3D-printed tyres and spherical wheels: Hankook showcases the mobility of tomorrow

Hankook is presenting two new concepts at its in-house ‘Design Innovation Day’ this year.

The Sustainable Concept Tyre is produced layer by layer in a 3D printer. It uses recycled and renewable raw materials and features an organic tread design with forms based on natural efficiency principles.

The prototype was developed in collaboration with engineering partner Harvestance, using Ntop design software. The goal of this concept is resource-efficient production, lasting durability and easy recycling.

The two-seater PathCruizer mobility pod, which is powered by the WheelBot 2 robotic platform uses special spherical wheels that can roll in all directions allowing the PathCruizer to move sideways, diagonally, or turn on the spot.

This innovative functionality allows for precise manoeuvres in airport passenger boarding bridges, or as a flexible means of transport in urban mobility hubs. Hankook developed the technology in conjunction with robotics startup CALMANTECH.

The projects are part of Hankook’s “Design Innovation Project”, which has been running since 2012 in partnership with prominent design schools worldwide, including the University of Cincinnati, the Royal College of Art in London and Germany’s Pforzheim University.

Leading technology partners such as LG Electronics, Rainbow Robotics and CALMANTECH contributed additional expertise. Its success can be seen in international design competitions like the Red Dot, iF and IDEA Award, where the projects have already achieved accolades.

Previous concepts include the Hexonic smart tyre for autonomous driving, the aerodynamically optimised Aeroflow high-speed tyre and modular mobility platforms.

Hankook says these projects highlight its role as a driver of innovation in the tyre industry.