admin Researchers in South Korea have developed a groundbreaking “morphing” wheel with potential to transform mobility and robotics. This innovative wheel, designed by the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), adapts to terrain, allowing vehicles to effortlessly navigate obstacles such as curbs, bumps, and even stairs. The flexibility of the wheel is what sets it apart, offering solutions for both personal mobility and autonomous robots.
Inspired by the surface tension of water droplets, the morphing wheel changes from solid to fluid when encountering impediments. This technology enables the wheel to roll over obstacles up to 1.3 times its radius. It offers a significant improvement over traditional wheels, especially for wheelchairs and unmanned delivery vehicles. A wheelchair equipped with morphing wheels can ascend stairs, overcoming barriers that would otherwise be challenging for conventional mobility devices.
Additionally, KIMM envisions the use of these wheels in unmanned delivery vehicles. These vehicles, capable of taking stairs, could deliver food and groceries directly to customers’ doorsteps. This innovation could redefine delivery services, particularly in urban areas with complex infrastructure.
The morphing wheel’s potential expands beyond personal transportation. Researchers foresee its use in robots, particularly those designed for industrial settings or military purposes. Two and four-legged robots, which currently struggle with movement efficiency and stability, could greatly benefit from this technology. The morphing wheels would help these robots carry payloads while ensuring smooth and stable movement.
KIMM’s researchers aim to push the boundaries even further. They plan to increase the speed of these vehicles to 100 kph, matching the speed of an average car. Unlike existing non-pneumatic tires, which offer some flexibility but cannot scale obstacles effectively, the morphing wheel adapts automatically to the terrain. A built-in sensor adjusts the stiffness of the spokes, providing optimal performance.
The team has demonstrated the wheel’s capabilities with a prototype wheelchair. This chair was able to climb stairs with 18-cm steps while carrying a life-sized dummy. Furthermore, the team successfully tested a device mounted with the morphing wheel at speeds of up to 30 kph. The morphing wheel’s success was highlighted in the prestigious journal Science Robotics in August, cementing its place as a revolutionary development in mobility and robotics.
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