Hankook Showcases Future of Mobility with Sustainable 3D-Printed Tyre and Robotic Platform
Thursday, September 25, 2025
Leading Korean tyre manufacturer Hankook unveiled its vision for the future of mobility at its annual “Design Innovation Day 2025” event. The showcase included two innovative concepts: a sustainable, 3D-printed tyre and a robotic platform that allows for advanced vehicle manoeuvring capabilities.
The Sustainable Concept Tyre, created in collaboration with engineering partner Harvestance, is a groundbreaking development in tyre design. It is produced layer by layer using a 3D printer, utilizing recycled and renewable materials. Its organic tread design is inspired by natural efficiency principles, and the prototype was developed using Ntop design software. The main goal of this concept is to achieve resource-efficient production, long-lasting durability, and easy recycling.
Another highlight of the event was the PathCruizer mobility pod, a two-seater vehicle powered by the WheelBot 2 robotic platform. The PathCruizer features special spherical wheels that allow for multidirectional movement, including sideways, diagonally, and even turning on the spot. This innovative technology is ideal for precise manoeuvres in various environments, such as airport passenger boarding bridges or urban mobility hubs. Hankook collaborated with robotics startup CALMANTECH to develop this cutting-edge platform.
To showcase the capabilities of the PathCruizer, a video was released demonstrating its impressive manoeuvrability: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eFy7P3JbAsU
Leading research and industry partners have played a crucial role in the development of these concepts. The projects are part of Hankook’s “Design Innovation Project,” which has been running since 2012 in collaboration with renowned design schools such as the University of Cincinnati, the Royal College of Art in London, and Germany’s Pforzheim University. Technology partners, including LG Electronics, Rainbow Robotics, and CALMANTECH, have also contributed their expertise to these projects. The success of these collaborations can be seen in the accolades received at international design competitions such as the Red Dot, iF, and IDEA Awards.
Hankook’s annual “Design Innovation Day” is a platform for showcasing new mobility technologies that intersect innovation, design, and sustainability. The event also aims to strengthen partnerships with technology partners. The Technoplex, Hankook’s headquarters in Pangyo, South Korea, serves as the venue for this event.
For further information, please contact:
Larissa Büsch
PR Manager
Tel.: +49 6102 8149-173
l.buesch@hankookn.com
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.