What is a robot machine. The difference between a robotic gearbox and an automatic one, which is better? Important performance characteristics of the automatic gearbox and robot

14.04.2019

Transmission

Modern cars are diverse. This also applies to their checkpoints. When buying a car, everyone always wants to get an option with a reliable control mechanism. Therefore, you have to choose: buy an automatic or a variator, or maybe even purchase a “smart” robot box. Which gearbox is better and why? What are their differences?

One of the most common options is an automatic transmission. Front wheel drive vehicles have main gear and differential.

Automatic transmission has 5 modes:

parking;
reverse;
neutral mode;
sports mode;
automatic switching mode.

Automated transmission

Advantages of automation:

smoothness of movement;
no need for manual switching;
reliability.

Disadvantages of an automatic transmission:

relatively complex and expensive to maintain;
difficult to manage in bad weather conditions;
has significant fuel consumption.

Robotic checkpoint

A robotic gearbox is a device that receives, transmits torque to the drive wheels, after converting it. The whole process in such a device is controlled by automation.

However, this does not make it an automatic transmission option. The only similarity is the clutch box present in the housing. A robot gearbox is similar to a manual gearbox, which is controlled by an automated system.

What is the difference between a robot and an automaton

Both the robot box and the automatic box are actively used, then what is their difference?

Differences robotic box from automatic consist mainly in the fact that the first is not capable of switching speeds as smoothly. As a result, the car makes jerks during the shift.

When switching to another speed, the robotic gearbox must first be put in the neutral position. Therefore, there are certain hitches in time. And in terms of reliability, they are significantly inferior to automatic ones. This is the main difference between the automatic box and the robot box. And if you have to choose: which is better - a robot or a machine, then in this parameter, the machine is definitely better.

A robot differs from an automaton in its appearance. If there is a P icon on the selector, this will mean that an automatic box is in front of the buyer, N and R will indicate a robotic one.

Robotic gearbox or automatic transmission

What is better - a robot or an automatic transmission? Among other things, the robot differs from the machine in that the first option will cost less. From robotic automatic transmission it will also differ in that the automatic transmission is characterized by a certain complexity in maintenance.

A robot gearbox can be distinguished from an automatic transmission externally: the robot is smaller in mass, it can have a control system on the steering wheel of a car.

The robotic system undoubtedly has its advantages. And, nevertheless, if you choose, automatic or robot, then, probably, you should choose a box with a gun.

CVT

The variator is used in mechanisms where necessary smooth switching speed. It is a type of automatic transmission.

CVT gearbox

The main difference between the variator and the robotic box is that the change gear ratios when switching here occurs automatically, without the use of physical effort.

Robot or variator

Both the variator and the robot are actively used in driving. But the boxes of the robot and the variator are significantly different from each other. Each of them has its pros and cons.

The main differences between a variator and a robot are that:

the variator is characterized by smooth movement, which the robot lacks;
the variator is characterized by fast gear shifting;
economical use of fuel, what is the difference between a robot and a variator;
if compared with robot variators, then variators are more reliable, situations with “jamming” when shifting gears are practically eliminated;
the cost of the variator gearbox will be much higher, and it is not cheap to maintain.

What is the difference between a variator and an automatic

The differences between a variator and an automatic are that:

the variator accelerates better, has small consumption fuel;
smoothly shifts gears, there are no jerks characteristic of automation;
costs more to maintain and repair.

So lovers fast driving it is worth considering what to choose: a variator or an automatic. A variator is better for this.

All checkpoints are good, to one degree or another. Here the main task is to consider for what kind of ride and in what conditions to use them. So, in the city it is quite rational to use a robotic box. It is more similar to mechanical gear shifting, which is rational in urban conditions (numerous traffic jams, frequent gear shifting). Fans of fast driving will appreciate the variator box. Those who appreciate comfort will be happy with automation.

Automatic transmissions are used today in several forms. The most common are standard automatic machines that use a torque converter in their work system, have from 4 to 8 gears and have fairly tight settings. Standard automatic transmissions have both a number of advantages and certain disadvantages. For example, the automatic is quite reliable, it exposes the engine less to negative influences from bad driving habits. However, the machine becomes the cause of increased fuel consumption, which definitely cannot please the car buyer. Today we will look at the differences between an automatic machine and a robot, compare the features of these boxes, and talk about which cars are better to choose with automatic gear shifting.

