A UK-based robotics engineer has captured the internet’s imagination with a futuristic bicycle that replaces conventional wheels with large, self-balancing spheres. BBC reports that James Bruton, a former IT professional and toy designer turned full-time internet creator, designed and built the “ball bike” using 11 3D printers in his Hampshire workshop.
The battery-powered vehicle uses 60cm-diameter circus-style balls, driven by omni wheels, to move in any direction. Although not a practical form of transport, the invention has racked up over eight million views on YouTube, thanks in part to its unique design and Bruton’s detailed video documentation of the build process.
“We’ve got some balls which are about 2ft in diameter, and they’re driven by omni wheels,” he told BBC in an interview. Bruton sourced the spherical wheels from the Netherlands and imported the motors from the United States. Despite the logistical delays, he believes he could now recreate the bike in just two to three weeks with all parts on hand.
Bruton admits his motivation is more about creativity and viewer engagement than practical engineering. “Something like this is not a practical form of transport in any way but it’s had eight million views on YouTube, so it’s done rather well,” he told BBC.
With more than a million subscribers, Bruton takes DIY robotics to a completely new level. His next project is a “handstand cheat device” powered by fans mounted on his ankles to help him balance upside down. Bruton says his passion for invention began in childhood and shows no signs of slowing.
