The development of the automotive industry does not stand still. People try to improve their life, make it more comfortable and convenient. Car manufacturers are trying to make driving as easy as possible for their customers. Due to this, various technologies are constantly being improved. Thus, an automatic clutch was attached to the mechanical gearbox . Putting these two elements together, the developers received the so-called robotic transmission, combining all the advantages and disadvantages of the units. The people also know the name "box-robot."
Gearbox
Figuring out the features of this design, you need to pay attention to the relevant reviews. A robot box requires specific handling, but in order to understand why, you will need to understand its structure.
According to the preliminary description, you might think that in general the design is a simple machine with special control. However, it is not. Let us consider this issue in more detail.
The design is based on a mechanical box, which, according to reviews by both professionals and ordinary drivers, is considered more reliable than automatic. This can be understood by reading reviews on the Internet. The robot box has special devices. They are necessary in order to squeeze the clutch when switching speeds.
It is worth noting that, using a conventional manual gearbox, the driver chooses the switching time on his own. To do this, he focuses on what is happening on the road and uses the clutch pedal in conjunction with the lever of the transmission itself. When developing a new device that received controversial reviews from drivers, the robot box showed itself from a completely different perspective. It was decided to exclude the direct actions of the driver from the above process. All important switching is done by the computer. For the successful functioning of the robot, special actuator nodes were installed. Due to them, it became possible to change gears, which are controlled by the computer itself.
Judging by the reviews, consumers note several major advantages. It is a huge fuel economy, ease of repair. Also, some consumers like the lack of a clutch pedal. Another advantage highlighted by drivers is that it is possible to change gears manually.
How does it work?
The box in question works at the expense of actuator nodes, which we already spoke about earlier. They collect information about such details as driving speed, engine speed, the operation of some sensors. Based on the received data, the computer decides which transmission needs to be activated. As far as drivers know, the servo is responsible for the clutch. It is he who takes the command to change the mode and disconnects the engine from the input shaft. During this process, a second servo is activated, it selects the gear that is needed and immediately turns it on. After a second, the engine reconnects to the shaft and the machine continues on its way. This whole process occurs as quickly as possible, so a person does not even notice. All that he can notice is a small impulse, but nothing more. This is how this gearbox - the “robot” works. We will consider reviews below.
Servo drives come in two forms. There are electric and hydraulic. The first is an engine that is able, using a gearbox, to move the executive part. Hydraulic acts through a special cylinder. It receives commands directly from the control unit.
Transmission Benefits
During use, drivers identify available disadvantages and advantages. Of course, you need to talk about them. What statements can be found when examining reviews? The robot box has its own characteristics. And first, consider the benefits.
- Consumers note that, unlike the machine and the CVT, the robotic gearbox is reliable and more convenient.
- Almost all models of the described transmission are able to work in manual mode, in which the driver himself can change gears.
- Many buyers notice that the robot box (positive reviews prevail) has a much smaller working volume. Accordingly, a small amount of oil is needed.
- If you put cars with different transmissions in the same driving conditions, then the consumption of a robotic is much less than that of others.
- The clutch of the described gearbox has a 30% higher resource.
- Consumers noticed that the maintenance and repair work of such a transmission is much cheaper.
- The weight of the robotic gearbox is not as big as that of an automatic. Due to this, it is easier to install on a small car.
Gearbox disadvantages
Even with such a list of advantages, the device also has its drawbacks, which, perhaps, scare away some share of drivers. Consider them.
- Unfortunately, the commonplace and cheapest box robots are not able to adapt to the special driving of a particular driver. In this he was surpassed by an automatic transmission, which easily adapts to the driving style. There is only one type of driving. It is sewn, as standard, into the firmware.
- If the robot box (the reviews in this nuance are rather negative) is installed complete with an electric servo drive, then it shows a slight delay in operation. That is, the resulting pause between signal transmission and the switching itself reaches sometimes two seconds. This is not a serious drawback, but it can be inconvenient when riding and accelerating uniformly.
- If a hydraulic drive is used together with a robotic gearbox, it should be noted that the switching is accelerated to almost 0.05 seconds. This seems like a small figure, but is felt when driving. But such a drive is both expensive to buy and expensive to install. Moreover, it heavily loads the motor in energy terms, so it is often used in sports cars or other expensive cars.
Gearbox Development - The Appearance of a Preselective
Due to the fact that the box has its drawbacks, the first developments were met quite poorly. The main thing that drivers did not like was the jerks that appeared when driving. Most likely, this was felt due to the low speed. But the developers, due to the low cost and ease of assembly, continued to look for solutions to the problems that arose.
In order to correct the situation and reduce the delay time when switching, the designers began to use boxes together with two clutches that work independently of each other. This allowed us to completely get rid of significant delays and jerks. The dynamics of the car increased significantly; also consumer demand has risen sharply. Already then the robot box began to gain popularity. Owner reviews are getting better.
Now let's talk about who was the first to use robotic gearboxes. Pioneers are Audi and the German Volkswagen. They have been installing such transmissions on their cars since 2003. Reviews of how the box works on their cars will be described below.
What gave the use of dual clutch? Due to it, the necessary transmission is switched on before the previous one is turned off. And in this way the machine is continuously moving from one to another, while maintaining traction in the right amount. Such a robotic gearbox is called preselective. She is the second generation. Returning to the design of the device, I must say that a conventional box of any type works with one primary and secondary shafts. The same design got them in two pieces. For what? Each pair is responsible either for odd or even transmission. The input shafts are located by a nesting doll, that is, one is nested in another. They are connected to the power unit due to multi-plate clutch.
