Modern tendencies in the design of autonomous utility vehicles

The article discusses the role of the modern approach to the design of autonomous utility vehicles. The study has been exemplified by a currently designed multi-purpose hybrid engineer vehicle. The article covers the application of modern hybrid drive and the suspension allowing for the regulation of the tension wheel. The drive system used in the described vehicle is a serial type. In contrast to the conventional solutions used so far in a similar vehicle, this system eliminate heavy and difficult parts to produce (e.g., gears) which allows to significant reduction of a vehicle's weight. The suspension system is based on the classical concept - with a torsional shafts. A movable tension wheel is an innovative element, which has been used in this suspension system. When the wheel is in the lower position the area of pressure increased so the force exerted on the ground is less. This option is useful in difficult, muddy off-road conditions. The Volvo Company wants to apply similar capabilities in their prototype diggers. In the article, the importance of the external appearance of the vehicle has been considered as well. A removable cab allows the remote control of the vehicle at any time and the same has been provided as an example of a modern solution concerning the external appearance of the vehicle.