# Adaptable Shapeshifting Tires The Reconfigurable Wheel Track Expertly Performs on Any Terrain By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2018-06-28 | Autos Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/reconfigurable-wheel-track References: [yankodesign](http://www.yankodesign.com/2018/06/27/darpas-wheel-switches-shapes-with-terrain/) The Reconfigurable Wheel Track (RWT) is a specialized piece of equipment for military vehicles that will provide drivers with the ability to perform well on any terrain without having to worry about potential problems. The tires have been developed as part of a collaborative project that involved the [Carnegie Mellon University's](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quadruped-robots) [National Robotics Engineering Center](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/visionary-art-challenge) and [DARPA](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/crane-program) researchers. The wheel is capable of transitioning from rounded to triangular in a single moment to make the vehicle more applicable for use over a multitude of different terrains. The Reconfigurable Wheel Track (RWT) identifies the increased need for adaptable vehicle solutions within the military industry to ensure that teams can traverse any terrain without having to deal with gear fatigue. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.4/10 - Popularity: 80% | Activity: 75% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Autos](https://www.trendhunter.com/autos) ## Key Themes ### Key Themes Behind This Trend - **Adaptable Tires:** The development of adaptable tires for military vehicles has opened up an opportunity for the production of adaptable tires for civilian vehicles. - **Shapeshifting Technology:** The shapeshifting technology used in the development of these tires has immense potential for applications in other industries such as construction, farming, and transportation. - **Multitasking Equipment:** The RWT has demonstrated the potential for multitasking equipment and could be expanded into other military machinery that needs to perform multiple functions in different terrains. ### Where This Applies - **Automotive:** The adaptable tire technology used for military vehicles could be utilized in the automotive industry to create vehicles that can maneuver across various terrains. - **Construction:** The shapeshifting technology used in the development of the RWT could be utilized in the construction industry to create equipment that can maneuver over different types of terrain. - **Farming:** The adaptable tire technology used in the RWT could be utilized for farming equipment such as tractors to allow farmers to better navigate over different terrains with ease. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Omnidirectional Autonomous Vehicle Tires](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hankook-tire-wheelbot.md) - [Three-Wheeled Tank Track Motorcycles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/oruga-unitrack.md) - [Bio-Inspired Transforming Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bioinspired-transforming-robot.md) - [Adaptable Shapeshifting Steering Wheels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dynamic-steering-wheel.md) - [Automated Tire-Changing Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tire-changing-system.md) - [Space-Inspired Airless Tires](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/metl-tire.md) - [Futuristic Auto Wheel Modules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/wheel-module.md) - [Rugged Unmanned Ground Vehicles](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unmanned-ground-vehicle.md) - [Rugged All-Terrain Cargo Trailers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-allterrain-wagon.md)