Robotic Wheelchair Navigates Rough Terrain

A robotic wheelchair with large, deformable wheels that can navigate boulders, stairs, and other obstacles was on display at Korea’s Institute of Machinery and Materials this week

The wheel maintains a standard rigid circular shape during normal operation. However, it becomes compliant and conforms to the object’s height and shape when encountering an obstacle.

The system, also featured in Science Robotics, is encircled by a “smart chain” structure connected to spokes that adjust tension in response to changes in terrain. According to Korea’s Institute of Machinery and Materials, the initiative was motivated by the surface tension characteristics of water droplets. There is currently no indication of whether this system will be commercialized.