How does the "robot" differ from the "machine", what's the difference? Which is better - the box "robot" or "machine"?

Today, the number of modifications and varieties of automatic transmissions is growing every day. More recently, car enthusiasts around the world learned that there is a standard automatic transmission with a torque converter. Later the cars began to be equipped with stepless variators. And now there were robotic checkpoints. Many still do not trust this fresh technical solution. So what is better - "automatic" or "robot"? What are the differences between these boxes, what to choose an ordinary motorist?

Robotic gearbox

Such a checkpoint or "box-robot" is not an automaton.

In fact, this is a mechanical transmission, where the functions of disengaging clutch and gear shifting are automatic. The name of such a system indicates that the driver of the car and road conditions form only the input data. And all the work inside the checkpoint is carried out using an electronic unit for certain algorithms. This is the main difference of the box: the "robot" from the "machine" differs in this first.

"Robot" is the comfort of automatic transmission, high reliability, and also fuel economy - after all it is a mechanics. At the same robotic box is often much cheaper than classic automatic solutions. Today, many popular and even unknown automobile brands equip their cars with such installations. There are already manufacturers who have installed such boxes on the entire line: from budget models to premium class.

How is the robotic gearbox

How does the "robot" differ from the "machine"? At least with your device. "Robots" can also differ from each other. However, there is something common in these nodes. This MKPP, where the switching and clutch is controlled by electronics. In such solutions, a friction clutch system is used.

It can be either single-disk or multi-disk. In modern gearboxes, a double clutch is usually used. This avoids losses in power and dynamics. At the heart of the "robots" is the familiar mechanics. Ready-made solutions are used in production. For example, in the robotic systems SpeedShift the 7G-Tronic automatic transmission base is used from Mercedes. Here, instead of a torque converter, clutch disks were installed .

The SMG model from BMW is a six-speed manual gearbox with an electrohydraulic clutch drive. So, for technical part, the difference between "robot" and "automatic" is the absence of a torque converter and other electronics. That's all the differences.

Drive of robotic gearboxes

CAT-robots are hydraulic or electric. If the model has the last drive, then servo motors and mechanisms are used as it. If it is hydraulic, the work is carried out using hydraulic cylinders, which are controlled by electromagnetic valves. Specialists and marketers call this system an electrohydraulic drive. These boxes are equipped with some models of Opel and Ford. A hydromechanical assembly can also be used in conjunction with an electric motor. The motor in this case serves to move the main clutch cylinder.

The electric drive is characterized by a slower work. The average switching speed is about 0.3-0.5 s. And energy consumption is much less. Systems on the hydro-drive provide constant pressure, and, therefore, energy costs will be higher. However, hydraulics are much faster. Similar solutions are installed on sports cars because of the high speed of operation.

Drive and application

Electric "robots" are used more often on budget models of cars. Among the popular boxes can be identified: Allshift - Mitsubishi, Dualogic - Fiat, 2-Tronic - Peugeot. Hydraulics is installed on more expensive models.

Control

The robot-checkpoint is controlled by a special electronic system. It includes various sensors, the computer, as well as the executive systems. The sensors monitor the main parameters. Even in hydraulic systems , the level of pressure, temperature is monitored. The sensors give information to the control unit. Based on the received signals, the block generates control pulses to the actuator by certain algorithms. The control unit is in constant interaction with many nodes in the car.

In hydraulic systems, in addition to all this, the control unit also includes a hydraulic element that controls the operation of the hydraulics. This is another difference between the "robot" and the "machine".

Robot with double clutch

The main drawback of such solutions is a long time of operation. This leads to jerks and failures in the dynamics. All this in a complex reduces the comfort of management. But that was before. Now this problem was solved by two clutches, which ensured a rapid switching without loss in power. Another difference between the "robot" and the "machine" is the following: with one gear included, the driver can choose another and, if necessary, turn it on without any interruptions. Such systems are called resettle boxes. No automatic solution so far can offer this.

Another advantage of systems with double clutch - high speed. It depends here only on the switching speed of the couplings. This is applied in the popular DSG from Volkswagen. How does the "robot" differ from the "machine"? It should be said about the compact size of the first and light weight. This is very important for small cars. In addition to compactness, note the large energy consumption. High speed of work with constant torque feedback gives an opportunity to get good acceleration dynamics and fuel economy.

How does the "robot" work?

As for the work, there are two modes available here: automatic and semi-automatic. In the first case, the sensor ECU implements the embedded algorithms. Each robotic box has a manual mode. It is similar to the work of Tiptronic on most "automatic machines". This mode allows you to consistently switch from lower to higher gear using the selector.

Box "robot" and "machine": the difference

If you look at both systems from the point of view of operation, there are not many differences. In the case of the "automatic" there is no control of the clutch. The robot controls it, but completely automatically. The "robot" is a mechanic, the automaton is a hydromechanical system. This is the difference between him and the "machine".

It is important to take into account overclocking with delay. The fluid in the automatic transmission can not immediately cope with the effect of the driven shaft. They are not very tightly connected - it is a kind of "safety device". The transformer will spin freely even when something jams. The efficiency of the torque converter is small, therefore part of the power is lost. If the engine is switched off, the "machine" can not work.

Advantages and disadvantages

How does the "robot" differ from the "machine"? At a minimum price. Among the advantages can be distinguished reliable design.

At the core is mechanics, which has already been sufficiently studied and verified. In its reliability, the LRTP significantly exceeds both the variator and the "automatic". It is also believed that the application of the FCTC may contribute to a lower fuel consumption. So, some owners claim about saving up to 30%. A robotic box consumes less oil. So, here is enough 2-3 liters, and the variator will eat 7. The number of gears is equal to the amount on the mechanical transmission.

Mechanics are much easier and cheaper to repair, although motorists write on the forums that the service is quite expensive. But most of the failures can be done by own hands, having the necessary experience. Also, the life of the clutch discs has been increased. In a city, the driver is often in traffic jams, and on the ascent the manual control function will be very useful. Among the shortcomings is the lack of the possibility of firmware installation.

The speed of work is lower than on the machine. The city needs to switch to semi-automatic mode. On the lifts, the clutch opens.

Visual differences

If motorists do not know how to distinguish between "automatic" and "robot", then when choosing a car, it is worth looking at the selector. If there is a sign of P, then this is an automaton. If there are only N and R, then this is a "robot".

Which transmission should I choose?

If you compare the pros and cons, then no transmission benefits. Otherwise, manufacturers would have produced the best solution. The choice depends more on personal preferences. It's hard to say which is better: "automatic" or "robot". It should be noted that the automatic transmission is a smoothness, the RPCT is dynamics. So, we found out what "robot" differs from "machine".