CuGoV4.5 FAQ
Product Overview
QWhat kind of product is this?
A
This is a crawler robot development platform designed as a foundation for developing AGVs (Automated Guided Vehicles) and autonomous mobile robots. It supports RC operation, programmed driving, and control development from external devices. While inheriting the off-road capability of the V4, it newly achieves a significant increase in top speed, a flat cargo bed, an external battery, and support for wireless control via ROS programs.
QHow does it differ from the CuGo V4?
A
There are four main changes. ① Top speed increased from 1.8 km/h to 4.4 km/h (approximately 2.4×). ② The mounting area has been updated from a T-slot frame to a flat cargo bed (500×380mm). ③ Swapping to an external battery is now supported. ④ Wireless control via ROS programs (Bluetooth / WiFi) is now supported. In addition, the vehicle height has been reduced from 320mm to 255mm (−65mm), motor output has been enhanced from 100W×2 to 200W×2, and the waterproof rating has been changed from IP65 to IP54.
QWhat is it used for?
A
It is suitable for R&D, prototyping, PoC, and field verification of AGVs, AMRs, and autonomous mobile robots. Recommended for university and research institute robotics labs, robot development companies, and industries including logistics, manufacturing, agriculture, and infrastructure inspection.
QWhere can it be used?
A
It can be used both indoors (factories, warehouses, etc.) and outdoors on rough terrain such as construction sites and farmland. The IP rating is IP54 (not compatible with IPX5 water jets).
QCan it navigate autonomously?
A
Basic programmed driving is possible with the unit alone. By mounting a PC or external computer (such as a Jetson or NUC) and integrating with ROS 2 and the Navigation2 stack, it can serve as the mobility base for an advanced autonomous robot. The official cugo_v4.5_ros2_control package is also available.
QHow many units have been sold?
A
The CuGo series has a cumulative sales record of over 1,000 units.
Speed & Driving Performance
QWhat is the top speed?
A
Approximately 4.4 km/h. For safety, the top speed is set to 3.6 km/h at the time of shipment. It can be changed up to 4.4 km/h using the dedicated program.
QHow much faster is it compared to the CuGo V4?
A
The V4 had a top speed of 1.8 km/h, while the V4.5 achieves approximately 4.4 km/h — about 2.4 times faster. This was made possible by adopting Mabuchi Motor's compact, high-output brushless DC motors (200W×2).
QCan the factory top speed setting be changed?
A
Yes. The operating top speed can be changed using the dedicated program. For safety reasons, it is set to 3.6 km/h at the time of shipment.
QWhat is the hill-climbing capability?
A
Up to 20 degrees (with 60 kg load) and up to 13 degrees (with 80 kg load). These are reference values on flat, smooth ground at low speed. Performance varies depending on surface conditions, payload, and speed.
QWhat is the maximum obstacle height it can clear?
A
Up to 7.0 cm (with 40 kg load) and up to 3.5 cm (with 80 kg load). These are reference values on flat, smooth ground at low speed.
QHow long can it operate continuously?
A
It varies depending on payload and operating speed. Reference values: approximately 3 hours with no load at 1.8 km/h; approximately 30 minutes with 80 kg load at 4.4 km/h. Operating time can be extended by using an external battery. These are reference values on flat ground with no obstacles and are not guaranteed values.
Cargo Deck & Customization
QWhat are the dimensions of the cargo deck?
A
The cargo area dimensions are 500 mm (W) × 380 mm (D) × 85 mm (H). Customization is available, including vertical extension.
QCan optional parts used with the V4 be used?
A
The V4.5 features a flat deck as standard. V4 optional parts may not be directly compatible. Please contact us for details.
QCan a robotic arm or LiDAR be mounted?
A
Yes. Any equipment can be freely mounted on the flat cargo deck. Vertical extension of the deck height is also supported. The maximum payload is 80 kg.
QWhat is the maximum payload?
A
The maximum payload is 80 kg. Note that driving performance (speed, hill-climbing ability, obstacle clearance) varies as the load increases.
QIs customization of the crawler unit (e.g., length changes) possible?
A
Unit-level customization or specification changes to the CuGo series are not available. For extensive customization, please consider our contract development or OEM services.
Battery & Power
QWhat are the specifications of the standard battery?
A
LiFePO4 24V 6Ah. Charging time is approximately 3 hours.
QIs an external battery supported?
A
Yes. The V4.5 features a newly added combined charging/external power supply port, allowing replacement with an external battery. When using an external battery, please remove the built-in battery from the unit.
QWhat are the specifications for the external battery?
A
The input voltage range is 18V to 45V (standard supply voltage: 24V). However, with the default settings, an overvoltage error may occur at 32V or above. Please check the settings before using an external battery.
QWhat is the supply voltage?
A
The standard supply voltage is 24V. The input voltage range is 18V to 45V. If operating at 32V or above, an overvoltage error may occur — please refer to the instruction manual for details on how to adjust the settings.
Communication & Control
QCan the robot be controlled via ROS over wireless communication?
A
Yes. The unit uses a Raspberry Pi Pico 2W (with Bluetooth / WiFi), supporting both Bluetooth and WiFi. Wireless ROS control is available, enabling a cable-free development environment. It integrates seamlessly with ROS 2 and the Navigation2 stack.
QWhat communication interfaces are supported?
A
USB, UART, Bluetooth, WiFi, and wireless RC transmitter (2.4 GHz).
QIs ROS 2 supported?
A
Yes, ROS 2 is supported. The official cugo_v4.5_ros2_control package (available on GitHub) enables immediate integration with the Navigation2 stack. Development via Arduino IDE is also supported.
QWhat is the communication range of the RC transmitter?
A
Approximately 30 to 40 meters, depending on the operating environment.
QCan other RC transmitters be used?
A
Yes, but the user is responsible for configuring the transmitter settings.
Waterproofing & Environmental Resistance
QWhat is the IP rating?
A
IP54. This provides partial protection against dust ingress and protection against water splashing from any direction.
QIs the waterproofing lower than the CuGo V4?
A
Yes. The rating has changed from IP65 (V4) to IP54 (V4.5). This is a design trade-off resulting from the adoption of the flat cargo deck. Please note that IPX5 (water jets) is not supported.
QCan it be used in the rain?
A
At IP54, it can be used in light rain. However, please avoid direct exposure to strong water jets (e.g., from a hose).
Purchase, Delivery & Warranty
QWhat is the delivery lead time?
A
Shipments are scheduled to begin from June 30, 2026. Please contact us if you need urgent delivery or further details on lead times.
QWhat is the warranty period?
A
Free replacement under warranty is provided for initial defects within 1 year of purchase.
QWhat should I do if the product breaks down?
A
Please contact your seller. You will need to purchase the faulty part from us and arrange for repair. In the case of an initial defect, free warranty replacement is available within 1 year of purchase.
QHow should I maintain the product?
A
Remove any debris from the chain, sprockets, and other components, and apply lubrication. Regular maintenance will extend the lifespan of the product.
QAre drawing files available?
A
3D data can be downloaded from GitHub and the support page.
