The 'morphing' wheel from South Korea that may transform lives and robots
Researchers from the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials have developed a morphing wheel that can roll over obstacles up to 1.3 times the height of its radius. The wheel's spokes automatically adjust their stiffness to the terrain, allowing them to navigate all manner of obstacles, including curbs and staircases. The technology could be used for many applications, including unmanned delivery vehicles, wheelchairs, and movement in industrial settings. The researchers aim to make the wheels viable for speeds up to 100 kilometers per hour.