Transformable

Camper vans (aka caravans) don't just carry your gear – they also serve as a shelter when you stop. So, why don't touring bicycles do likewise? Well, the prototype Cercle bike does just that.

Everyone who's driven laps around a packed parking area has had the thought at least once: Why can't my car shrink down to squeeze into a tiny space? Finally, it can – at least if your car is the all-new Israeli-designed City Transformer.

A retractable hard-top is standard fare, but how about a retractable body shell? That's what Audi explores with the new Skysphere concept, an e-roadster that transitions between autonomous touring and hard-nosed sports driving by adjusting in length.

Most outdoorsy types select a backpack based on the amount of stuff that they usually carry … but what happens when they occasionally need to carry more? Well, in the case of the Roo, they just pull the backpack open and insert an extra bag.

Hankook's R&D department has been working with biorobotics experts from Seoul National University and Harvard engineers on a weird transforming origami wheel project. These folding oddities can drastically alter their diameter and carry heavy loads.

There are doubtless many people who ride an electric scooter to the grocery store, then switch to a shopping cart once they get there. The Singaporean-designed Mimo C1 simplifies things, by combining both functions in one transformable vehicle.

Rear racks are certainly handy for carrying cargo on your bike, but they're not always long enough, wide enough, or just handy enough. The PedalPorteur was created to address those shortcomings, with a transformable design.

Although 3D printers can produce a wide variety of objects, the size of each item is limited by the size of the printer. Scientists have now developed a way of getting around that limitation, using a resin that expands when heated.

While dashboard-integrated trays are useful for storing items such as sunglasses, they can also add to a sense of in-car clutter. With this in mind, German scientists have created a tray that flattens into the dash when not required.

Renault has offered its take on what personal mobility might look like from 2025 with the Morphoz, an electric crossover that can morph between city and extended travel modes, can be wirelessly charged, and is ready for ride sharing.

After a successful Kickstarter last year, Robosen Robotics has launched the T9, a robot that transforms into a vehicle through voice commands or via an app.

Air travel can be difficult for the mobility-challenged … they have to get a wheelchair at the airport, or make sure that theirs gets stowed. Engineer Richard Williams has developed an alternative: a folding wheelchair that doubles as a carry-on bag.