Hankook presents 3D-printed concept tire at innovation event

Neu-Isenburg, Germany – South Korean tire manufacturer Hankook Tire has presented two new concepts at its in-house ‘Design Innovation Day 2025’ held earlier this month.

The event, held 11 Sept, saw the introduction of the “sustainable concept tire” which is produced 'layer by layer' in a 3D printer.

The tire uses recycled and renewable raw materials and features an “organic tread design with forms based on natural efficiency principles.”

The prototype was developed with engineering partner Harvestance, using Ntop design software.

In a statement 29 Sept, Hankook said the goal of the concept was to achieve “resource-efficient production, lasting durability and easy recycling.”

In addition to the concept tire, Hankook also presented the “PathCruizer mobility pod”, a two-seater powered by the WheelBot 2 robotic platform.

The pod uses special spherical wheels that can roll in all directions, allowing it to move “sideways, diagonally, or turn on the spot.”

Hankook said this functionality enables “precise manoeuvres in airport passenger boarding bridges, or as a flexible means of transport in urban mobility hubs.”

The South Korean tire maker developed the technology with robotics startup Calmantech.

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

Technology partners such as LG Electronics, Rainbow Robotics and Calmantech have contributed expertise in the programme.