3D-printed airless wheels could be a game changer for Ukraine's ground robotic vehicles — ultralight no-deflation tyres improve resistance to punctures and explosions
Ukraine's airless robotic vehicle wheels enter small-scale production
by https://www.techradar.com/author/efosa-udinmwen · TechRadarNews By Efosa Udinmwen Published 14 October 2026 3 min read
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- Ukrainian developers complete combat trials of airless wheels for ground robots
- New 3D-printed wheels eliminate inflation requirements for battlefield robotic vehicles
- Ukrainian wheel sets weigh between 32 and 56 kg
Ukrainian engineers have developed inflation-free wheels for unmanned ground vehicles, aiming to keep robotic platforms moving despite damage encountered during frontline operations.
The project brings together Print&Live UA, iSCALE 3D, and participating specialists, who have completed field evaluations and combat trials of the new wheel designs.
The airless wheel is produced using large-scale 3D printing technology, and it has a rounded tread, a closed profile, and a two-piece disc.
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Lightweight construction addresses battlefield mobility risks
Its design increases the cross-country ability, energy efficiency, and maintainability of robotic equipment on the front line.
Conventional tyres can become unusable after encountering fragments, blast effects, rubble, barbed wire, or frozen terrain, immobilizing remotely operated vehicles.
Such failures can leave equipment exposed, while recovery operations may require personnel to approach locations where hostile fire remains a concern.
The Ukrainian design eliminates dependence on internal air pressure, allowing the wheel to retain its supporting function without inflation or routine pressure maintenance.
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