CVT or torque converter which is better. Robot or machine: which box is better

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 reason increased consumption fuel, which definitely cannot please the car buyer. Today we will look at the differences between a machine gun and a robot, compare the features of these boxes, and talk about which machines are better to choose with automatic switching gears.

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 boxes - this is the only way to understand the whole point of using a particular 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 budget-class cars. 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 one by one for a test drive Skoda Rapid With base engine and automatic transmission of the old type, and then ride on the same Rapid with robotic box DSG 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?

New question from a reader of our autoblog

« Hello author of this wonderful site. My name is Marina. I read your blog almost every day worthwhile information, a lot of interesting things. Now I choose a car for myself and always with an automatic transmission, but I have options - an automatic, a robot and a variator. I read your comparison of automatic and CVT, informative. Could you write more about the automaton and the robot? Thank you in advance!»

Yes, an interesting question, let's think ...

We have already described the automatic transmission in the article,. However, I will briefly remind you. Automatic - automatic transmission (abbreviated as automatic transmission). In its structure, it has nothing to do with a conventional manual transmission (read the article), here the shifts occur due to two main parts, this is a torque converter and a gearbox. The torque converter replaces the clutch, switching the speeds of the "automatic". The gearbox is in constant engagement with all pairs of gears. Thanks to this design, it switches gears itself, depending on engine speed. It should also be noted that the gears are switched mechanically, namely from the injection of oil pressure. That is, electronics, practically, zero. "Automatic" has been produced for a long time, so it is very well studied. You can make it at almost any service station, not even a dealer one. I will not describe the pros and cons of the machine for the second time, read the variator or machine in the article.

Most the new kind automatic transmission(Read more in this one).

The robot is the same manual transmission that has a control unit located right on the gearbox itself. This control unit replaces both the clutch and the gearshift function, but the shifts here take place like simple mechanics, just a person does not interfere in the process. This block, in fact, represents a robotic node. Hence the name box robot. Before the widespread use of electronics, hydraulic drives were used in robots, now hydraulic drives have been replaced with servo drives (electronic components).

Now in our article, let's talk about the pros and cons of a "robot".

pros

1) This is the same mechanics, and therefore the design is simpler than that of the "machine"

2) Oil consumption is less than that of the machine. "Robot" 2 - 3 liters, "automatic" 7 - 10 liters.

3) Repair is easier and cheaper than repairing the machine.

4) The level of fuel consumption, for a car with a robot, at the level mechanical box gears. And sometimes even less.

5) Robot always support manual switching gear, as in mechanical transmission. The machine is not always present.

6) The robot transfers the full torque from the engine to the wheels, unlike the machine.

Minuses

1) Change gears very slowly, sometimes the interval reaches 2 seconds.

2) The robot is not very stable transmission, even on two identical machines will work differently.

3) During the operation of the robot, jerks and shocks are often encountered, even when starting the car.

Honestly, when choosing an automatic or a robot, I would prefer an automatic, it is more stable in operation, and now there are automatics for 6 or more gears, which are already approaching mechanics and a robot in terms of fuel consumption. The robot, despite all its advantages, remains a dark horse, you just don’t know what to expect, either it will work fine, or it will be hard to stupid.

Today, the car is a much-needed device. individual use, like mobile phone, camera or personal computer. Most car enthusiasts in the selection process new car they cannot fully understand how a robotic gearbox differs from an automatic one, and they also hardly understand technical features and terminology of the models presented to their attention. Automatic transmissions will soon be replaced by mechanical ones, but few people know about the large number of their varieties and differences. However, it is too early to talk about this, now it is necessary to figure out what the robotic mechanics, and what is a classical automaton.

"Automatic" consists of two main elements:

• is an alternative to the clutch used classic box gears.
• The gearbox is made of meshed pairs of gears. Due to its structure, a feature is revealed automatic system- the ability to change gears without driver assistance. The mechanism is practically not equipped with electronics.

