Introduction

The HUNTER 2.0 is a programmable unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) platform built on an Ackermann steering chassis. It offers car-like handling while providing superior performance on Portland cement and asphalt surfaces.

Compared to traditional four-wheel differential drive chassis, HUNTER 2.0 delivers:

  • Enhanced payload capacity

  • Higher top speed

  • Reduced wear on tires and structure for long-term use

While not intended for extreme off-road terrain, the chassis features a rocker arm suspension that allows it to overcome common obstacles such as speed bumps.

Optional modules such as stereo cameras, LiDAR, GPS, IMU, and robotic arms can be integrated for advanced navigation, perception, and automation tasks.

HUNTER 2.0 is ideal for:

  • Autonomous driving research and education

  • Indoor and outdoor security patrols

  • Environmental monitoring and sensing

  • General logistics and material transportation

Component List

Name

Quantity

HUNTER 2.0 Robot body

x1

Battery charger (AC 220V)

x1

Aviation plug (male, 4-pin)

x1

Remote control transmitter (optional)

x1

USB to CAN communication module

x1

Specifications

Mechanical

Parameter

Value

Dimensions (L × W × H mm)

980 × 745 × 370

Wheelbase (mm)

650

Front / rear wheelbase (mm)

605

Weight of chassis body (kg)

65 / 70

Maximum steering angle

33°

Suspension type

Front wheel non-independent

IP rating

IP22

Electrical System

Parameter

Value

Battery type

Lithium battery

Battery capacity

24V 30Ah / 60Ah

Charging time

3 h (30Ah) / 6 h (60Ah)

Maximum battery life

Up to 8 hours

Working temperature

-10 °C to 40 °C

Drive System

Parameter

Value

Drive motor type

DC brushless

Drive motor power

2 × 400 W

Drive motor reduction ratio

1 : 40

Drive motor sensor

Magnetic encoder(2500 P/R)

Steering motor type

DC brushless 400 W

Steering type

Front-wheel Ackermann

Parking brake

Power-off electromagnetic band-type brake

Control System

Parameter

Value

Control mode

Remote control / Command mode

RC transmitter

2.4 GHz, up to 200 m range

System interface

CAN

Performance

Parameter

Value

Maximum speed

1.5 m/s

Minimum turning radius

330 mm (approx.)

Maximum gradeability

10°

Ground clearance

100 mm

Maximum travel distance

40 km (24V 60Ah battery)

20 km (24V 30Ah battery)

Note

  • Performance values are based on standard test conditions.

  • Actual performance may vary depending on payload, terrain, and battery condition.

Safety Notes

Note

  • Intended for research, educational, and civilian applications only.

  • Do not modify electrical or mechanical systems without technical approval.

  • Always follow safety guidelines when operating the robot.

Environment

Note

  • IP22 protection rating safeguards against limited dust and vertical water droplets.

  • Not suitable for heavy rain or submerged operation.

Development

HUNTER 2.0 supports optional FS RC transmitter control, allowing manual operation of movement and steering.

The CAN interface enables custom development and expansion of the platform.

Note

  • Remote control requires the optional FS RC transmitter.

  • CAN ports are designed for advanced user development and integration.

The Basics

This section introduces the HUNTER 2.0 mobile robot platform (see Figure 2.1 and 2.2).

Front View Components:

  1. Standard Aluminum T-Slot Profile – Provides modular mounting support for sensors and accessories.

  2. Top Cabin Panel – Main protective cover for electronic and mechanical components.

  3. Top Extension Interface – Connectors for CAN, power, and optional device integration.

  4. Emergency Stop Switch – Immediately cuts power to the robot in case of emergency.

  5. Ackermann Front-Wheel Steering – Provides precise steering similar to automotive Ackermann geometry.

Rear View Components:

  1. Emergency Stop Switch – Safety switch for immediate power cutoff.

  2. Battery Replacement Panel – Access panel for battery installation or replacement.

  3. Rear Panel – Houses power switches, CAN and 24V extension interfaces, and status indicators.

HUNTER 2.0 is designed as a versatile autonomous chassis that combines inflatable rubber wheels with an independent suspension system. Coupled with powerful DC brushless servo motors, the robot can traverse a variety of ground surfaces with high adaptability and obstacle passability.

