Ms. Sung Hee Youn

Team Manager Design Innovation Studio at Hankook Tire Technology Co., Ltd.

Vision & strategy

What does Hankook hope to achieve by presenting its concept tyres at The Tire Cologne?

Fließtext Hankook’s aspiration is to actively contribute to shaping the future of mobility. This requires a clear vision of what will be relevant in the coming years – combined with innovative strength and technological know-how. Our concept tyres demonstrate how we are constantly rethinking the role, form and function of the tyre from the ground up.

What connects the sustainable 3D-printed concept tyre and the Wheelbot 2 as a common platform?

Both concepts express a common conviction, namely that the future of mobility will be more diversified than today. Not all vehicles will have the same requirements – and accordingly, they will also need different tyre solutions. While the sustainable 3D-printed concept tyre shows how we bring together material innovation and structural design through joined-up thinking, the Wheelbot 2 as a fully functioning robot platform demonstrates how tyre technology and autonomous mobility can converge. The concept tyre was developed in collaboration with our engineering partner Harvestance and shows how we bring together material innovation and structural design through joined-up thinking to produce a vision for the future. The Wheelbot 2, on the other hand, is a fully functioning prototype. Developed under the direction of the Hankook Design Innovation Studio and our R&D departments as well as in partnership with robotics start-up CALMANTECH, it can already be experienced today in Hankook’s Technodome.

What are the Design Innovation Days – and what role do they play in Hankook’s innovative strategy?

For more than ten years, the Design Innovation Days have been a regular forum for Hankook to bring together up-and-coming talent and innovative companies. The goal is to connect many years of industry know-how with fresh perspectives. Within Hankook, there are also dedicated teams charged with driving ideas forwards all year round – most notably the Design Innovation Studio. The results are tangible: these projects have produced concepts like the Wheelbot 2, some of which have already been turned into reality. For us, trying out new things is the key to progress.

How is Hankook positioning itself in the market with these concept tyres – it is about image building or a true technological roadmap?

It’s about both. Eye-catching concept tyres with out-of-the-ordinary colours and shapes create attention and help to raise awareness of this essential, safety-related component.

At the same time, as an original equipment partner for premium manufacturers like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, Hankook is intimately involved in the vehicle development process – for vehicles that are still years away from reaching the market. Our concept tyres are the logical next step: they look beyond the current production horizon and prepare us, in terms of both technology and materials science, for what’s to come. This is not an image campaign – this is visible strategic development work. A good example is the development of the non-pneumatic tyre iFlex: started back in 2010, it has been continually driven forward. In 2022/23, several new versions of the iFlex were presented that are designed for use on passenger cars, military vehicles and minibuses and go beyond the status of a concept tyre. The attached video in the Tire Cologne press kit shows how the passenger car tyre confidently handles our test track.

The sustainable 3D-printed concept tyre

What does Hankook’s sustainable concept tyre look like and what makes it so special?

The concept tyre is a non-pneumatic tyre (NPT) that is manufactured entirely in a 3D printing process. It does not have a traditional rim; instead, the tyre’s centre itself serves as the wheel. It is made of rigid materials for efficient power transmission and, toward the tread, seamlessly transitions into softer, polymer-based materials – similar to a colour gradient. This gradual material transition structure is a completely new design philosophy. Another highlight is that the absence of carbon black opens up new design possibilities – coloured or even transparent tyres are conceivable, as we will show with our concept tyre.

What materials are used in the concept tyre – and what makes it sustainable?

The goal is to use only materials that can be returned to the natural cycle at any time. What this means is polymer-based biodegradable materials as well as self-healing materials to extend the product’s useful life. We are constantly working to further reduce our use of synthetic and finite resources in the tyre life cycle. Our goal is to use 100 per cent sustainable materials in all tyres by 2050.

Is a fully biodegradable tyre really realistic – or is it science fiction?

We’re not there yet, but we’re on the right path. Hankook already has series products in its portfolio that are made of 77 per cent sustainable materials. The iON GT, our high-performance tyre for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles, is the best example of this. 50 per cent of the materials used are also ISCC PLUS certified. The concept tyre is the logical next step. The challenge lies less in the concept than in the materials science – but that is exactly why we are doing such intensive research.

Why is Hankook opting for a non-pneumatic design – what are the advantages compared to classic pneumatic tyres?

Non-pneumatic tyres offer a number of key advantages: they are virtually maintenance-free, since flat tyres due to low pressure or punctures are ruled out. This is especially relevant for autonomous vehicles where there is no longer a driver to check the tyre condition. In addition, the one-piece design consisting of wheel and tyre enables a lighter, material-optimised construction that can help to reduce CO₂ emissions over the product's lifetime. And lastly, the structural flexibility of a 3D-printed non-pneumatic tyre opens up design possibilities that would not be possible with conventional production methods.

How does the new sustainable Hankook concept tyre fit into the lineage of earlier non-pneumatic concepts?

