A new flexible wheel could fundamentally change the way robots move. It can change its shape and is intended to overcome obstacles that were previously a problem.
Researcher are currently working on a new, flexible wheel that could fundamentally change the way robots move. It has the ability to overcome obstacles that would be insurmountable for conventional wheels. The technology is based on a special mechanism. This allows the wheel to dynamically change its shape to adapt to the respective environment.
It can transition from a round shape to a more pointed or flatter shape. The environment defines what type of obstacle the robot has to overcome. This allows the devices to navigate uneven terrain, stairs, or even loose surfaces like sand or gravel. The flexible wheel could be particularly useful in rescue robotics, in exploring difficult-to-access areas and in industrial applications.
Flexible wheel gives robots great advantages
However, the development can be beneficial for more than just outdoor robots. The wheel could also be used indoors, for example in warehouses or production facilities. After all, robots also encounter different types of floor coverings and obstacles there. Thanks to the wheel’s adaptability, such robots could work more efficiently and safely, resulting in higher productivity.
Another advantage of the technology is that it could make constructing robots easier and cheaper. Because the wheel is flexible enough to overcome many different obstacles, robots may require less complex drive and control systems. This could lead to a reduction in production and maintenance costs.
Next version should support many robot types
The development of the flexible wheel is still in its early stages, but the results so far appear promising. In the future, scientists could further refine the technology to enable even more complex movement sequences. Researchers are already working on optimizing the design of the wheel and adapting it for different types of robots and applications.
With this flexible wheel, the team could set a new standard in robotics. Because it improves the mobility and versatility of robots, sometimes significantly. Whether in rescue missions, in industrial use or in research: the technology could help robots become even more effective and efficient.
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The post Reinvented: This wheel can change its shape to overcome obstacles by Felix Baumann appeared first on BASIC thinking. Follow us too Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
As a tech industry expert, I am intrigued by the concept of a wheel that can change shape to overcome obstacles. This kind of innovation has the potential to revolutionize industries that rely on wheels for transportation and mobility, such as automotive, aerospace, and robotics.
The ability for a wheel to adapt its shape to navigate uneven terrain or obstacles could greatly improve the efficiency and effectiveness of various vehicles and machines. It could also lead to new possibilities for designing more versatile and agile systems that can operate in challenging environments.
I believe that the development of this technology represents a significant advancement in the field of robotics and automation, and I am excited to see how it will be implemented in real-world applications. This kind of innovation has the potential to greatly enhance the capabilities of machines and vehicles, making them more adaptable and resilient in the face of obstacles. Overall, I see great potential for this reinvented wheel to have a transformative impact on the tech industry.
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