"Robot" is close to mechanics in its principle, but has some differences. In its structure there is a type consisting of servo drives and hydraulic drives, operating on the basis of certain algorithms. The gearbox independently switches the friction clutch system, as well as speeds, it allows the driver not to interfere in this process

Visual difference between "machine" and "robot"

When you decide to buy a car or have already done so, but have no idea which gearbox is installed inside, you need an answer to the question, what are the differences between automation and a robot, why is one better than the other. visual difference of these two gearboxes - a robot and an automatic, is expressed quite clearly. All that is needed is to pay attention to the design of the gear shift channel, it is they who differ. If at the top there is such a position as Parking - "P", then this is an automatic transmission automatic transmission, when there is no such position, but there is a Neutral - "N", as well as Back "R", then you are dealing with a robotic device.

The principle of operation of "machines"

The automatic transmission box is made of two parts (torque converter, gearbox), as already mentioned earlier. Now consider the device and the principle of operation of the box. The gearbox transmits force through a system of gears that are meshed with each other in different variations. It is due to this position that their force changes. The torque converter is responsible for the smooth switching of one speed to another, it is also responsible for performing functions similar to the clutch on the mechanics.

The automatic transmission greatly facilitates control, allowing the driver not to contact the clutch pedal in a constant mode. The driver does not have to shift gears with a lever and control smooth movement, as the automation does everything for him. Thanks to this, the car owner has a lot of ways to completely control any situation on the road (this is how an automatic transmission differs from a manual transmission). The torque converter as a node is much more reliable here, unlike a manual gearbox. It is almost impossible to break it due to inexperience. This feature reduces the load on undercarriage and power unit.

Engine resources are better preserved by switching speeds with acceptable speeds. Fuel consumption is more economical due to a large number steps at gear ratio. The car will never roll on its own when standing on a slope, as the passive mode of the safety system is set.

Apart from clear merits Even this approach has its drawbacks. An automatic machine differs from a robot in that the dynamics of increasing speed is less during the ride. Less economical fuel consumption relative to a large number of gear stages. The efficiency of the unit is much lower due to the torque converter absorbing part of the power. The high cost of the unit affects total price the entire product. Maintenance, parts replacement, repairs are more expensive.

Advice! Since a gearbox with four gears is considered the most wasteful, give preference to fewer gears when buying a car with automatic transmission.

There are several automotive transmissions in the world. The most popular are manual transmission and automatic transmission. On this moment many popular manufacturers began to use a robotic version in their new products. In the article, we will consider what it is - a robot gearbox, what reviews it receives and whether it has advantages and disadvantages.

Box Feature

The robot gearbox is, in fact, mechanical, it is just additionally built into it. automatic clutch and gear shifting. Accordingly, the operation of the transmission does not completely depend on the driver, as in other versions, but on the electronic control unit. The driver only needs to correctly transmit incoming information for correct operation transmission.

Device

Which gearbox is better, automatic or robot, we will consider a little later, first we need to know the device of the new invention. Automated box gear received a friction type clutch. This is a package of disks, or a built-in separate mechanism. The most reliable and durable can be called a design that has received a double clutch. Volkswagen Golf became the first car in the world to be equipped with a robotic gearbox. Reviews about the operation of the device were quite good, everyone noted a good response from the electronics, as well as perfect functionality during overclocking. In this case, the power flow was not interrupted. This is achieved by using double clutch. In this case, switching speeds takes no more than 1 second. When working on Russian roads, unfortunately, the service life similar box transmission is reduced by at least half.