Hankook has already proven with the iFlex concept tyre that tyres with a completely different design can work. The iFlex has already been successfully driven at speeds of up to 130 km/h in tests. The new sustainable concept tyre builds on this foundation but now incorporates the aspects of additive manufacturing in the form of 3D printing as well as a new materials philosophy focusing of full recyclability. Each concept generation teaches us something new – and this knowledge flows directly into our series development.

3D-printing in tyre technology

How does the 3D printing process used in Hankook’s concept tyre work?

We use the layer-by-layer method. It produces a three-dimensional object by applying material layer by layer until the desired model is achieved. For the concept tyre, we are currently using resin printing, but the same geometry is also suitable for other materials like nylon or metals. Highly elastic metal alloys would enable even thinner and more complex structures. The modelling is done with the software NTop, which is designed for special geometries and highly optimised for 3D printing.

What role is 3D printing playing at Hankook already today – beyond the concept tyres?

3D printing is no longer a niche topic at Hankook. We are already using the technology in several areas, for example for manufacturing prototypes, for testing new tread designs and above all for producing tyre vulcanisation moulds. Hankook’s subsidiary Hankook Precision Works is a true pioneer in this field: it is the first manufacturer in Korea to use 3D metal printing technology to produce tyre vulcanisation moulds. This enables more complex shapes with much shorter production times.

What partners are involved in the development of this 3D-printed tyre technology?

We are working with leading companies in the area of additive manufacturing, including LG Electronics and Harvestance, which are among the pioneers in 3D printing. For the Wheelbot 2, we also collaborated with robotics start-up CALMANTECH, which contributed expertise in key areas. These partnerships reflect our conviction that no organisation can shape the future on its own. Open collaboration with innovative partners is decisive and helps us to reach our goal more quickly.

Will 3D printing be able to replace conventional tyre production in the long term?

No – at least not across the board and not in the foreseeable future. We see 3D printing as a complementary technology for specific use cases, not as a replacement for the tried-and-tested high-volume production. For the vehicles that are on the road today, we produce tyres that are perfectly tailored to their needs. 3D printing makes sense in situations where customisation, complexity or new materials are required – so first and foremost in the area of autonomous vehicles, urban mobility solutions and custom niche applications.

Wheelbot 2 & autonomous mobility

What is the Wheelbot 2 and how has it evolved from its predecessor?

The Wheelbot 2 is a fully functioning robot platform that was developed under the direction of the Hankook Design Innovation Studio and our R&D departments. It is an evolution of the original Wheelbot concept from 2022. A new feature is the more comprehensive integration: from the concept and the platform architecture to the non-pneumatic tyre and the capsule design, everything has been rethought. The Wheelbot 2 enables movement in all directions and is fully functioning – visitors and employees can try it out for themselves in Hankook’s Technodome.

What application scenarios are conceivable for the Wheelbot 2 and similar platforms?

The range is wide: logistics, autonomous shuttles, last-mile delivery – these are all potential applications. Scenarios that require flexible manoeuvrability are particularly interesting, for example transporting people with reduced mobility between different gates in airports or running shuttle services at mobility hubs. In urban spaces with high building density – already found in many Asian cities today – this technology offers enormous potential.

What competitive advantage does Hankook have as a tyre manufacturer when it comes to developing such robot platforms?

Our strength lies in our in-depth expertise in all aspects of wheels and tyres combined with our culture of innovation and willingness to undertake strategic partnerships. Hankook contributes the knowledge at the intersection of traction, structure and handling. What we lack in expertise in the area of robotics and autonomous control, we specifically incorporate through partnerships with specialist start-ups. This combination of core competency and open ecosystem is our recipe for success.

Market readiness & future prospects

What markets and vehicle types are the concept tyres intended for in the long term?

The focus is on autonomous vehicles as well as urban mobility solutions that do not require high speeds. Particularly in cities, where travel from A to B is at a moderate speed, 3D-printed non-pneumatic tyres have clear advantages: they are low-maintenance, puncture-proof and ideally suited to driverless fleet vehicles. We see the greatest market readiness in the foreseeable future in Asian countries, where self-driving taxis are already in wide use and urban spaces are particularly densely built-up.

When would series production of the concept tyres be realistic?

Series production only makes sense once the corresponding vehicles are on the market and there is real demand. In principle, series production would already be possible today for some of the underlying technologies. What is missing is the right market. We are developing at different speeds around the world – in Asia, we are much closer to suitability to mass production in some areas than in Europe. Hankook benefits here from its Korean roots: innovation is in our genes, and we’ll be ready when the market takes the next step.

What technological challenges remain before these technologies are ready for series production?

The biggest challenges revolve around materials. Even though a lot has happened over the last 20 years, there is still a lot of potential for development. There are good reasons why we still don’t see blue tyres on the road today: the mechanical requirements for tyres – adhesion, load-bearing capacity, temperature resistance, durability – are extremely high. Alternative materials need to have all these attributes, and at the same time be sustainable. Add to that regulatory requirements and the need to operate production processes on an industrial scale.

