KAIST's origami-inspired wheels could roll on the moon by 2030

South Korean researchers at KAIST have developed origami-inspired rover wheels that can shrink to 9 inches for launch and expand to over double that size on the moon, potentially supporting the country's planned 2030 lunar lander mission. The wheels, made from interwoven flexible strips of fire-resistant high-carbon steel, mimic a Da Vinci bridge's self-supporting structure combined with origami's shape-changing ability. This design avoids the complexity, mass, and reliability issues of conventional mechanisms, helping the rover withstand the moon's extreme temperature swings of over 500°F. The team has tested prototypes in lunar regolith, extreme temperatures, and Jeju Island's lava tubes, which could shelter future human colonies. Researchers are now using AI to optimize rover design and movement, part of South Korea's broader space ambitions, including a record 1.65 trillion won budget for 2027.