Advantages and disadvantages of the second generation
By combining all the best developments of the second generation gearbox, that is, those that work with dual clutch, they got a more economical and faster driving technology. They are also the most comfortable to use. Due to the small volume, such a box is more rational and cost-effective to use in small cars than an automatic one.
But even with a lot of advantages, some disadvantages can be distinguished. For example, unlike the first generation, such a transmission is much more difficult to repair. Moreover, it will come out in a decent amount, which not all drivers have. There was also a problem with torque earlier, but now this nuance is completely eliminated.
Box robot on the car "Opel"
In the model range of the manufacturer "Opel" sometimes there are cars with a robotic gearbox. Unfortunately, there are more negative reviews about them than positive ones. Perhaps this is the fault of the manufacturer “Opel” itself.
The robot box, which we are reviewing, works with only 1 clutch. This brings some discomfort, as the driver may feel the gear shift process. Most of the cars are equipped with just such an option, but there are also models with the second generation.
According to reviews, it will take a long time to get used to the box, it is specific. However, this is possible, and after a decent time interval, using it becomes as convenient as possible. It is separately noted that the price tags for such cars and gearbox repairs are low, so this can be distinguished as a separate advantage. It allows you to close your eyes to frivolous disadvantages.
Drivers often point out that the clutch needs to be readjusted regularly. Due to the fact that the manufacturer “Opel” practically did not take care of this issue, the robot box (reviews are constantly found) seems to be living its own life. She does not adapt to the driving method of the driver himself, so sometimes it can even go astray.
In general, few people advise purchasing a car from the Opel company with a robotic gearbox. If you still have a desire to experience, then it is worth taking a closer look at the most expensive options. However, it must be borne in mind that you will have to monitor the road twice as carefully, so as not to miss it, if suddenly the box starts to “brake”.
Box-robot on the "Opel Astra"
We have already examined the general situation with Opel, I would like to separately mention the Astra car, which used a robot box. "Astra", reviews of which are controversial, but not bad, got the first generation design, so we can say that it is designed for the amateur. And we are talking about the operation process, and not about the repair. Some drivers say that with such a box is better than with a mechanical one. However, at the same time, its work is much worse when compared with the usual and most famous automated. Many say that on the Astra the robot box does not like traffic jams and sometimes starts to malfunction. Depending on the nature of the breakdown, the device can be much cheaper to repair than an automated transmission. However, it is impossible to say that this is true in all cases.
Box robot at the Toyota Corolla
Given that each person has their own preferences in the selection of the car and its transmission, the driver himself will decide whether this Toyota is suitable for him. The robot box, reviews of which are good in 80% of cases, shows normal operation. However, it still has some disadvantages.
Before buying a car, many people think about what kind of transmission will be better? To do this, consider the advantages and disadvantages. We will do this, taking into account the feedback box-robot.
Corolla with such equipment is dedicated to the laudatory odes of drivers. They say that a small amount of fuel is consumed during operation. Moreover, it is easier to maintain and much cheaper. But there are also disadvantages. Which ones? The machine shifts gears somewhat faster than the robot. Sometimes fails smooth operation, which affects the driving dynamics and comfort in general. And also before you go somewhere in the winter, you always have to warm up the car. Otherwise, there is a high probability that the transmission will malfunction.
Not all drivers enthusiastically accept the fact that a robot box is installed on the Toyota Corolla. Reviews from most consumers make it clear that the machine is easy to drive and problems rarely occur. But again, it is necessary to understand the specifics of the operation of such a transmission and be prepared to rebuild for it.
Box robot on the car "Lada"
Consider the legendary car of a domestic manufacturer with a robotic transmission. Let's try to understand the advantages and disadvantages, given the reviews. Lada-Vesta, whose robot box is not popular with all consumers, has become widespread in the market. Everyone writes that it will take a long time to get used to it, but this is not a problem at all.
There are a lot of good reviews on the Web. They make it possible to understand that the main problem of such a box is only a too low (compared to automatic transmission) shift speed. Quite often, drivers do not use manual mode, as a rule, this does not require a situation. Often an urgent need appears only when driving in a large stream of cars. And as you know, the gearbox does not adapt to the special driving style of the driver himself, therefore it is safer and more profitable to use the manual mode.
Some consumers do not like the prospect of independent control, because the transmission is given to the computer, and it should always manage it without human intervention.
Also, among the advantages, consumers note that the robot box does not heavily load the power unit, so driving is as convenient and comfortable as possible. The process of shifting gears after acceleration is pretty fast. However, work with one clutch is almost the last century. This greatly inhibits the development of such gearboxes, because the first generation models get a lot of negativity in their address, and this reduces the popularity of the device itself.
In general, Lada Vesta is considered a normal inexpensive option. As a rule, those who are just learning to drive acquire it, more advanced people do not pay attention to it.
Box robot on the car "Ford Focus"
Unfortunately, from the owners of the car "Ford Focus" box-robot reviews received far from encouraging. We can safely say that it attracted a lot of negativity and condemnation in the direction of the American manufacturer. The first driver did not like - the cost of repair. Many write that, having learned its price, they wanted to resell the car and buy a "normal" with automatic transmission.
But still, this robot box has some advantages. The reviews (“Focus” is not the only model where they installed a similar design) allow us to confirm this fact. For example, a second-generation box is installed on this car. During the trip you feel the maximum level of convenience and comfort. The work is inextricable, and the gear shift is almost imperceptible.
In general, some consumers advise buying such a car, while others do not. It all depends on the taste, as there are no serious flaws. However, when choosing, you need to think carefully and weigh everything, only then decide on such a serious step as buying a robotic Ford car. The robot box, reviews of which we have already reviewed, is the most important part in the car, you need to carefully approach its selection.