The reliability of the machine was previously considered rather doubtful. Today, automatic transmissions in the form of standard automatic transmissions from world famous brands they perform great in operation, they do not require any maintenance features and simply help the owner to get more pleasure from the trip. Robots still enjoy popular disfavor, because there are rumors that they often break down and do not live up to even three years of operation. Let's start with the fact that there are Chinese robots and machines, and there are products of Japanese and German corporations. So you need to talk about some specific models of boxes - this is the only way to understand the whole point of using this or that technology.

Advantages and disadvantages of standard automatic transmissions

If the abbreviation automatic transmission is indicated in the vehicle configuration, we are talking about a traditional automatic machine. This is a rather old, and therefore reliable technology, which today each manufacturer acquires its own appearance. Many say that Japanese machine guns are always beautiful, they serve for decades and do not break. There are four-speed automatics from Aisin - a Japanese development used on almost all machines budget class. Such a box will not please you with dynamics, reliability, or other important positive features. The main significant pros and cons that should be considered in the context of automatic transmission are as follows:

enough simple design, the absence of parts that are too expensive and difficult to repair;
standard maintenance processes that won't cost the owner unpredictably;
convenient operation and no need to get used to the features of the car;
increased fuel consumption is one of important cons all modern automatic transmissions;
often on the machine the moment of gear shifting is very noticeable, this causes a certain discomfort;
very expensive repair in case of failure, but not more expensive than restoring other types of automatic transmissions;
lack of dynamics and often damping of the engine potential due to the impossibility of dynamic settings.

Of course, the above does not apply to all machines. It is worth considering the new 8-speed automatic transmissions from Jeep, Toyota and Volkswagen, as well as products range rover. They are similar in design to each other, but very different from other automatic transmissions in the world. These machines unleash their full potential power unit, their switching is imperceptible, and dynamic characteristics just great. The settings of such gearboxes are very flexible, which allows manufacturers to carry out a separate refinement of the gearbox for each separate engine. But there are machines and other developments with less productive characteristics.

Robotic boxes - consider the main advantages and disadvantages

Robots today in the assortment of each large corporation have their own names and a patented gearshift formula. PowerShift from Ford or DSG from Volkswagen - these names cover almost the same technology. Most modern robotic boxes have essentially manual transmission, as well as a drive that performs fast gear changes. The design provides both certain advantages and significant disadvantages of the technology, which should be considered when buying a machine:

the robot initiates the consumption of less fuel than a simple machine, it is tuned for an economical trip without losing potential;
the robotic box fully reveals the engine, its power and all the basic features;
switching is almost imperceptible, there are no jerks, everything happens at lightning speed;
robotic-type boxes are adaptive, they can be configured for use in any combination;
the cost of such a box is quite high, which opens a list of disadvantages of this technology;
robot repair is an expensive and specific process, which is often performed only by professionals;
the design of the robotic box is incredibly complex, it needs a very high quality service.

Non-compliance with the rules for operating the robotic box will be enough big problem for the buyer. Beautiful modern names and wonderful specifications cars with robotic boxes is not an exaggeration. All this is true, but for such advantages you have to pay a lot. The cost of maintenance and operation of such a box will exceed your expectations and make you think about changing the car to a more democratic and practical option. However, this opinion is subjective, because many motorists like to drive cars with robots.

What to choose: automatic or robotic box?

Having certain information about what and how functions in the world of modern checkpoints, one can draw personal conclusions. For each driver they will be different. If in doubt, you can go for a test drive of two similar cars With different technologies. For example, you can take turns on Skoda test drive Rapid with base engine and automatic transmission of the old type, and then ride on the same Rapid with a robotic DSG box and turbocharged TSI engine. The feeling of the trip will be the basis for choosing your box. When choosing, pay attention to the following factors:

the dynamics and comfort of a trip in a car - for each buyer, these moments will have different criteria;
a guarantee from the manufacturer for a particular box - many give a guarantee for the engine and automatic transmission up to five years;
definition important criteria personal preferences for dynamics, fuel consumption and other factors;
sensations from a test drive of a car on various boxes, including a mechanical version;
the willingness to pay a certain price for an automatic machine, which today has become more expensive than robotic boxes.

