In the plethora of ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles) offered periodically, there is an off-road vehicle that defies all expectations and stands out not only for its ability to travel rough terrain, but for its determination to do so without leaving a trace. An uncompromising adventure, where adrenaline meets an unexpected respect for nature and a sui generis "biomimetic" inspiration: the centipede.
A step forward in sustainability
It is used, often abused, but "sustainability" is not just a word: it is a necessity. Many industries are making great strides towards a greener future, but the world of off-road vehicles seems to be lagging behind.
The innovative Finnish startup 18 Wheels, has decided to change the rules of the game by creating an ATV with an all-electric motor, and built entirely with recyclable materials.
Nature as inspiration
If you think of a centipede, you probably imagine a small insect that moves rapidly on many little legs. But what if we take this image and turn it into a vehicle?
The 18 Wheels ATV seems to have taken inspiration from this small but agile insect. With 18 independent wheels, the vehicle moves with a fluidity and precision reminiscent of the movement of the centipede, moving on any terrain without disturbing the surrounding environment.
Not just a vehicle, but an experience
Riding the 18 Wheels ATV isn't just a way to get from point A to point B. It's an experience. Imagine crossing a dense forest or climbing a steep hill, all while your vehicle moves silently, respecting nature and the context. And if so, does it happen in front of a puddle of water? No problem. The ATV is also designed to function as a small boat.
It's not just a project on paper, mind you. You also saw it in the video, the prototype has already demonstrated what it is capable of: with further improvements and iterations planned for the near future, we can only imagine where this incredible vehicle will take us. Concepts like this ATV could also function as a rover on the moon or other planets.