An emergency stop switch is installed at the rear of the chassis to immediately cut power in case of abnormal behavior or emergency situations.

The robot is equipped with waterproof connectors for both DC power and communication interfaces on the top and rear panels. These connectors allow safe integration of external devices while protecting internal electronics even in harsh or humid environments.

Note

  • Keep the emergency stop switch easily accessible at all times.

  • Only use waterproof connectors in environments with potential water exposure or high humidity.

Status Indication

The operational state of HUNTER 2.0 can be monitored via:

  • Voltmeter – shows battery voltage

  • Beeper – alerts for warnings or abnormal conditions

  • Indicator lights – display chassis status

These components are mounted on the chassis body. A summary of the indicators is provided below:

Status Indicators

Status

Voltage / Condition

Description

Battery voltage

Normal operating voltage

The current battery voltage can be read from the voltmeter on the rear electrical panel.

Low battery alarm

< 24.5 V (SOC < 15% with BMS)

The chassis emits a repeated “beep-beep-beep” warning when battery voltage is low.

Replace battery

< 24.0 V (SOC < 10% with BMS)

The system cuts off power to external extensions and drive motors to prevent battery damage. Movement control and external commands are disabled.

Robot powered on

Power ON state

Rear indicator lights are switched on.

Note

  • All voltage thresholds assume connection to the Battery Management System (BMS).

  • Regularly monitor the voltmeter and beeper to ensure safe operation.

Electrical Interface

Top Interface

The HUNTER 2.0 platform is fitted with two 4-pin aviation connectors and one DB9 (RS-232) interface on the top panel. In the current hardware version, the RS-232 port is used only for firmware updates and does not support command communication.

The physical locations of the aviation connectors and the DB9 interface are illustrated in Figure 2.3.

Expansion ports are available on both the top surface and the rear of the robot. Each expansion port includes:

  • A dedicated power supply output

  • A CAN communication interface

These connectors allow external devices to receive power and exchange data with the main controller. Detailed pin assignments are shown in Figure 2.4.

Note

The auxiliary power output is controlled internally by the system. When the battery voltage drops below a predefined safety threshold, the power to external devices is automatically switched off. A low-voltage warning is issued before shutdown occurs. Users should monitor battery levels and recharge the battery in time during operation.

Rear Interface

The layout of the rear electrical panel is shown in Figure 2.6. The panel contains the following elements:

  • Q1 – Power status indicator

  • Q2 – Manual parking release switch

  • Q3 – Main power switch

  • Q4 – Buzzer

  • Q5 – CAN and 24 V power expansion interface

  • Q6 – Charging connector

The detailed pinout for the Q5 interface is provided in Figure 2.7.

The rear expansion interface provides the same CAN communication and 24 V power output as the top interface. Internally, the top and rear interfaces are electrically interconnected and share the same power and communication lines.

Remote Control

An optional FS remote control transmitter is available for the HUNTER 2.0 platform. This model uses a left-hand throttle layout. The layout of controls and their functions are shown in Figure 2.8.

Buttons and Switches

The functions of the switches and buttons are described below:

  • SWA – Parking mode switch - Up position: releases parking mode - Down position: activates parking mode - The robot can only be controlled when parking mode is released.

  • SWB – Control mode selector - Up position: command (external) control mode - Middle position: manual remote control mode

  • SWC / SWD – Currently not used

  • S1 – Throttle control for forward and backward movement

  • S2 – Steering control for the front wheels

  • POWER – Power button - Press and hold to switch the remote controller on

  • KEY1 – Clears vehicle error messages

  • KEY2 – Opens the remote controller settings menu

Note

The remote controller button mapping is preconfigured at the factory. Do not modify these settings, as doing so may cause incorrect or unsafe operation.

Display Information

The remote control screen displays the following status information:

  • Hunter – Device model name

  • Vol – Battery voltage of the chassis

  • Car – Chassis operating status

  • Batt – Remaining battery percentage of the chassis

  • P – Parking status

  • Remoter – Remote controller battery level

  • Fault Code – Error code information (corresponds to byte [5] in the 211 CAN frame)

Control Commands

Coordinate System

A fixed reference coordinate system can be defined on the HUNTER 2.0 chassis in accordance with ISO 8855, as shown in Figure 2.9. The chassis is aligned with the X-axis of this system.