It is important not only to choose the class of gearbox itself, but also to understand which model and what class of this gearbox you want to see in your car. Each manufacturer carries out its own tuning of gearboxes and engines. If earlier the automatic machine was the same for everyone, then in the current conditions the equipment has individual characteristics and a huge number of important benefits in each individual case. Concerns carry out their own adjustments and refinements of technology, use the most expensive discoveries and developments and make their cars as modern and successful as possible. We offer you to watch a video about modern robotic gearboxes:

Summing up

Today's features of the operation of cars almost force us to buy an automatic transmission. In traffic jams, it is impossible to overestimate the help of such technical node in car. And in general, driving around the city makes you often shift gears on the mechanics and get some discomfort from this. Having bought reliable car with an automatic transmission of any type, you will remove these issues, but open up other controversial points in the operation of the machine.
Robot and automaton need more quality service and in full compliance with the frequency of change lubricants. All the features of the operation of the car indicate that you need to individually approach the choice of a box model. And development modern technologies makes you forget about which box design is used in a particular transport. Just enjoy automatic switching and have fun with your purchase. What types of slot machines do you like best?

Choosing a car is a long and troublesome business. After all, you need to decide on the class, manufacturer, specific model. Before many car owners there is another very important question - which gearbox to choose? On this moment the choice is quite wide: the simplest machine has become an alternative to the usual mechanics. But two fundamentally different options have entered the market for a long time: robot and variator. And if almost every boy knows about the first two, then about the latter there is many questions. The choice must of course be based on personal preferences and the requirements of the driver, who will have to press the pedals and shift gears. Each car enthusiast has his own style, his own priorities and goals, his own driving style, which determines the final choice. For example, sharp lover start and racing on the roads (and off-road) will not give up the usual mechanical box. He presses the pedals "on the machine", without thinking about his actions. And not a single machine or CVT will allow him to achieve the desired result. But people who are tired of constantly shifting gears, getting into traffic jams, gladly give this "right" automatic box . So the choice between mechanics and automatic is quite obvious. But what about the other options? How to determine which is better: CVT or automatic transmission?

CVT or automatic: which is more reliable?

This issue worries many drivers, because in the event of a breakdown and the need for repairs, car owners will have to pay a considerable amount of money. Only experienced mechanics who are professionally engaged in the repair of automatic transmissions can fix the problem on their own. Such high complexity of work, of course, leads to significant cost, incomparable with the price of repairing a manual transmission. But such an item as reliability requires a special attitude. First you need to decide what the variator is, what is its exclusivity.

The difference between a variator and an automatic

Habitual automatic transmission noticeably makes life easier for the driver, eliminating the clutch pedal and the need to manually shift to new transmission. This (far from the most pleasant process) is done by smart electronics, so that the owner of the car only needs to switch between the necessary modes in time, and control the brake and gas pedal. Nevertheless, the gears are switched, the number of steps starts from four and can go up to eight. The transition between them is as smooth as possible, but it is still felt.

Variable speed drive same has unlimited number of "speeds", it is simply impossible to count them. Difference between the variator and the machine is primarily that the variator has no gears to be switched. gear ratios are constantly changing because the design consists of two pulleys between which the belt rotates. Of course, such a description greatly simplifies real device this complex apparatus. The strength of the belt is very high, because it consists of small metal plates and looks more like a chain. There can be no question of any gear shifting in this case. The variator independently selects the optimal position of the belt, which explains the rapid change in gear ratio.

If you do not know how to distinguish a variator from an automatic, then simply ride in the car. Gear shifting (even the smoothest) will be felt. This is especially noticeable at the time of picking up speed. And here variable speed drive characterized by incredible soft ride without jerks. You can also notice a faster set of speeds due to the fact that the variator does not need to spend time switching gears.

