built on a high-strength aluminium alloy base. Designed for tank-style mobile robots, it provides a stable, low-noise platform compatible with Arduino microcontrollers, sensors, and expansion modules. It is an ideal platform for students, educators, and hobbyists building custom smart robotics projects.

High-strength aluminium alloy base

The chassis is constructed from 2mm aluminium alloy finished with sandblasting oxidation for enhanced stability and durability. With assembled dimensions of 19.3 by 16.3 by 6 cm and a net weight of 0.47 kg, the frame accommodates microcontrollers, sensors, and camera modules.

Dual DC motor drive system

Two 12V DC motors deliver a no-load speed of 170 to 350 RPM with an operating range of 6V to 12V. Engineering plastic tracks provide surface grip, elasticity, and damping across varied terrain.

Load-bearing wheel assembly

Assembly begins by inserting the M4 by 50 mm screw into the load-bearing wheel and securing the opposite side with an M4 screw.

Wheel bracket mounting

Place a gasket on the bracket and insert the load-bearing wheel into the bracket hole. Fit a second gasket on the opposite end and secure with an M4 nut without overtightening.

Motor bracket installation

Insert the motor into the chassis bracket and fasten it securely using three M3 by 6 mm flat head screws.

Drive wheel coupling assembly

Insert the coupling into the drive wheel, then use the hex wrench to fit and lock the M3 by 8 mm hex socket screw from the opposite side.

Attaching drive wheels to motors

Mount the assembled drive wheel onto the motor output shaft, ensuring the coupling hole aligns with the flat edge of the shaft, and tighten with the black screw.

Sizing the track length

Wrap the plastic track around the wheel assembly to measure the required circumference and remove any excess links.

Connecting the track links

Join the ends of the sized track by embedding the track pin firmly into position using a pair of pliers.