Hankook is taking wheels to a whole new level with a flexible origami-like shapeshifting prototype that can be used on all surface types.
Hankook has been working on this project for a long time along with Harvard engineers and biorobotics experts from the Seoul National University. After nearly a decade of research and several prototypes, Hankook and the team have finally developed a working shapeshifting wheel prototype and used it on a pair of vehicles to demonstrate how it works.
According to the study published in Science Robotics journal, the concept is called “high-load capacity origami transformable wheel.” As the name suggests, it follows a design language similar to that of the origami waterbomb, helping it transform from a small to bigger structure when in use. This isn’t the first time someone thinks of building origami wheels, but previous designs have not been able to carry heavy loads like this one.
Thanks to its origami-like design pattern, the wheel can change shape within a diameter range of 18.1 to 31.5 inches with just a touch of a button. To put it in simpler terms, the wheel can transform from a short-fat structure to a skinny-tall structure. The shorter one is suitable in case of slippery sand-like surfaces, while the latter comes in handy in rough terrains as it has more grip.
According to the team, it takes just about 5 seconds for the wheels to change shape. The research also shows that the wheel has a suspension benefit due to its flexible design. Compared to previous prototypes, Hankook’s wheels are smoother than previous shapeshifting studies, but that still doesn’t mean they offer a comfortable ride.
These wheels probably won’t be available on the next road vehicle but they can certainly be used in vehicles that travel on alien surfaces like Mars or the moon. As expected, the team has admitted that this prototype currently doesn’t have a strong commercial selling point, but it hopes to change that by integrating it with regular rubber tires.
To be continued.
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