It is very difficult to compare the reliability of these devices. It is worth noting the fact that the variator is controlled by a large number of different sensors As a result, the chance of breakage is much lower. But even if at least one sensor fails, the rest can follow it. Besides automatic transmission repair will cost less than the repair of the variator. There are many reasons for this, but the main one is a small number of qualified specialists.

What is the difference between a robot and an automatic machine and a variator?

The robotic gearbox brings drivers back to the already well-known manual. It is very similar to its predecessor, but differs in that computer takes control. Of course, you will not find clutch pedals here either. Automatic and CVT suggest a greater number of sensors and options for controlling the car electronically. If you decide what better robot or a variator, then you need to proceed from a specific situation. For example, drivers accustomed to sharp style ride and machine control, quickly run out of robot resources. A large load is already placed on the clutch assembly, fast acceleration And hard braking lead to breakdown. However, the repair of such a box will cost only a little more than a mechanical one.

Variator: pros and cons

There are certain advantages and disadvantages of this type of gearbox. Some of them are subjective, but others deserve special attention when choosing a car.

pros:

Smooth ride without jerks and sensations of gear changes.
Fuel economy.
Low noise level.
Fast acceleration.

Minuses:

Very expensive repair, a small number of professionals who understand this type of gearbox.
Many sensors that control the operation of the variator. If one fails, the whole system can fail, which will lead to serious damage.
The variator is rarely installed on cars with a powerful engine.
You will need a special expensive fluid that is only suitable for certain brands of cars.

You can also note the fact that the CVT does not allow the car to make a roar during acceleration. Electronics and electrics control the condition of the car, avoiding high speeds.

It is worth noting that each of these types of checkpoints has its pros and cons. It is not surprising that when choosing a car, many potential owners are interested in which gearbox is on a particular model. Next, we will try to understand this issue and talk about which is better, a robot or an automatic transmission.

Read in this article

Robot or automatic transmission: which is better

Let's start with the fact that the robotic gearbox began to appear en masse on various cars relatively recently. At the same time, the hydromechanical automatic machine is a time-tested solution.

The automatic transmission is based on the valve plate () and the box itself, which is a planetary gearbox with a set of clutches and gears. This transmission can be installed all-wheel drive cars, cars with rear or front wheel drive. Transmission of this type able to work softly and smoothly, copes well with large volumes, is reliable and durable under the condition competent operation and timely quality service.

As a result, the owner receives comfort, smoothness, and the process of driving a car is greatly simplified. As for maintenance, this gearbox does not have the usual by analogy with or manual transmission, there is no need to periodically change this node.

If we talk about the disadvantages of automatic transmission, first of all, it is worth highlighting increased consumption fuel and reduced efficiency, the high cost of maintaining and repairing a box or gas turbine engine, as well as changing such a fluid every 40-60 thousand km. run.

Also, initially, many cars of the same class are more expensive than analogues with a robotic gearbox. If speak about secondary market, on average, the difference can be 15-25%, which also often plays a role in the choice.

A robotic gearbox (robot box) can be represented by two options: the so-called or preselective box (for example,).

Although the robotic transmission copes with its task in the same way as an automatic transmission, that is, the gears are switched without the participation of the driver, such a gearbox is fundamentally different from classic automatic transmissions in design and principle of operation.

Let's start with simple single-clutch robots. In a nutshell, a CPR robot is mechanical box gears where the clutch is switched on and off automatically instead of the driver. The selection and switching on / off of gears is also automatically implemented. Servo mechanisms that operate under the control are responsible for performing these functions.

In fact, it turns out conventional mechanics With automatic control operation of the checkpoint. It is important to understand that gear shifting in this box occurs according to the same principle as in a manual transmission. This means that when driving, the driver may feel jolts at the moment of switching, the robot delays gear shifting, etc., that is, comfort suffers in comparison with automatic transmission.

We also add that the clutch on such boxes fails quite quickly (often faster than on a manual transmission). Even as the clutch wears out, this box needs to be “trained”, since the automation, unlike the driver who physically controls the clutch with a separate pedal on the manual transmission, is not able to “adjust” on its own and take into account the changed setting point.

