An interesting video by Canadian inventor William Liddiard shows his "omni-directional wheels" turning a Toyota Echo full circle in one continuous motion, an advantage that should be quite helpful in parallel parking or parking in tight spaces.

His invention, however, might prove more useful in the autonomous or self-driving vehicles now being tested worldwide. Some experts believe these self-driving vehicles might be better off with a new kind of tire not built for high-speed but for durability.

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Omni-directional or all-directional wheels aren't new and Honda recently revealed its own version. Goodyear recently unveiled a prototype of its new Eagle 360 tire that's entirely spherical and is designed to provide maximum agility for self-driving cars.

But Liddiard claims his invention is the first suitable for general driving and high-speed driving. The wheels are also bolt-on, meaning they can be fitted to existing vehicles. The design of Liddiard's wheels means a car doesn't have to be specifically designed to use them.

Liddiard isn't saying how his wheels work but is applying for patents for the wheels throughout Canada.

"Unlike other omni capable wheels, my wheels do not require the vehicle to be built around them. This is a world first bolt-on application for anything with wheels," he said.

"Designed to be used in all weather and road conditions, they are stronger, faster and more accurately controlled than prior art. They can take a beating. The tires can have the same build characteristics as regular tires and you can drive in all directions, and turn on the spot when needed."

Liddiard argues his wheels won't limit a car's normal high-speed performance and claims altering the gearing of the car will compensate for this. He hopes to sell his system to a major tire company.

A video of Liddiard's omni-directional wheels can be viewed here.

TagsWilliam Liddiard, omni-directional wheels, Canada