Reviews. Box-robot for cars: how to use it?

The development of the automotive industry does not stand still. People try to improve their life, make it more comfortable and convenient. Manufacturers of cars are trying to make it as easy as possible for their customers to drive. Due to this, various technologies are constantly being improved. Thus, an automatic clutch was attached to the manual gearbox. Combining these two elements together, the developers received the so-called robotic transmission, combining all the advantages and disadvantages of the units. The people also know the name "box-robot".

Transmission arrangement

Finding out the features of such a design, it is necessary to pay attention to the relevant feedback. The robot box requires a specific treatment, but in order to understand why, it will be necessary to understand its device.

According to a preliminary description, one might think that on the whole the design is a simple automatic machine with a special control. However, it is not. Let us consider this question in more detail.

The design is based on a mechanical box, which, according to reviews of both professionals and ordinary drivers, is considered more reliable than automatic. This can be understood by reading reviews on the Internet. The robot box has special devices. They are necessary in order to squeeze the clutch when changing speeds.

It is worth noting that, using the usual manual transmission, the driver selects the switching time independently. To do this, he focuses on what is happening on the road and uses the clutch pedal together with the lever of the transmission itself. When developing a new device that received feedback from drivers, the robot box showed itself from a completely different angle. It was decided to exclude direct actions of the driver from the above described process. All important switching is carried out by the computer. For the successful operation of the robot special nodes-actuators were installed. Due to them, it became possible to switch gears, which is controlled by the computer itself.

Judging by the responses, consumers note several main advantages. This is a huge fuel economy, ease of repair. Also, some consumers like the lack of a clutch pedal. Another advantage given by drivers is that it is possible to manually change the transmission.

How does it work?

The box in question is working at the expense of node-actuators, which we mentioned earlier. They collect information on such details as the speed of the ride, the engine speed, the work of some sensors. Based on the received data, the computer decides which transmission should be activated. As far as drivers know, servo is responsible for the clutch. It is he who takes the command to change the mode and detaches the motor from the primary shaft. During this process, the second servo is activated, it selects the gear that is needed and instantly turns it on. A second later the engine is reconnected to the shaft, and the machine continues its journey. The whole process is as quick as possible, so the person does not even notice. All that he can notice is a small impulse, but nothing more. This is how the given gearbox works - the "robot". We consider the reviews below.

Servo drives are of two types. There are electric and hydraulic. The first is an engine that is able, using a gearbox, to move the actuator. Hydraulic acts through a special cylinder. It receives commands directly from the control unit.

Advantages of the transmission

During use, drivers identify shortcomings and advantages. Of course, we need to talk about them. What statements can be found by examining reviews? The robot box has its own characteristics. And first, let's look at the advantages.

• Consumers note that, unlike the automatic and variator, the robotic gearbox is reliable and more convenient.
• Virtually all models of the described transmission are capable of operating in manual mode, in which the driver can switch gears himself.
• Many buyers notice that the robot box (positive reviews predominate) has a much smaller working volume. Accordingly, a small amount of oil is needed.
• If you put cars with different transmissions in the same driving conditions, then the consumption of the robotic is much less than that of the others.
• The clutch in the described gearbox has a 30% higher life.
• Consumers noticed that the maintenance and repair work of such a transmission is much cheaper.
• The weight of the robotic gearbox is not as large as that of an automatic transmission. Due to this it is easier to install on a small car.

Disadvantages of the gearbox

Even with such a list of advantages, the device has its drawbacks, which, perhaps, frighten off some share of drivers. Consider them.

• Unfortunately, the banal and cheapest boxes-robots are not able to adapt to the special driving of a driver. In this it was surpassed by the automatic transmission, which can easily adapt to the style of driving. Here there is only one kind of driving. It is sewn, as standard, in the firmware.
• If the robot box (reviews in this nuance are rather negative) is installed in the kit with the electric servo drive, then it shows a slight delay in operation. That is, the resulting pause between the signal transmission and the switching itself reaches at times two seconds. This is not a serious drawback, but it can be inconvenient for a uniform ride and acceleration.
• If a hydraulic drive is used together with a robotic box, it should be noted that the switching is accelerated to almost 0.05 seconds. This seems like a small figure, but it is felt when driving. But such a drive as expensive to buy, and not cheap to install. Moreover, it heavily loads the motor in the energy plan, so it is often used in sports cars or other expensive cars.

The development of the gearbox is the emergence of a preselective

Due to the fact that the box has its drawbacks, the first developments were met rather badly. The main thing that the drivers did not like was the jerks that appeared when driving. Most likely, it was felt at the expense of low speed of work. But the developers, because of the small cost and simplicity in the assembly, continued to seek solutions to the problems that arose.

In order to correct the situation and reduce the switching delay time, the designers began to use the boxes together with two clutches that work independently of each other. This allowed to completely get rid of significant delays and jerks. The dynamics of the machine has increased many-fold; Also the demand of consumers has sharply increased. Already then the box-robot began to get popular. The feedback from the owners gradually improved.

Now let's talk about who first started using robotic gearboxes. The pioneers are Audi and the German Volkswagen. They have installed such transmissions on their cars since 2003. Reviews of how the box works on their cars will be described below.

What did the use of double clutch give? Due to it, the necessary transmission is turned on before the previous one is turned off. And thus the car continuously switches from one to another, while maintaining traction in the right amount. This robotic gearbox was called pre-selective. It is the second generation. Returning to the design of the device, it must be said that a conventional box of any type works with one primary and secondary shaft. The same design received them in two pieces. For what? Each pair responds either to an odd or even transfer. Primary shafts are located nesting dolls, that is, one is nested in the other. They are connected with the power unit due to the multi-plate clutch.

