3D-printed airless wheels could be a game changer for Ukraine's ground robotic vehicles — ultralight no-deflation tyres improve resistance to punctures and explosions
Print&Live and iSCALE 3D developed an airless robotic wheel weighing 32–56 kg per set, with production underway for Ukrainian combat units.
Ukrainian engineers have developed 3D-printed airless wheels for ground robotic vehicles, which could significantly enhance their performance in combat conditions. These ultralight wheels, weighing between 32 and 56 kg, eliminate the need for inflation, making them more resistant to punctures and explosions. The novel design incorporates a rounded tread, closed profile, and a two-piece disc, featuring a lattice made from durable elastomers and composite polymers.
By omitting internal air pressure, the wheels maintain their supporting function without the risk of failure due to debris, blast effects, or unforgiving terrain. The innovation aims to extend the operating range of robotic platforms by up to 30% compared to foreign alternatives, while also reducing unsprung and rotating mass. This could ultimately ease mechanical demands on robotic equipment's gearboxes and electric drive systems.
Once manufactured, the wheels can be digitally customized according to a robot's weight and operating needs, simplifying the development of specialized variants. Additionally, the patented two-piece rim allows for easy replacement or repair without requiring specialized machinery, potentially easing field servicing in combat zones.
The project has successfully completed its research and development phase, with production now underway in limited quantities for delivery to combat units. However, further independent testing is necessary to evaluate the wheels' performance in sustained use, repeated impacts, and varying battlefield conditions.
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