The number of varieties of automatic transmissions is constantly growing. Not so long ago, they simply knew about the existence of an automatic transmission - a standard version of an automatic transmission with a familiar torque converter. A little later, stepless variators began to be actively installed on cars, and not so long ago, robotic boxes gained popularity. Today we will consider how a robot differs from an automatic machine in technical and operational terms, as well as what are the pros and cons of these technologies. Comparing two different types of boxes often provides valuable data for purchasing different machines.
Depending on your preferences for the gearbox, you can clarify the choice of model when buying a car in the new vehicle market. Therefore, the comparison of technologies in boxes should be treated with understanding. It is best to test machines with different technologies in order to have an idea of the possibilities and features of their operation.
Technical differences between a robot and a standard machine
In technical terms, these types of gearboxes are completely different. Automatic transmission is a design with a torque converter, as well as electronics to control the behavior of the car. The torque converter plays a major role in this set of devices, performing gear shifts depending on the speed. This feature allows you to stably operate the machine and expect its specific response.
A robotic gearbox is mechanical in nature, therefore it has a number of specific advantages of a manual transmission. The box is more flexible, has quite a remarkable range of different features and provides an economical ride. The main differences between the robot and the standard automatic transmission are as follows:
- the principle of operation of a reliable mechanical transmission, the simplicity of the main structure;
- the presence of a large number of electronics that control the clutch and switching;
- the possibility of actively changing the type of construction, which is used by all world manufacturers;
- fuel savings due to the lack of regassing and the possibility of early gear changes;
- the ability to quickly change the settings of the robotic box, giving character;
- manufacturability and modern design, high reliability of high-quality units.
The design of a standard automatic transmission also has certain advantages. Such a box is more reliable, it does not break and does not require expensive electronics repairs. Of course, a torque converter is far from the most reliable technological unit in a car, but with proper operation it turns out to be durable and serves no less than an engine.
All these features suggest that a car with a conventional automatic machine and a robotic box has its own character. Indeed, the difference in design is not the only difference between these two nodes. Boxes are also operated with individual characteristics and create certain sensations in different travel modes.
Features of the practical operation of the robot and standard automatic transmission
The robotic box does not require any features in operation. Today, many self-respecting concerns have branded robots, and manufacturers often give individual recommendations on the use of nodes. For example, DSG robots from Volkswagen are recommended to be used at low speeds, without using the Sport mode.
Ford's PowerShift robotic boxes can work best in the mid-range revs, improving not only the elasticity of the car's responses, but also fuel consumption. An automatic transmission, made according to a standard model, can perform a variety of tasks and work in various conditions. The specifics of using such a node is as follows:
- do not gain momentum too sharply - this will lead to an increased load on the automatic transmission;
- towing other cars and heavy trailers should be avoided - the operation of the box is adjusted to the weight of the car;
- in the absence of normal maintenance, it will soon be necessary to change the entire components of the unit and resort to expensive repairs;
- torque converter malfunctions often do not depend on operation - they sometimes occur unexpectedly;
- the operation of the unit is quite stable, it often responds late to pressing the gas pedal;
- often in automatic systems the possibility of Kick-Down is provided - an emergency speed reset to a low one for quick acceleration.
Given the rather prim operation of the automatic transmission, the system can be quite annoying and not dynamic enough. The nature of the car with the same engine on a manual and with a traditional automatic transmission will completely change. Often, buyers of such cars are sincerely surprised by the sluggish and not very dynamic ride on very powerful and voluminous engines.
However, the standard traditional type of automatic transmission keeps the power unit from excessive wear, so engines with automatics often run much longer than with a manual or CVT. But automatic transmission is more expensive, because it can increasingly be seen in the design of an expensive luxury car, and not in the configuration of budget vehicles. For the pros and cons of different types of gearboxes, see the following video:
Summing up
The use of automatic transmissions is becoming more and more relevant in our time, because this convenient element allows you to pay more attention to the road and get maximum information about the environment. Also, automatic transmissions of any type are convenient in traffic jams, where you have to constantly switch on a manual box. But the modern manufacturing industry prefers more affordable components, such as a robotic gearbox or CVT.
The robot costs the manufacturer cheaper than a traditional machine, and in operation up to 200 thousand kilometers in many ways it shows itself much better than its competitors. Because the popularity of this type of checkpoint has increased so much recently. Do you have a particular preference for using one or another type of automatic transmission?
