Abstract: This invention comprises a driveable, steerable platform for industrial, domestic, entertainment and related uses. A frame member travels on a plurality of wheels which can be turned 360.degree. to steer the platform in a desired direction. Separate endless drive means in the form of gear-driven concentric shafts drive and steer the wheels. The platform travels substantially parallel to the terrain traversed. The entire platform may be housed in a hollow sphere to cause the sphere to selectively roll, providing the platform the ability to move about on radically uneven terrain including the ability to climb steps of height equal to approximately one-half the sphere's diameter. The wheels engage the inner surface of the rolling sphere to drive and steer the rolling sphere.

Abstract: Control apparatus for an omnidirectional, polar coordinated platform for a lawnmower and the like is disclosed in which a line selector has at least one steering command line coupled to an angle selector, and at least one driving command line coupled to a moving selector. The angle selector produces a steering angle signal which is combined with a compass signal in an angle comparator to produce a steering signal, which is received by a steering counter that selectively activates a steering device. The moving selector produces a drive signal which is received by a driving comparator that selectively activates a driving device.

Abstract: A drivable, steerable platform for a lawnmower and the like is disclosed in which a frame member is generally disposed in a frame member plane parallel to the terrain upon which the platform is to travel. Mounted on the frame member are at least three wheel assemblies. Each wheel assembly includes support structure rotatably connected to the frame member such that the support structure may endlessly rotate through an angle of 360.degree. about an axis substantially perpendicular to the frame member plane. A wheel member is rotatably mounted on each support structure such that the wheel members are disposed substantially parallel to each other and substantially perpendicular to the frame member plane. First drive structure is included to drive the wheel members. First steering structure is included to rotate the support structures, the wheel members being endlessly steerable through an angle of 360.degree..