# Space-Inspired Airless Tires NASA and Smart Tire Company Join on the Progressive Metl Tires By Amy Duong | Published 2023-09-15 | Art & Design Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metl-tire References: [designtaxi](https://designtaxi.com/news/425022/NASA-s-Space-Inspired-Airless-Tires-Means-Never-Having-To-Pump-Your-Bike-Again/)  [NASA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/solgaard-x-startalk) works in collaboration with [Smart Tire Company](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-smart-coop) to unveil the Metl tire, which is a progressive new approach to [bicycle tires](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bridgestone-potenza-re71rz). It is a shape-memory design with no air used, inspired by the same themes that are applied to planetary rovers tire and its construction. The Metl aims to create a unique cycling experience as riders will not need to rely on air pressure. The design team from NiTinol, which is a shape-memory allowed at the core of the tire. NiTinol is a nickel-titanium allow that allows the tire to adapt to the changes of pressure whilst seamlessly returning to its original shape for a smooth ride -- the Metls have clear sidewalls and a replaceable tread. Image Credit: Smart Tire Company ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.7/10 - Popularity: 67% | Activity: 85% | Freshness: 18% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Art & Design](https://www.trendhunter.com/artdesign) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Shape-memory Tires:** The collaboration between NASA and Smart Tire Company brings a shape-memory design approach to bicycle tires, eliminating the need for air and providing a unique cycling experience. - **Airless Tire Technology:** Inspired by planetary rover tires, the Metl tire uses no air and instead features a progressive construction that adapts to changes in pressure, offering a smooth ride without the reliance on air pressure. - **Nitinol Innovation:** The Metl tire incorporates NiTinol, a nickel-titanium alloy with shape-memory properties that allow it to seamlessly return to its original shape, opening up opportunities for innovative tire design. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Cycling Industry:** The airless and shape-memory design of Metl tires represents a disruptive innovation in the cycling industry, creating a unique cycling experience that eliminates the reliance on air pressure. - **Automotive Industry:** The airless tire technology showcased in the Metl tire presents a disruptive innovation opportunity for the automotive industry, offering a durable and adaptable tire design that could enhance vehicle performance and safety. - **Materials Science Industry:** The use of NiTinol, a nickel-titanium alloy with shape-memory properties, in the construction of Metl tires opens up innovative possibilities in the materials science industry, paving the way for the development of advanced shape-memory materials for various applications. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Airless Car Tires](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airless-goodyear-tire.md) - [Airless Machinery Tires](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airless-machine-tires.md) - [Airless Bicycle Tires](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/airless-bicycle-tires.md) - [Transforming Smart Vehicle Tires](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/conqueror-tire.md) - [Eco-Friendly Automotive Tires](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sustainable-tires.md) - [Hubless Airless eBikes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/topsecret-ebike.md) - [Real-Time Tire Pressure Adjusters](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/scope-atmoz-system.md) - [Steel-Made Mining Vehicle Wheels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/air-suspension-wheel.md) - [Omnidirectional Autonomous Vehicle Tires](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hankook-tire-wheelbot.md)