American Startup Applies NASA Technology for Mars Robots to Ground Bicycle Tires to Enhance Durability and Efficiency.
The Superelastic Tire was first developed by NASA and is now commercialized for terrestrial use by SMART Tire. These tires are highly durable and do not deflate. They are made from NiTinol+ (nickel-titanium), a unique technology material that is as strong as titanium and as elastic as rubber. The challenges faced by NASA’s robots on Mars (such as no roads, temperatures dropping to -100 degrees Celsius, and various other obstacles) led to the creation of the superelastic tire.
The load-bearing design of SMART Tire also utilizes the characteristics of shape memory alloys. This unique metal can stretch, compress, and bend, then return to its original shape with enough force to move heavy objects. Through molecular phase changes, the tire regains 100% of its former shape even after significant deformation, according to SMART Tire.
The Metl Tire is made from shape memory alloy (SMA), consisting of interwoven fine strands that create a resilient structure capable of adapting to various terrains. It does not require inflation, is puncture-proof, and offers better traction than conventional inflatable rubber tires.
Shape memory alloy (SMA) used for bicycles on the ground. (Photo: NASA).
SMA functions like a shock absorber, allowing vehicles to navigate rocky terrains more easily. Initially, NASA developed this technology to ensure that the aluminum wheels of the Curiosity rover, which operates on Mars, remain durable and resistant to damage.
“Thanks to its molecular phase transition under pressure, SMA is unlike any other material. It demonstrates perfect shape memory over time. As a result, we will have advanced, lightweight, durable bicycles that never go flat,” said Earl Cole, CEO of SMART Tire.
SMART Tire plans to sell the Metl tire next year. NASA asserts that this technology could also be applied to scooters, trucks, and passenger cars in the future. “We understand that further development and testing of Metl are necessary before it is ready for the four-wheeled vehicle market. Our initial strategy is to focus on special customers and the two-wheeled vehicle market,” a company representative stated.
NASA selected SMART Tire to transfer the airless tire technology through its Startup Studio program. This program connects businesses with space technology for commercial purposes.
Collaboration with SMART Tire presents significant potential, according to Harvey Schabes, director of the technology transfer unit at NASA’s Glenn Research Center. NASA aims to continue developing this technology to create a high-quality material that significantly enhances tires for future exploratory robots.
Where Will the METL Tire Be Applied?
These points indicate something that Young himself acknowledges: the first application of this tire will not be for racing bikes or mountain bikes, but for public bike-sharing services.
Public bicycles.
The biggest benefit of the METL tire is that it cannot deflate, which makes perfect sense if you have to manage many bikes at once. Users of public bike-sharing services are likely less concerned about the cycling experience or related issues compared to avid cyclists—giving Smart an advantage in applying this product and gathering data to address existing problems. The company has already signed a contract with the transportation sharing service Spin.
So why is the company targeting the bike market? Calvin Young—a cycling enthusiast—developed this tire idea out of passion while he was an intern at NASA. “From the company’s perspective, bicycles are a viable application for this idea,” Young said. In other words, bicycles represent a lower-risk option for bringing this idea to fruition, and once perfected, it will be easier to expand into other areas.
“This is not a far-off future. This technology is nearly complete, and the issue is merely putting it into practice and introducing it to consumers. There is a high likelihood that you will see this tire on regular bicycles in the coming years.”
But if you want to try this tire first, don’t look for it in cycling clubs; instead, seek it out in public bike-sharing services.
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