Advantages and disadvantages of the second generation

By combining all the best developments of the second-generation gearbox, that is, those that work with dual-clutch, have a more economical and quick ride technology. They are also the most comfortable in operation. Due to small volumes, this box is more rational and cost-effective to use in small cars than automatic.

But even with a mass of pluses, you can identify some disadvantages. For example, unlike the first generation, such a transmission is much more difficult to repair. Moreover, it will come out in a decent amount, which is not available to all drivers. There was also a problem with torque, but now this nuance is completely eliminated.

Box-robot on the car "Opel"

In the model range of the manufacturer "Opel" cars with a robotic gearbox are sometimes found. Unfortunately, there are more negative comments about them than positive ones. Perhaps this is the fault of the manufacturer of the Opel itself.

The robot box, the reviews we are considering, only work with 1 clutch. This brings some discomfort, since the driver can feel the gear shift process. Most of the machines are equipped with this option, but there are also models with the second generation.

According to reviews, it will take quite a while to get used to the box, it is specific. However, it is possible, and after a long interval of time to use it becomes as convenient as possible. Separately note that the price tags for such cars and gearbox repairs are low, so this can be identified as a separate advantage. It allows you to close your eyes to minor drawbacks.

Often, drivers note that it is necessary to regularly reconfigure the clutch. Due to the fact that the producer of "Opel" practically did not take care of this issue, the robot box (feedback about this constantly occur) seems to be living its own life. It does not adapt to the way the driver drives, so sometimes it can even go astray.

In general, few people recommend buying a car from the company "Opel" with a robotic gearbox. If there is still a desire to experience, then it is worth looking at the most expensive options. However, you need to take into account that to track on the road will have to double carefully, so as not to miss, if suddenly the box will "brake".

Box-robot on "Opel-Astra"

Already discussed above the general situation for "Opel", I would like to separately touch the Astra car, in which the robot box was used. "Astra", reviews of which are controversial, but not bad, got the design of the first generation, so we can say that it is designed for an amateur. And we are talking about the process of operation, and not about repair. Some drivers say that this box is better than with a mechanical one. However, at the same time, its work is much worse, when compared with the usual and most well-known automated. Many say that on the "Astra" box-robot does not like traffic jams and sometimes starts to malfunction. Depending on the nature of the failure, the device can be much cheaper to repair than an automated transmission. However, to say that this is indeed the case in all cases, it is impossible.

Box-robot on the Toyota Corolla

Considering that each person has his own preferences in the selection of the car and its transmission, the driver will decide whether the given Toyota is suitable for him. The robot box, reviews of which are good in 80% of cases, shows normal operation. However, it does have some disadvantages.

Before you buy a car, many are thinking about what kind of transmission will be better? To do this, consider the advantages and disadvantages. We will do this, taking into account the feedback from the robot box.

"Corelli" with such equipment are devoted to the laudatory odes of drivers. They say that at work a small amount of fuel is spent. Moreover, it is easier to maintain and much cheaper. But there are also drawbacks. What are they? The machine switches gears somewhat faster than the "robot". Sometimes brings the smoothness of the work, which affects the driving dynamics and comfort in general. And also before you go anywhere in the winter, you will always have to warm up the car. Otherwise, there is a high probability that the transmission will malfunction.

Not all drivers enthusiastically accept the fact that a robotic box is installed on the Toyota Corolla. Reviews of most consumers make it clear - the machine is easy to manage and problems are rare. But again, it is necessary to understand the specifics of the operation of such a transmission and be ready to be rebuilt for it.

Box-robot on the car "Lada"

Consider the legendary car of the domestic manufacturer with a robotic transmission. Let's try to understand the advantages and disadvantages, given the feedback. "Lada-West," whose robot-box is not popular with all consumers, has become widespread in the market. Everyone writes that they will have to get used to it for a long time, but this is not a problem at all.

There are a lot of good reviews on the web. They allow us to understand that the main problem of such a box is only the speed of switching that is too small (in comparison with the automatic transmission). Quite often, drivers do not use manual mode, as a rule, this is not required by the situation. Often an urgent need appears only when driving in a large stream of cars. And as you know, the gearbox does not adapt to the driver's particular style of driving, so it's safer and more convenient to use manual mode.

Some consumers do not like the prospect of self-management at all, because the transmission is given to the computer, and it should always manage it without human intervention.

Also, consumers note from the advantages that the robot box does not heavily load the power unit, so it is convenient and comfortable to drive. The process of switching the transmission after overclocking occurs quite quickly. However, all the same work with one clutch - almost the last century. This greatly hinders the development of such gearboxes, because the models of the first generation receive a lot of negativity in their address, and this reduces the popularity of the device itself.

In general, "Lada-West" is considered a normal inexpensive option. Acquire it, as a rule, those who are just learning to drive, more advanced people do not pay attention to it.

Box-robot on the car "Ford Focus"

Unfortunately, the owners of the car "Ford Focus" box-robot reviews was far from iridescent. It can be safely said that it attracted a lot of negativity and condemnation towards the American manufacturer. The first is not liked by drivers - the cost of repair. Many write that, having learned its price, they wanted to resell the car and buy a "normal" one with an automatic transmission.

But still has some advantages this box-robot. Reviews ("Focus" - not the only model that installed a similar design) can confirm this fact. For example, this car is equipped with a second generation box. During the trip, the maximum level of comfort and comfort is felt. The work is inseparable, and the gear shift is almost imperceptible.

In general, some consumers buy such a car advise, others - no. Everything depends on the taste, as there are no serious shortcomings. However, when choosing, you need to think carefully and weigh it, only then decide on such a serious step as buying a robotic Ford car. The robot box, the reviews we have already considered, is the most important detail in the car, you have to approach it carefully.