Revolutionary ‘morphing wheel’ from South Korea could change the future of transportation

• The ‘morphing’ wheel can roll over obstacles up to 1.3 times its radius, allowing it to pass over curbs, rises and even stairs.
• The design of this wheel is inspired by the surface tension of a water droplet, allowing it to transform from a solid to a fluid-like state when it encounters an obstacle.

What happened

Engineers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) have developed a groundbreaking “morphing wheel” that adapts its shape to different terrains. The wheel uses advanced materials and actuators to automatically adjust, improving traction, stability, and speed based on road conditions. While still in the prototype stage, this innovation could change the way vehicles handle various surfaces, from smooth city roads to rugged landscapes.

This adaptive technology works by adjusting the wheel’s design through a series of actuators and advanced materials, allowing it to alter its configuration for better traction, stability, or speed. Currently in the prototype stage, the morphing wheel has the potential to significantly improve mobility and enhance vehicle performance in environments that are typically challenging for traditional wheels and tires.

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Why it is important

The morphing wheel offers significant potential for multiple industries. For autonomous vehicles, it could improve safety and efficiency by helping cars navigate diverse terrains without losing stability. This could enhance the functionality of self-driving cars, which depend on precise sensor systems to adapt to their environment.

The technology could also benefit military and rescue vehicles, enabling better mobility in difficult environments like mountains or deserts. Additionally, in consumer vehicles, it could reduce the need for specialized tires and costly maintenance, offering a smoother, more efficient ride.

Overall, the morphing wheel represents a major leap in adaptive transportation technology, making vehicles more versatile, safer, and efficient—paving the way for the future of mobility.