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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.

9 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 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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  3. 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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  4. 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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  5. No sarcasm. by otto.waltari · · Score: 5, Funny

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

  6. 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...