Peculiarities

The clutch drive can be electric, hydraulic. In the first case, it should be noted the presence of an electric motor and mechanical transmission. The second type of drive works due to the functioning of special cylinders that are controlled by a valve. electromagnetic type. In some cases, the robot gearbox, the variator of which is well arranged, is equipped with an electric motor. It moves the cylinders, and is also designed to maintain the operation of the hydromechanical unit. A similar device, which has a drive of this type, is distinguished by the duration of the gear change speed. As a rule, it varies from 0.3 to 0.5 seconds. However, when compared with hydraulic counterparts, the system will not need to constantly maintain a certain pressure. A striking example of such a car is Opel, the robot gearbox on this car generally pleases many drivers.

Hydraulic gearboxes have received a fast cycle, which provides gear changes in a time of 0.05 to 0.06 seconds. That is why such a transmission is most often used on race cars and supercars. Examples are Ferrari and Lamborghini. On machines that are budget class, such a gearbox cannot be delivered to a service station even as an additional option.

How does a checkpoint robot work?

Most of the mechanisms are regulated by special intelligent robot gearbox blocks. What it is? Thanks to this, that is, the work electronic system, you can track everything required parameters for the gearbox. The sensors also analyze the position of the transmission, oil pressure and other parameters for transmission to the main unit. After that, the electronics will form everything necessary actions to be performed. In the form of short signals, they will be sent to the electric drive and solenoid valves, respectively, this will allow you to quickly but smoothly shift the gearbox.

Operating modes

The design of the automatic variator and the robot gearbox remains incomprehensible to many. This device works on the principles of mechanics. However, if the user wishes, it can be switched to automation. After the person switches to the appropriate mode, the electronic unit will be blocked. The latter himself will begin to analyze the algorithm of work. The driver only needs to press the gas pedal and monitor what is happening on the road. Quite often in traffic jams, judging by the reviews, the robot gearbox becomes indispensable. If the mode is manual, then the driver will be allowed to independently shift gears from low to high, and vice versa. Operation can be carried out using a conventional gear lever.

Relevance of the box in Russia

Unfortunately, domestic producers practically do not use a robot gearbox to create cars. What it is, many drivers do not know. However, in 2015 it was announced that cars from VAZ, which belong to the Priora series, would be equipped with a robot. Such a box weighs about 35 kg, and it is fully adapted to Russian roads And weather. For example, if old box the machine did not make it possible to start the car at temperatures below 25 degrees, then the robot can show Good work, even if this mark drops to -40. Guarantee period for a robotic box is 3 years, but the manufacturer stated that the average period of operation is 10 years. This is how the company wanted to achieve a return of popularity for the Priora series cars.

Advantages

Reviews gearbox robot deserved very good. Let's consider its main advantages. Many say that it is convenient when the gearbox has all the advantages of an automatic and mechanics. Accordingly, a person, working with a machine, can receive impressions from the action automatic box gears. But at the same time, he should not worry that too much fuel will be spent.

The main advantage of such a gearbox is efficiency. According to users, the design received software, which rationally determines the torque. And when compared with an ordinary person, electronics do not get nervous, do not get tired, do not fall into depression, and physical activity does not affect it. That is why the robotic gearbox has become widespread in the world market.

At the moment, such a transmission is equipped in cars of classes A, B, C. It should be noted that Toyota Corolla also received a robot gearbox. More this device installed on German car Volkswagen Amarok. Moreover, this "German" can be bought in such a configuration both on the Russian and European markets.

However, this is not an exhaustive list of advantages, there are several more. Judging by the reviews, this transmission is highly reliable. Replacement of mechanisms will be required only after a run of 250 thousand km. Often, a clutch needs to be repaired, which does not tolerate heavy loads very well, especially when it comes to driving in difficult areas. The robotic box cost is much less than standard machine. Moreover, the robot gearbox is very unpretentious in maintenance. Oil is the only thing that must be changed every 60 thousand kilometers.

Weight features

Box weight is quite important question. By given parameter the transmission performs better than the automatic, as it is much lighter. The curb weight of such a box for cars will be no more than 50 kg, while the weight of the machine only starts from this mark and reaches 100 kg in maximum positions. Accordingly, with the robot, the car will be lighter, that is, shock absorbers, wheels and the engine are not under heavy load.

