ENGINEERING GUIDE / SHINING ROBOTICS
How to select a mobile robot chassis.
Choose a mobile robot platform by the operating task, payload and center of gravity, mounting space, required motion, ROS environment and delivery scope. A payload number alone is not enough to establish fit.
By Shining Robotics · updated
PUBLISHED PLATFORM DATA
Compare the platform, then the application.
| Platform | Motion | Payload | L × W × H | Battery | ROS support |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SR-C400 ↗ | Differential drive | 20 kg maximum | 400 × 400 × 260 mm | 24 V / 10 Ah | ROS 1 / ROS 2 |
| SR-C500 ↗ | Differential drive | 50 kg maximum | 500 × 500 × 310 mm | 24 V / 20 Ah | ROS 1 / ROS 2 |
| SR-C600 ↗ | Differential drive | 50 kg maximum (standard); 150 kg optional | 600 × 450 × 260 mm (standard) | 24 V / 20 Ah standard (30 Ah optional) | ROS 1 / ROS 2 |
| SR-C800 ↗ | Differential drive | 150 kg maximum | 800 × 550 × 260 mm | 24 V / 30 Ah | ROS 1 / ROS 2 |
| SR-X700 ↗ | Four-wheel drive & steering | 150 kg rated | 700 × 600 × 300 mm | 48 V / 52 Ah | ROS 1 / ROS 2 |
Maximum and rated payload are different specification labels. Confirm test conditions, load distribution, center of gravity and operating speed for your project. SR-C600: 50 kg maximum payload and 20 Ah battery in the standard configuration; 150 kg payload and 30 Ah battery options. Confirm the specifications of the selected configuration.
APPLICATION CHECKLIST
The questions that determine fit.
- Task and environment: floor, route width, obstacles, indoor or other operating conditions.
- Payload and geometry: upper-module mass, footprint, height and center of gravity.
- Motion: required turning behavior, speed and route constraints.
- Software: ROS distribution, OS, drivers, navigation configuration and customer algorithms.
- Supply scope: quantity, accessories, documentation, support and acceptance criteria.
Published maximum and rated payload labels use different definitions. Assess the selected platform under the intended load, speed and conditions. Runtime and application performance need configuration-specific validation.
RELATED GUIDES
Keep building your selection brief.
02 / MOTION
Differential drive or four-wheel steering?
Compare motion architecture and the work needed to integrate it.
Read guide ↗03 / COMPARISON
SR-C500 vs SR-C600: the 50 kg shortlist
Look beyond payload to footprint, sensors and battery options.
Read guide ↗04 / DEVELOPMENT
Standard platform or custom development?
Define which parts you can reuse and which need engineering.
Read guide ↗