The owners also note the short service life of the manual transmission servomechanisms. These devices are quite expensive and have low maintainability. However, even taking into account all the disadvantages, single-disk robots are the cheapest type of “automatic machines”. Compared with automatic transmissions, it is worth highlighting their high fuel efficiency, good acceleration dynamics and the relative ease of maintenance and repair of the box (with the exception of servo mechanisms).

Now let's move on to preselective robots. These boxes, in their design and principle of operation, are similar to conventional manual transmissions and AMTs, however, they have not one clutch, but two at once. As a result, while the car is in one gear, the next one is also almost completely engaged. This scheme allows you to switch very quickly, the driver simply does not notice the moments of switching, the comfort is significantly increased.

This type of gearbox can rightly be considered the most economical, since the fastest possible gear changes make it possible to achieve an almost constant and inseparable transmission of traction from to the drive wheels. As for the disadvantages of preselective gearboxes with two clutches compared to automatic transmissions, these are a smaller resource, problems with servo mechanisms, high cost and complexity of repairs, the need to change clutch packs as they wear out.

As you can see, it will not work to immediately give an unambiguous answer to the question, a robot or an automatic transmission, which is better to choose and why. The fact is that, having considered all the strong and weak sides robots and hydromechanical gearboxes, it is quite difficult to choose the best machine among them.

First of all, it is recommended to independently conduct a test drive of models similar in characteristics with different types vending machines to immediately receive general idea about how the types of transmissions in question behave when driving.
On the one hand, if we compare a single-disk robot and a classic automatic transmission, the first option will be the most affordable and economical, and ease of repair is also noted.
As for the automatic transmission, this box is a comfortable and often quite reliable solution, but such a unit is more expensive to maintain and repair.
If we talk about robots with two clutches, they are no longer inferior to automatic transmissions in terms of comfort, while they win in terms of acceleration dynamics and fuel efficiency, and they are also cheaper to maintain.

It would seem that it is preselective gearboxes of the DSG type and other similar analogues that are in the lead in all respects, but do not forget about reliability. In less.

Now let's go directly to the choice and immediately start with new cars. If the cost of the car is the main determining factor, that is, it is needed, then it is quite possible to look towards single-disk robots.

If a car of average or high class, then a preselective gearbox with two clutches will be the best solution. The only thing, both in the first and in the second case, you can count on uptime robotic transmission to the mark of 100-150 thousand km.

In the case when it is planned to drive a lot by car or the car is purchased based on long term operation, then it is better to immediately pay attention to models with reliable classical hydromechanical automatic transmission.

In a situation where you plan to buy a used car, you need to remember that the resource of robots is usually less than automatic transmission. Also, the repair of a preselective robotic box may require no less investment than classic machine.

This means that automatic transmission models in the secondary market are usually more preferable than a robot. The reason is quite obvious, since it is more likely that such a box still has an acceptable residual life and will not require expensive repairs in the near future.

What is the difference between "robot" and "machine"

To understand how one type of gearbox differs from another, it is necessary to consider their features and principle of operation. We note right away that both the “automatic” (automatic transmission) and the “robot” (manual transmission, AMT) provide a similar end result: the transmission automatically selects and shifts gears while driving, taking into account the vehicle’s speed, engine load, gas pedal position, etc. .d.

However, a hydromechanical automatic transmission and a robotic gearbox manual transmission are fundamentally different in design and principle of operation. Let's look at their features and differences in more detail.

Let's start with the "classic" hydromechanical "automatic" with. Unlike the robot, which appeared relatively recently, an ordinary automatic transmission appeared a long time ago and became the first type of automatic transmission that began to be massively installed on cars.

In a nutshell, automatic transmission is step box gears, where the torque converter (GDT) plays the role of a clutch. At the same time, it is transmitted to the gas turbine engine through the transmission ATF fluid.

The valve plate () and the ECU are responsible for controlling the operation of the automatic transmission. The plate has special channels through which the pressure is supplied transmission fluid. The channels are blocked by valves (). At the command of the ECU, the valve opens or closes, respectively, opening or blocking the channel.

When the valve is open, ATF fluid acts on the gearbox, which as a result allows you to engage and disengage gears in automatic mode.

