A team from Carnegie Mellon University National Robotics Engineering Center (CMU NREC) demonstrated shape-shifting wheel-track mechanisms that transition from a round wheel to a triangular track and back again while the vehicle is on the move, for instant improvements to tactical mobility and maneuverability on diverse terrains.
source/image: DARPAtv
RWT can change the shape even while driving. If I thought that I was running as a round wheel.The wheel changes to a triangle in only about 2 seconds. At this time, since the wheel is fixed and only the outer black belt part moves, the car body does not rattle.
source/image: DARPAtv
You can see the mechanism well by watching the wheel up. The wheel is equipped with a special device that seems to be hydraulic type, and the shape changes due to movement of six silver portions in each wheel.
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These Wheels enable fast driving on solid ground. On other floors, however, they are less practical. Equipped with the RWTs developed at Carnegie Mellon University, the Humvees are said to be more agile.
DARPA’s Ground X-Vehicle Technologies (GXV-T) program aims to improve mobility, survivability, safety, and effectiveness of future combat vehicles without piling on armor. The demonstrations featured here show progress on technologies for traveling quickly over varied terrain and improving situational awareness and ease of operation.
