Mechatronics, Electrical Power, and Vehicular Technology
Vol 16, No 2 (2025)

Low-cost 3D-printed adaptive suspension system for mobile robots using DMP-based real-time stabilization

Sumit Babu Rijal (Pashchimanchal Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Nepal)
Prasiddha Chaulagain (Pashchimanchal Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Nepal)
Suman Kandel (Pashchimanchal Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Nepal)
Tul Bahadur Saru (Pashchimanchal Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Nepal)
Srijana Pariyar (Pashchimanchal Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Nepal)
Yubraj Bajgain (Pashchimanchal Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Nepal)
Kiran Giri (Pashchimanchal Campus, Institute of Engineering, Tribhuvan University, Nepal)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Dec 2025

Abstract

This paper presents a low-cost adaptive suspension system designed to stabilize a mobile robotic platform operating on uneven terrain. Unlike many existing low-cost servo-based suspension approaches that depend on software-intensive filtering, threshold logic, or extensive tuning, the proposed system adopts a simplified control strategy using hardware-level sensor fusion from the digital motion processor (DMP) of an MPU6050 IMU combined with direct angle-to-actuation mapping. The mechanical design is based on a four-bar linkage suspension architecture actuated by servo motors and controlled using an ESP32 microcontroller, enabling real-time compensation of pitch and roll disturbances. Developed as a proof-of-concept platform with modular 3D-printed components, the system emphasizes accessibility, ease of fabrication, and reduced control complexity. Experimental evaluation under controlled, quasi-static conditions demonstrates effective chassis stabilization with limited angular deviation and consistently lower noise compared to a Kalman filter-based implementation, particularly during post-calibration operation. By balancing mechanical simplicity and additive manufacturing with reliable orientation feedback, the proposed design provides an accessible framework for teaching laboratories, low-budget research, and early-stage adaptive suspension development in resource-constrained environments.

Copyrights © 2025






Journal Info

Abbrev

mev

Publisher

Subject

Electrical & Electronics Engineering

Description

Mechatronics, Electrical Power, and Vehicular Technology (hence MEV) is a journal aims to be a leading peer-reviewed platform and an authoritative source of information. We publish original research papers, review articles and case studies focused on mechatronics, electrical power, and vehicular ...