Advantages and disadvantages of automatic transmission. If we talk about the pros and cons of a hydromechanical automatic transmission, the list of main advantages should include the reliability of the unit and the time-tested design, as well as the ability to withstand a fairly large torque.

Among the minuses, we note that although the automatic transmission works quite smoothly, the moments automatic switching gears are still noticeable to the driver. Also, gear shifting can be “long”, especially on older “automatic machines”. Still to be highlighted high flow fuel for cars with this type of transmission.

As for repairs, in the event of failure of both the box itself and the torque converter, one should prepare for serious costs. At the same time, the maintainability of automatic transmissions is quite acceptable, a large number of Service stations provide repair services.

The robotic gearbox was originally designed to achieve maximum fuel economy and comfort while simplifying and reducing the cost of the unit itself. In the conditions of the world fuel crisis and tough environmental standards this solution was intended to solve a number of problems inherent in classic hydromechanical automatic transmissions.

Simply put, the “robot” box is where the clutch foot drive is replaced with an electric drive, and the gear shift is carried out by the actuator. The choice of gear and its inclusion, as well as the engagement and disengagement of the clutch, is controlled by an electronic unit.

The control of these boxes resembles the well-known single-disk robot in terms of the principle of operation. There are all the same servos, executive mechanisms and controller. The main difference is that while, for example, the second gear is engaged, the ECU simultaneously engages the third one, keeping the clutch “squeezed out”. As soon as the shift time comes, in a fraction of a second, the second gear is turned off and the third gear, already half engaged in advance, is switched on.

While driving, the gearbox control unit evaluates the actions of the driver, takes into account the speed of the car, the position of the gas pedal, the load on the engine and a number of other parameters in order to select the most suitable gear in relation to specific conditions.

Pros and cons of a "robot" with double clutch. In terms of benefits, the up and down shift moments are invisible to the driver, highest speed switching allows you to achieve an almost complete absence of a break in the flow of power, the acceleration of the car is smooth and fast.

It also retains the maximum fuel efficiency inherent in all robotic gearbox. At the same time, preselective boxes are the most economical compared to all other types (single-disk robot, automatic transmission, variator, mechanics).

As for the minuses, first of all, such boxes are quite complex, cars with a preselective gearbox are very expensive. The resource of these types of transmissions is longer than that of analogues with a single clutch, however, in practice it is reduced compared to classic torque converter automatic transmissions.

Speaking of maintainability, DSG repair and analogues from other manufacturers can be quite expensive. In practice, the cost of such work and spare parts often exceeds the high-quality restoration of an automatic transmission with a torque converter as part of a comprehensive overhaul or overhaul of the gearbox.

Summing up

As you can see, each of the considered types of automatic transmissions has its pros and cons. Also, if an automatic gearbox and a robot are considered, there are differences both in the device of these gearboxes and in the principles of their operation.

Also, before buying a car (especially a used one), it is important to know what type of gearbox is installed, automatic or robot, how to distinguish these types of boxes. The point is that under general concept Automatic transmission today can hide both the first and second options.

As a rule, it is recommended to study separately the information on specific model car, for which generation and in what years of production this or that transmission was installed. It should be remembered that visually, for example, DSG can not be distinguished from a conventional automatic transmission with Tiptronic. In other words, you need to know how to distinguish a robot from a machine in a car.

Finally, we note that it is quite difficult to unequivocally answer the question, a robot and an automatic machine, which is better. If we are talking about new cars with a gun, then it is better to select a gearbox taking into account personal preferences and financial capabilities.

As a rule, a machine with a single disc robot is cheaper and more economical in terms of consumption, however, the comfort when shifting gears compared to classic automatic transmission may be reduced. For this reason, it is optimal to test drive models with various types Checkpoint.

In the case of preselective robotic boxes, it is the classic automatic that may seem more “thoughtful”, the comfort when shifting gears suffers a little, worse dynamics overclocking, etc.

However, the reliability of a torque converter automatic transmission in practice turns out to be higher, such a box is often easier and cheaper to repair. These features should be considered separately, especially if you plan to buy a used car with an automatic transmission.