South Korean Researchers Develop 'Morphing' Wheels That Could Revolutionize Wheelchairs and Robots

DAEJEON, South Korea – Researchers at South Korea’s Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM) have introduced a groundbreaking “morphing” wheel technology designed to tackle a wide range of terrains. These innovative wheels can navigate obstacles as high as 1.3 times their radius, potentially enabling wheelchairs to traverse curbs, humps, and even stairs, while unmanned delivery robots equipped with these wheels could make doorstep deliveries more accessible.

Inspired by the adaptability of water droplets, the morphing wheels shift between solid and flexible states as they encounter obstacles, enhancing mobility and stability. KIMM researchers see applications not only for mobility aids but also for military and industrial robots, which require stable movement across varied terrains to carry payloads and avoid vibration.

"The goal is to make this viable for speeds up to 100 kph, or the speed of an average car," said Song Sung-hyuk, principal researcher at KIMM. Unlike existing airless tires, which are flexible but limited in handling obstacles, KIMM’s morphing wheels feature an outer chain hoop and spoke wires controlled by sensors that adjust stiffness based on the terrain. This adaptability allows for smoother and more efficient navigation.

With potential uses in both two- and four-legged robots, KIMM’s morphing wheels could open new possibilities in industrial settings, enhancing efficiency and movement for robots performing complex tasks.