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The first known use of wheels was in Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). These early wheels were likely part of potter’s wheels, not yet used for transportation. -
The Sumerians in Mesopotamia are credited with creating the first wheeled vehicles, which were initially solid wooden disks. -
The introduction of spoked wheels revolutionized transportation. This design was lighter than solid wooden wheels, allowing for faster movement.
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The ancient Greeks and Romans improved the design of wheels, especially by developing more effective wheel hubs that helped reduce friction, making vehicles more efficient. -
During the medieval period, wheels started to be reinforced with iron rims, improving their durability and efficiency, especially on rough, unpaved roads. -
With the Industrial Revolution, the demand for wheeled vehicles exploded, and wheels began to be produced on a larger scale.
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Electronic sensors were used in automotive wheels for features like tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) and traction control systems. -
The introduction of pneumatic rubber tires (invented by John Boyd Dunlop in 1887) transformed transportation, providing a smoother ride and greater control, which was essential for automobiles. -
Carbon-fiber wheels and autonomous vehicles. mart wheels for self-driving cars in 2025 and beyond.