Flaws

What is a box machine robot, we have already considered, we also discussed the advantages of a machine running on such a device. However, it also has its drawbacks. You should find out which ones. For example, the main disadvantage is the speed of gear shifting. Because of this, strong pressure can be applied to the car, especially if a person is in a traffic jam. Often the car accelerates with jerks, which is more suitable for sports driving. That is why for all lovers of quiet driving, manufacturers of such a gearbox set a special mode. And if this problem can be dealt with, then the safety of driving on slopes on such a car is a rather urgent issue.

The robotic box does not receive constant signals from the engine. That is why it can often turn off, respectively, the car will roll down the slope. But, fortunately, judging by the reviews, few people got into such a situation. In general, considering all negative sides, this box can still be called one of the best.

If until relatively recently, motorists, when choosing a car, could only rely on automatic or mechanics, today the range of choice has expanded significantly. With the development of the automotive industry, new generation transmissions, such as a robotic gearbox and a variator, have come into use. What is the difference between a robotic gearbox and an automatic transmission, and which transmission is better (automatic or robotic) is necessary for every car buyer to know. The choice that the driver will eventually make depends on this.

General form automatic transmission

The basis of the automatic transmission is the control system and the planetary gearbox itself with a set of clutches and gears. This design of the machine allows it to independently switch speeds depending on engine speed, load and driving mode. The participation of the driver is not required here.

The machine is installed on cars and trucks, it is applicable also in buses. main gear and differential complement the design of the automatic transmission if it is installed on front wheel drive car.

Pros and cons of automatic transmission

It has both advantages and disadvantages:

Robotic checkpoint

Combines the functions of both an automatic transmission and a manual transmission. It's essentially the same mechanics, but with automatic control. Control system using executive mechanisms controls clutch operation and gear shifting. In this case, the switching occurs in the same way as in mechanics, only without the participation of the driver.

Initially, a robotic gearbox was created in order to significantly reduce the cost of a gearbox in comparison with an automatic transmission and at the same time combine all the advantages of an automatic transmission and mechanics, which primarily include comfort and ease of operation.

In cars sports class a slightly different type of robotic transmission is used - with two clutches. This allows for maximum high speed gear shifting.

Advantages and disadvantages of the robot

For clarity, the advantages and disadvantages of a robotic transmission are also presented in the form of a table. At the same time we will comparative characteristic between two types of transmissions.

Advantages of a robotic gearbox	Disadvantages of a robotic gearbox
1. A simpler design, unlike automatic transmission	1. Jerks when starting and shifting gears (for manual transmission with one clutch)
2. Less expensive service and repair compared to automatic transmission	2. The need to move the lever to the neutral position during a long stop and roll back the car on the rise
3. Better fuel efficiency	3. The unpredictability of the behavior of the robotic gearbox in difficult road conditions
4. Higher efficiency	4. The effect of "thoughtfulness" when shifting gears

Drawing conclusions

What is the best gearbox? From the point of view of comfort, the automatic transmission undoubtedly wins, although the developers of the robot tried to win this position from the automatic transmission.

But the robot will be more cost-effective. The cost of the box itself, its maintenance and repair will be cheaper. And a car with a robotic gearbox consumes less fuel and oil than with an automatic one.

Now reliability. Here you can argue. Neither one nor the other box can be called absolutely reliable in comparison with the same mechanics. It is also unclear how both boxes will behave in difficult conditions. But automatic transmission is at least more predictable than a robot, from which it is not known what to expect.

Therefore, which gearbox will be better, each driver decides for himself, based on his ideas about the convenience and comfort of driving. It is worth noting that the robot can be easily mistaken for an automatic machine: often there is no clutch pedal for both automatic and robotic gearbox leads inexperienced drivers into confusion. Therefore, it is necessary to carefully study the characteristics of the selected car in the buying process.