They developed the shape memory part recently while developing a new wheel for the Mars rover. From your NASA link: “ In one particular moment of serendipity,

They developed the shape memory part recently while developing a new wheel for the Mars rover. From your NASA link: “ In one particular moment of serendipity, Engineer Colin Creager and Materials Scientist Santo Padula had a conversation that completely changed the path forward. The game changing material that dramatically advanced the development of spring tires was nickel titanium, a shape memory alloy with amazing capabilities as explained by Santo Padula.”