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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.

16 of 52 comments (clear)

  1. Snow Crash! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Insightful

    Oh how I want one of those skateboards...

    1. Re:Snow Crash! by SB2020 · · Score: 2

      Why is this modded -1? The wheels of the skateboards in Snow Crash are the first thing that came to mind when I saw this.

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

      Perhaps a link would have helped?

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  2. 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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    1. Re:Um, here's a simpler way by Sique · · Score: 3, Insightful

      This is a different scenario and thus a different solution.

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    2. Re:Um, here's a simpler way by Sique · · Score: 2

      The demonstration video of the origami wheel was not about climbing obstacles, it was using the foldable wheel as some gear replacement with continous transmission ratio.

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    3. Re:Um, here's a simpler way by 50000BTU_barbecue · · Score: 2

      "his robotic wheel can change its radius to create larger wheels to climb over things"

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    4. Re:Um, here's a simpler way by butalearner · · Score: 2

      Nor did it work very well. My nephew had one many years ago. they were pretty crap. It's affinity with getting stuck was quite impressive.

      I also had one as a kid, and I agree: it was next to impossible to get the things to go straight with those claws sticking out. However, I also had an RC truck in which the wheels were telescoping cylinders with relatively thick rubber-ish strips attached at both ends. Fully extended the strips were flat, but you could flip a switch (or something) and it would retract, making the strips bow outward, significantly increasing (maybe doubling) the effective diameter. Parentheticals because it was a long time ago.

      So I agree with OP that we could already do something like this, but when we're talking about space exploration, it's always worth looking at alternatives that may have different power requirements, mechanical complexity, etc. than the current options.

    5. Re:Um, here's a simpler way by stephenmac7 · · Score: 2

      Yes, but it can also get smaller, to be able to squeeze through small spaces. The point is not being able to climb over things, but being able to adapt to the current situation. Depending on the size of the thing it need to climb over and how fine it's movement needs to be, it can adjust the wheel size.

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  3. Re:Fake by 228e2 · · Score: 2

    I didnt have a problem understanding him. You're just confusing someone who sounds different than you as someone with a mental illness.

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  4. The main advantage of origami by The+Evil+Atheist · · Score: 5, Funny

    The main advantage of the origami wheel is five-fold.

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    1. Re:The main advantage of origami by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

      I'm not convinced it's an advantage; most origami designs fold under pressure.

  5. differential by C3lt · · Score: 5, Interesting

    Presumably wheels that change in size can also be used instead of a differential?

    1. 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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  6. No sarcasm. by otto.waltari · · Score: 5, Funny

    Good job reinventing the wheel — and this time I really mean it.

  7. 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...