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Researchers Create Origami Wheels That Can Change Size

Posted by samzenpus on from the power-of-the-fold dept.

rtoz writes Researchers from Seoul National University have designed a robotic wheel based on the origami "magic ball pattern," which is a traditional technique used to create folded paper spheres. This robotic wheel can change its radius to create larger wheels to climb over things, and shrink back to a smaller size to squeeze under obstacles. The diameter of the wheels changes automatically to enable the robot to either be strong or speedy. The scientists think their innovation could one day be used for interplanetary rovers as the wheel can be folded up and "inflate" itself.

4 of 52 comments (clear)

  1. Um, here's a simpler way by 50000BTU_barbecue · · Score: 4, Informative

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

    But I guess that doesn't pump the money through the university system, nor feed the "interplanetary rover!" scenarios, nor create new IP...

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  2. Re:differential by Sockatume · · Score: 3, Informative

    Yep, one of their cited benefits is continuously variable torque without the weight of a transmission.

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  3. Tyco did it 7 years ago... Shell Shocker RC Toy by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Informative

    Tyco Shell Shocker RC Toy (2007)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PrLmKHjlTz0
    Nothing new to see here...

  4. Re:Snow Crash! by ArcadeMan · · Score: 3, Informative

    Perhaps a link would have helped?

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