Hankook, a leading Korean premium tyre manufacturer, held its annual “Design Innovation Day” on Thursday, September 25, 2025. The event showcased two innovative concepts that provide a glimpse into the future of mobility: a sustainable, 3D-printed tyre and a robotic platform that enables vehicles to move in all directions.
The Sustainable Concept Tyre, created in collaboration with engineering partner Harvestance and using Ntop design software, is produced layer by layer in a 3D printer. It utilizes recycled and renewable materials and features an organic tread design inspired by the efficiency principles found in nature. The goal of this concept is to promote resource-efficient production, long-lasting durability, and easy recycling.
The PathCruizer, a two-seater mobility pod, is powered by the WheelBot 2 robotic platform and utilizes special spherical wheels that allow it to move in all directions, including sideways, diagonally, and turning on the spot. This innovative technology has various applications, such as precise manoeuvres in airport passenger boarding bridges or as a flexible means of transportation in urban mobility hubs. Hankook developed this technology in partnership with robotics startup CALMANTECH.
To demonstrate the impressive manoeuvrability of the PathCruizer, a video can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFy7P3JbAsU
The “Design Innovation Project” has been a key focus for Hankook since 2012, in collaboration with renowned design schools such as the University of Cincinnati, the Royal College of Art in London, and Pforzheim University in Germany. Additionally, leading technology partners such as LG Electronics, Rainbow Robotics, and CALMANTECH have contributed their expertise to the project. This collaboration has resulted in international recognition, with the projects receiving accolades at prestigious design competitions like the Red Dot, iF, and IDEA Award.
The annual “Design Innovation Day” serves as a platform for Hankook to showcase its new mobility technologies at the intersection of innovation, design, and sustainability. It also aims to strengthen connections with technology partners. The event takes place at “Technoplex,” Hankook’s headquarters located in Pangyo, South Korea.
Media Contact:
Larissa Büsch
PR Manager
Tel.: +49 6102 8149-173
l.buesch@hankookn.com
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