The invention discloses a variable-structure mobile robot capable of making orthogonal bidirectional movement and a control method of the variable-structure mobile robot. The variable-structure mobile robot capable of making orthogonal bidirectional movement comprises a chassis, a separation type variable-position driving mechanism, a variable-position motor, an integral variable-position driving mechanism, a variable-position electric push rod, a driving wheel motor A, a driving wheel motor B, a driving wheel A, a driving wheel B, a follower wheel A, a follower wheel B, a control device and a guiding sensor. The separation type variable-position driving mechanism is installed on the chassis, and the position, relative to the chassis, of the axis of the driving wheel A is changed while the position of the driving wheel motor A is kept unchanged. The integral variable-position driving mechanism is installed on a top cover, and the position, relative to the chassis, of the axis of the driving wheel B is changed by changing the height of the top cover. The axis of the driving wheel A is orthogonal with the driving wheel B, and the lowest position of the axis of the driving wheel A is the same as that of the driving wheel B. Orthogonal bidirectional movement of the mobile robot is achieved by changing the driving wheels making contact with the ground, the movement direction can be freely switched between orthogonal directions in the same plane, and the movement maneuverability and flexibility of the mobile robot are enhanced.