Hankook introduces 3D printed tyre concept

Hankook, a South Korean tire company, has introduced a new ‘Sustainable Concept Tyre’ – 3D printed using recycled and renewable raw materials, and featuring 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.

At the same time, the company introduced a nobot platform with spherical wheel drive. 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 two 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.

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