South Korean Researchers Develop 'Morphing' Wheel Set to Revolutionise Mobility and Robotics
Researchers from KIMM in South Korea have developed a 'morphing' wheel designed to revolutionise mobility for individuals and robots. The wheel's adaptive design allows it to navigate various obstacles, making it ideal for applications in wheelchairs, delivery vehicles, and robots. The goal is to enhance the wheel's speed capabilities up to 100 kph, showcasing its potential for high-speed applications.
This innovative wheel is designed to revolutionise mobility for individuals and robots alike, with the potential to navigate various obstacles effortlessly.
Inspired by the surface tension of water droplets, the 'morphing' wheel can adapt to different terrains, rolling over obstacles up to 1.3 times the height of its radius. The wheel's transformative ability allows it to shift from a solid to a fluid state when encountering impediments, making it highly versatile.
One of the most exciting applications of this technology is in the development of wheelchairs that can navigate challenging terrains such as kerbs, humps, and even staircases. Additionally, unmanned delivery vehicles equipped with these wheels could revolutionise the delivery industry by efficiently reaching doorsteps, even in areas with stairs.
The potential uses of the 'morphing' wheel extend beyond mobility aids, with researchers envisioning its integration into robots for various purposes. From battlefield surveillance to industrial settings requiring stable movement, the adaptability of these wheels opens up a world of possibilities for robotics.
Principal researcher at KIMM, Song Sung-hyuk, shared the team's ambitious goal of making the 'morphing' wheel viable for speeds up to 100 kph, equivalent to the speed of an average car. This would significantly enhance the efficiency and capabilities of vehicles and robots equipped with this cutting-edge technology.
Unlike other wheel technologies like non-pneumatic or airless tires, the 'morphing' wheel offers a unique combination of flexibility and obstacle-surmounting capabilities. By automatically adjusting the stiffness of the spokes based on the terrain, this wheel ensures optimal performance in diverse environments.
In a remarkable demonstration, Song's team showcased a prototype wheelchair mounted on 'morphing' wheels successfully climbing stairs with 18-cm steps, with a life-size dummy seated in it. The team also tested a device equipped with the wheel at speeds of up to 30 kph, highlighting its versatility and potential for real-world applications.
The 'morphing' wheel's groundbreaking design and capabilities have garnered attention, leading to its feature as the cover article in the prestigious journal Science Robotics in August.
Researchers from KIMM in South Korea have developed a 'morphing' wheel designed to revolutionise mobility for individuals and robots.
The wheel's adaptive design allows it to navigate various obstacles, making it ideal for applications in wheelchairs, delivery vehicles, and robots.
The goal is to enhance the wheel's speed capabilities up to 100 kph, showcasing its potential for high-speed applications.
Source: REUTERS