  • Remote Control Mode:
    • Push S1 forward → move in the positive X direction

    • Push S1 backward → move in the negative X direction

    • Maximum stick deflection corresponds to maximum speed in the respective X direction

    • S2 controls the front wheel steering:
      • Push left → chassis turns left (maximum left steering at full deflection)

      • Push right → chassis turns right (maximum right steering at full deflection)

  • Command Control Mode: - Positive linear velocity → movement along the positive X-axis - Negative linear velocity → movement along the negative X-axis - Steering angle corresponds to the inner wheel steering angle

Note

The reference coordinate system ensures consistent mapping between control commands and robot movement.

Getting Started

This section introduces basic operation and development of the HUNTER 2.0 platform using the CAN bus interface.

Operation

Pre-Startup Checks

Before powering on the robot:

  • Inspect the robot for any visible damage or anomalies. Contact after-sales support if needed.

  • Ensure both emergency stop buttons are released.

  • For first-time use, check that the Q3 drive power switch on the rear panel is not pressed down. Release it if necessary to ensure the drive is powered off.

Startup Procedure

  • Press the Q3 button to turn on the chassis.

  • The voltmeter should display the battery voltage, and both front and rear lights should illuminate.

  • Normal battery voltage: 24–26.8 V

  • If the beeper emits continuous warnings, the battery is low and should be charged.

Shutdown

  • Press Q3 to cut off power supply.

Emergency Stop

  • Press the emergency stop button located on top of the chassis to immediately halt all movement.

RC Operation

  1. Ensure the chassis is powered on.

  2. Turn on the RC transmitter.

  3. Move SWB to remote control mode.

  4. The HUNTER 2.0 chassis can now be maneuvered via the RC transmitter.

Parking Function

  • The chassis uses a power-off electromagnetic brake for parking.

  • Remote Control Mode:
    • SWA controls parking:
      • Top → parking released, movement allowed

      • Bottom → parking activated; if moving, chassis decelerates to zero before engaging

  • Command Control Mode:
    • Parking is active by default at power-on

    • Speed commands are ignored until parking release is sent

    • To park after motion, send a parking command

  • Emergency Stop:
    • Triggers automatic parking

    • After release, SWA must be reset before movement is possible

  • Manual Unlock (Q2 knob):
    • Can override parking in special cases (highest priority)

    • Should be returned to normal after use

  • Ramp Parking:
    • When stopped on a slope, the system monitors current draw

    • If it exceeds a threshold for a set duration, ramp parking engages automatically

    • Movement commands release ramp parking automatically

Note

  • Always release parking mode before attempting to drive

  • Use emergency stop and manual unlock functions responsibly

  • Ramp parking ensures safety on slopes but requires attention when re-engaging movement

Charging and Battery

The HUNTER 2.0 is equipped with a 10A charger by default, which is sufficient for standard charging requirements. During charging, the chassis does not have a dedicated indicator light; charging status should be monitored via the charger’s own status LED.

Follow these steps for proper charging:

  1. Ensure the HUNTER 2.0 chassis is powered off. Confirm that the rear power switch (Q3) is in the OFF position.

  2. Connect the charger plug to the Q6 charging interface on the rear panel.

  3. Plug the charger into a power outlet and turn on the charger switch. The robot will enter the charging state.

Note

  • A fully depleted battery (~21 V) requires approximately 4 hours to charge.

  • Fully charged battery voltage is around 26.8 V.

  • Always monitor the charger and battery during charging for safety.

To safely replace the battery:

  1. Turn off the main power switch of the chassis.

  2. Press the battery panel lock and open the battery compartment.

  3. Disconnect the battery connectors: - XT60 power connector - BMS connector

  4. Remove the battery carefully. Avoid dropping or colliding the battery.

  5. Install the replacement battery and reconnect the power and BMS connectors.

  6. Close the battery panel and secure the lock.

  7. Turn on the power if required.

Note

  • Handle batteries with care; avoid impacts or short circuits.

  • Always ensure proper connection of both XT60 and BMS connectors before powering the chassis.