Tweel

Its significant advantage over pneumatic tires is that the Tweel does not use a bladder full of compressed air, and therefore cannot burst, leak pressure, or become flat.

Instead, the Tweel's hub is connected to the rim via flexible polyurethane spokes which fulfil the shock-absorbing role provided by the compressed air in a traditional tire.

By varying the thickness and size of the spokes the design elements can be manipulated to engineer a wide range of ride and handling qualities.

As a demonstration of Tweel viability and reliability, three highway-driven vehicles (a 2012 Honda CR-Z, a resto-modded 1955 Morris Minor Traveller, and an Aluma brand trailer hauling a Polaris ATV which was also equipped with Tweel tires) successfully participated in the entire 2013 Hot Rod Power Tour long-distance road trip event in June 2013.

NASA has contracted Michelin to develop a wheel for the next-generation lunar rover based on the Tweel concept.

The Tweel SSL was one of 42 winners, who represented 12 categories and symbolize the persistence and excellence personified by Thomas Alva Edison.

[18] The tire made its first public appearance at the Internationale Automobil-Ausstellung (IAA) mobility show in Germany on an electric Mini Cooper.

[20] The Uptis uses an aluminum wheel assembly and rubber reinforced with glass composite and vinyl ester resin, an improvement over designs such as the Tweel.