Industry challenge: Robotics in agricultural settings face a number of challenges due to the terrain, soil and weather conditions. To adapt to these ever changing operating conditions wheel designs need to change to enable robotic platforms to operate effectively, in particular maintaining level chassis platforms on sloping or uneven ground and anti-bogging capabilities.
Current opportunity: The CSIRO has developed a wheel design featuring an adjustable hub position relative to the wheel rim. This extends the ability of vehicles to travel on rough terrain by providing an alternative suspension system in a small package. It also provides the ability to change gear ratio/ride height of vehicles while stationary or in motion. Its high-speed configuration allows vehicles to 'jump' which can allow it to get out of situations where wheels can become stuck. The increased chassis stability also allows carrying of sensitive payloads.
The technology can be applied by both robotic companies and wheel manufacturers in a variety of domains where wheels may need to adapt to changing terrains.
Other opportunities: There is a range of other potential applications including remote recovery and response.
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