Scientists are literally trying to reinvent the wheel
South Korean researchers have developed a “morphing” wheel that can navigate stairs and obstacles up to 1.3 times its radius, potentially revolutionizing mobility devices and robotics.
The wheel, created by the Korea Institute of Machinery and Materials (KIMM), features a chain-based outer hoop and sensor-controlled spoke wires that adjust stiffness based on terrain. Inspired by water droplet mechanics, it transitions between solid and fluid states when encountering impediments.
Okay, that looks pretty cool.
But also terrifying with the rider sitting so high up and completely relying on the machine to keep it upright on two wheels alone.
Yeah, it’s probably terrifying at first.
I’m sure they’d get used to it though, almost any kind of riding/driving a vehicle is going against all your preservation instincts when it’s the first time you do it.