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An amazing wheel, called The Reconfigurable Wheel-Track (RWT) was revealed as part of the US DARPA Ground X-Vehicle Technologies (GXV-T) program.
The RWT can change from a circle to a three-sided track when in motion in approximately two seconds, meaning it can tackle mixed environments with ease
Shape shifting technology
"Wheels permit fast travel on hard surfaces while tracks perform better on soft surfaces," DARPA (Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency), part of the US Department of Defence, explains.
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 manoeuvrability on diverse terrains.
Capabilities include revolutionary wheel-to-track and suspension technologies that would enable access and faster travel both on- and off-road.
Image: Youtube
Maj. Amber Walker, the program manager for GXV-T in DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office, says: "GXV-T envisions future combat vehicles that could traverse up to 95% of off-road terrain, including slopes and various elevations.
"For mobility, we’ve taken a radically different approach by avoiding armor and developing options to move quickly and be agile over all terrain.
"DARPA’s excited about the progress made to date on the GXV-T program and we look forward to working with the Services to transition these technologies into ground vehicle platforms of the future."
