James Bruton’s Omni-Directional Ball-Wheeled Bike: Re-Inventing Mobility with Spherical Wheels

James Bruton, a renowned inventor and YouTuber, has created an innovative omnidirectional bike that uses large balls instead of traditional wheels. This unique vehicle dubbed the Omni-Directional Ball-Wheeled Bike, is capable of moving in any direction while maintaining balance. Unlike conventional motorcycles, this bike reimagines mobility by integrating balancing technology similar to a Segway but with the added ability to shift sideways and rotate freely.

Designer: James Bruton

Design and Construction

The bike’s core structure is built for durability and precision control. Instead of wheels, it features two massive rigid spheres, often referred to as Walking Globes, commonly used by circus performers. These are driven by a complex motor and roller system, enabling seamless omnidirectional movement.

Key components include:

• Two large rigid spheres (Walking Globes) – These act as the primary contact points with the ground, enabling movement in any direction.
• Five electric motors – Four are dedicated to balancing, while the fifth controls forward and backward motion.
• Omni-wheels attached to the motors – These transfer power to the spheres, ensuring smooth directional control.
• 4040 T-slot aluminum framework – Provides structural rigidity while keeping the overall build lightweight.
• Custom 3D-printed parts – Used for motor mounts, gear housings, and other essential support elements.
• Bearings, pulleys, and belts – Ensuring smooth energy transfer and operation.

Electronic Systems

The bike’s electronics are equally as impressive as its mechanical components. To maintain stability and control, Bruton equipped it with cutting-edge hardware, ensuring real-time adjustments to rider input and terrain changes.

Some of the key electronic components include:

• ODrive motor controllers – These manage torque and velocity control for precise movement.
• Teensy 4.1 microcontroller – Works alongside an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) for continuous balance adjustments.
• Custom twist-grip controls – Enable intuitive steering and directional control.
• Six 6S lithium polymer batteries – Wired to create a 50V system, delivering ample power to sustain smooth performance.

How It Works: A New Kind of Ride

The fundamental principle behind Bruton’s invention is using omni-wheels and motorized rollers to drive the spheres instead of direct rotational force like traditional motorcycles. This allows for movement in multiple directions, creating a unique riding experience.

The control system allows for:

• Forward and backward movement – The rear motor dictates linear motion.
• Sideways motion – A distinct ability not found in conventional bikes.
• Rotation in place – The independent sphere control enables rotation on the spot, adding to its maneuverability.

Control Mechanism

Bruton designed the bike’s control scheme to be as intuitive as possible. It operates using a dual-hand grip system:

• Right-hand twist grip – Controls forward and reverse motion.
• Left-hand twist grip – Handles yaw (left and right rotation).
• Adjustable trim and gain settings – Allow fine-tuning for lean and pivot behavior to accommodate different riders and environments.

Challenges and Refinements

Developing an unconventional mode of transport inevitably led to several design challenges, which Bruton tackled through iteration and testing.

Balance and Stability

Since the bike lacks traditional gyroscopic stability, the system relies entirely on real-time adjustments. The IMU constantly measures tilt and movement, making micro-adjustments to keep the bike upright. However, at higher speeds, maintaining traction and stability becomes more challenging.

Wear and Tear on the Spheres

Dirt accumulation and surface wear posed significant issues during testing. The spherical wheels require regular maintenance to prevent slippage and degradation over time.

Handling and Steering Refinements

To improve maneuverability, Bruton experimented with two different steering methods:

• Lean-to-steer – The rider shifts body weight to initiate turns.
• Steer-to-lean – Handlebar inputs dictate lean direction to maintain control.

Software and Open-Source Approach

Bruton coded the bike’s control system using Arduino-based C++ programming, optimizing motor functions and balance algorithms.

Additional software elements include:

• Custom firmware – Designed to handle precise balance adjustments in real-time.
• Sensor integration – The IMU and additional gyroscopic sensors ensure smooth compensation for shifts in weight and terrain variations.
• Open-source documentation – Bruton has made all CAD files, wiring diagrams, and software available online for others to modify and experiment with.
• PID tuning – The system uses Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controllers to refine motor responsiveness, ensuring optimal stability during operation.

Bruton has also shared the bike’s control methodology online, allowing DIY enthusiasts to build their own versions and expand on his work.

Potential Applications and Future Development

While primarily a proof of concept, this ball-wheeled bike hints at exciting possibilities in various industries:

• Entertainment and stunt vehicles – The omnidirectional capabilities make it ideal for performances and live demonstrations.
• Personal mobility devices – While not yet street-ready, the technology could evolve into a novel urban transport solution.
• Industrial and warehouse robotics – The movement system could be adapted for material handling in tight spaces.
• Mobility assistance technology – Future iterations could lead to innovative designs in personal mobility aids and wheelchairs.

Where This Leaves DIY Engineering

James Bruton’s Omni-Directional Ball-Wheeled Bike is a compelling experiment in mobility, demonstrating how independent creators can challenge conventional transportation concepts. And let’s be honest—he’s really a baller for pulling this off. By combining robotics, 3D printing, and open-source electronics, he has developed something truly innovative, a project that Yanko Design highly values for its contribution to experimental engineering.

His decision to share his process, from CAD models to source code, ensures that this concept remains a stepping stone for further innovation. Whether used as an experimental ride, a robotics demonstration, or a testbed for new mobility solutions, Bruton’s latest invention is an inspiring blend of engineering ingenuity and creative problem-solving.

This bike is a working example of how rethinking vehicle design can lead to new possibilities. By breaking away from traditional constraints, it showcases how unconventional solutions can lead to significant advancements in mobility. By rethinking wheels, propulsion, and control, James Bruton has reimagined what a motorcycle can be.

The Omni-Directional Ball-Wheeled Bike is unlikely to replace motorcycles or scooters anytime soon, but it does force us to rethink how we approach mobility. And in the world of experimental engineering, that’s a thrilling place to be.