Overview
- The origami- and Da Vinci bridge–inspired wheel changes diameter without hinges, reducing cold-welding and dust-failure risks in lunar vacuum conditions.
- The two-wheeled dummy rover on simulants climbed a 34-degree stair-like obstacle, survived a four-meter drop, and kept operating after driving through fire.
- Researchers report stable traversal on loose, rocky terrain, pointing to improved obstacle clearance for small rovers targeting pits and lava tubes.
- The prototype used heat-treated SK5 carbon steel in crossed-helical strips, with the design compatible with stainless or other high-strength elastic metals.
- The peer-reviewed results appear in Science Robotics and involve KAIST, UEL, KASI, and KARI, with future steps including space qualification and rover system integration.