Best Inventions 2005: Roll With It

  • Print
  • Reprints

Airing It Out
Inventor: Michelin
Availability: Now for the IBOT; about 2020 for cars
To Learn More: michelinman.com
A wheel without an inflated tire may seem old-fashioned — think wooden buggy wheels — but the Tweel from Michelin is anything but retro. A shock-absorbing rubber tread band distributes pressure to dozens of flexible polyurethane spokes. The spokes in turn are supported by an aluminum center. Because the Tweel is airless, it is more rugged than a pneumatic tire and never goes flat. The Tweel has been tested on the IBOT robotic wheelchair and military vehicles. But you won't see it on your Honda anytime soon. Michelin says it is still too noisy for automotive applications.
Next Product: Clean machine >>

  • Print
  • Reprints

Quotes of the Day »

Get & Share
MOHAMED NASHEED, the president of the Maldives, on nations who may try to keep their own emissions as high as possible in upcoming climate negotiations in Copenhagen
For use in rail of Articles page or Section Fronts pages. Duplicate and change name as necesssary to distinguish.

Time.com on Digg

POWERED BY digg

Quotes of the Day »

Get & Share
MOHAMED NASHEED, the president of the Maldives, on nations who may try to keep their own emissions as high as possible in upcoming climate negotiations in Copenhagen

Stay Connected with TIME.com