Most wheels used in FIRST Robotics Competition can be divided into four categories; Standard, Omni, Mecanum, and Compliant. One element to consider when choosing a wheel is the bore size, and if you will need any additional hubs to convert your wheel to the needed input or output.

Most sizes of ION wheels feature a MAXSpline bore that can fit standard 1.125in OD bearings or easily be adapted to other bores using MAXHubs. Smaller wheels feature 1/2in hex bore. Larger sizes of ION Traction, Grip, and Omni Wheels have spokes with a bolt circle of #10 clearance holes patterned outward at 1/2in pitch. They also have a 3/8in-wide nut groove that eliminates the need for a wrench when utilizing the holes on the spokes.

Wheel Basics

REV Robotics offers three types of ION wheels: ION Traction, ION Omni and ION Compliant. There are two types of ION Traction wheels available: the standard ION Traction Wheel and the ION Grip Wheel. The main focus of the traction wheels is to pull a robot (or create traction) in a forward/backwards motion.

ION Omni Wheels (Product Family Page) can be used in drive trains allowing robots to move directly sideways or with an intake allowing game pieces to be in-coming at an angle, but still move them forward. Available in a wide range of sizes featuring the MAXSpline or hex hub. Other bores are possible with a separate MAXHub. Rollers for each wheel size are unique, which ensures perfectly circular wheels.

Flap Wheels are used for intakes and conveyor systems to pick up irregular game pieces, playing a similar role to compliant wheels. ION Flap wheels feature cut marks every 3.2mm on the flaps for consistent cutting, allowing for versatility and adaptability for unique game pieces. The ION Flap wheels have a solid 1/2in Hex Hub molded into the wheel making sure more power is driven by the wheel. These wheels come in three different durometers, outlined below. As the tread durometer increases the compliant flap gets harder which will change traction, wear, and compliance of the flap.

Specifications

Durometer Specs

Application Examples

2024 REV ION FRC Starter Bot Intake

On the 2024 REV ION FRC Starter Bot, the flap wheels on the intake aid in grabbing the CRESCENDO game pieces to be secured for the launcher.

The flap wheels spin while the intake is lowered to sweep game pieces into the compliant wheel rollers providing a further reach.

Recommended for use on drive trains, intakes or shooters, ION Grip Wheels (Product Family Page) are compatible with the REV ION System and come in a wide range of sizes, durometers, and bores. Larger wheels contain the MAXSpline hub but can be adapted to other bores with a separate MAXHub. Wheels with spokes have a bolt circle of #10 clearance holes patterned outward at 1/2in pitch and also have a 3/8in wide nut groove, which removes the need for a wrench when utilizing the holes on the spokes. Multiple wheels can be mounted flush next to each other when more surface area is needed.

ION Compliant Wheels are recommended for use with intakes and shooters but not for drivetrains because of their "softer" material and deformation under a typical robot's weight. Compatible with the REV ION System and come in a wide range of sizes, durometers, and bores. The radial spoke profile allows for more consistent compliance, and more compression than other compliant wheels. Larger wheels contain the MAXSpline, but can be adapted to other bores with a separate MAXHub.

Recommended for use on drivetrains, ION Traction Wheels (Product Family Page) come in a wide range of sizes, durometers, bores and material. Larger wheels contain the MAXSpline, but can be adapted to other bores with a separate MAXHub. Wheels with spokes have a bolt circle of #10 clearance holes patterned outward at 1/2in pitch and also have a 3/8in wide nut groove, which removes the need for a wrench when utilizing the holes on the spokes. Multiple wheels can be mounted flush next to each other when more surface area is needed.