Michelin is developing an innovative concept for an airless tire: the Tweel utilizes a hub and spoke design that replaces the need for air pressure while delivering performance previously only available from pneumatic tires.

Check out this video demonstration, which shows the Tweel in action.

Michelin’s Tweel is already in production and available as an enhancement for iBOT™ mobility systems. Invented by Dean Kamen, the iBOT has the ability to climb stairs and navigate uneven terrain, offering mobility freedom impossible with traditional wheelchairs.

Checking tire pressure, fixing flats, highway blow-outs and balancing between traction and comfort may one day be a thing of the past!

[thanks, Autoblog and Nick Baum]