How is Hankook as an original equipment partner preparing for the vehicles of the future?

As an original equipment partner for premium manufacturers like Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Porsche, Hankook is already involved in the development of vehicles that are still years away from reaching the market. This means that we are always thinking and developing several years in advance. The concept tyres that we are showcasing today at The Tire Cologne are the visible outcome of this long-term way of thinking – and also lay the technological groundwork for what our original equipment customers will demand of us tomorrow.

Design & material

What new design possibilities does a 3D-printed non-pneumatic tyre open up compared to conventional tyres?

The possibilities are revolutionary. Conventional tyres have to be black for production-related reasons – the carbon black has been indispensable so far for the mechanical properties. If we replace this raw material with bio-based polymers, the tyre no longer has to be black. Coloured tyres, transparent structures or custom surface patterns would be possible – as we are demonstrating with our concept tyre. What’s more, 3D printing enables organic, topology-optimised structures that simply could not be produced using conventional vulcanisation processes.

What exactly does the material transition from rigid to soft – the so-called colour transition – means for the handling characteristics?

This gradual material transition is the engineering heart of the concept. The centre of the tyre must be rigid in order to transmit power efficiently – similar to a traditional rim. The tread, on the other hand, must be flexible and grippy in order to guarantee contact with the ground. When both zones transition seamlessly into each other instead of having a distinct boundary, the result is a more even distribution of stress and potentially better handling characteristics. The balance between rigidity and grip is the central challenge – and that is exactly what we’re working on.

What role do self-healing materials play in the concept tyre and how advanced is the research here?

Self-healing materials are one of several future options that we incorporate into our concept vision. The idea is that microdamage in the tyre structure would be able to repair itself, extending the tyre’s service life. This is particularly relevant for autonomous vehicles, which are operated without regular human inspection. There are promising approaches in materials research. The challenge lies in combining these approaches with the high mechanical performance requirements for a tyre. We are not there yet, but we are well on the way.

Sustainability &corporate philosophy

How does the concept tyre fit into Hankook’s overarching sustainability strategy?

Hankook has set itself the goal of using 100 per cent sustainable materials in all its tyres by 2050. The concept tyre is a visionary view of this ultimate goal – it shows what a tyre might look like that is fully recyclable, is made of renewable or biodegradable raw materials and can be fully returned to nature at the end of its life. At the same time, we are driving forward sustainability in series production with products like the iON GT, which is already made of 77 per cent sustainable materials.

Is Hankook also working on sustainable production processes – or is all the focus on sustainable materials?

The two go together. Sustainability doesn’t end with the material – it has to encompass the entire product lifecycle. 3D printing as a production method offers clear advantages here: only as much material is used as is actually needed (near net shape manufacturing), there is no mould waste and complex geometries can be produced without energy-intensive forming processes. At the same time, we are constantly optimising our production sites with respect to energy efficiency and resource consumption. This commitment by Hankook has also been officially recognised: the certification “International Sustainability & Carbon Certification (ISCC) PLUS” for its Chinese site in Jiaxing, Zhejiang Province, is already Hankook’s fourth ISCC PLUS certification. It follows certifications for the Geumsan plant in South Korea (2021), the first plant ever in the tyre industry to be certified, the European production facility in Rácalmás in Hungary (2023) and the Daejeon production site (2025) – also in Korea. The globally recognised seal of quality verifies the sustainability of bio-based and recycled materials as well as the transparency along the entire supply chain. The certification defines strict inspection standards for the entire process, ranging from the procurement of the raw materials to the production and the end product.

How important is the domestic market in Korea for innovation leadership in concept tyres?

Korea’s urban structure, tech-savvy population and the concentration of high-tech companies create a unique innovation ecosystem. In Asian cities, autonomous vehicles and robotic systems are already much more firmly established in daily life than in Europe. Hankook benefits from the fact that we are not only observing innovation in Europe but also developing it from the epicentre of technological transformation. At the same time, Hankook is also deeply anchored in the local market with its European headquarters in Neu-Isenburg and the European research and development centre in Hanover – this makes us the global bridge builder.

The Tire Cologne & media assessment

Why is Hankook presenting these concept tyres at The Tire Cologne and not at a car show?

The Tire Cologne is the world-leading trade fair for the tyre industry – this is where the experts decide on the ideas and technologies that will shape the industry’s future. For Hankook, it is exactly the right forum to demonstrate that we as a tyre manufacturer are not just responding to changing vehicle worlds but are actively contributing to shaping the future of mobility. The trade visitors here understand the technical implications and can assess the relevance of our concepts.

What claim does Hankook make about its innovative strength?

The core message is clear: Hankook is not just a tyre manufacturer – we are an innovative company that is actively pushing the boundaries of what is possible. We are rethinking tyres: in terms of the materials they are made from, their construction, their function and their role in the mobility system as a whole. And we are doing this not as an academic exercise, but with functioning prototypes, concrete partnerships and a clear technological roadmap. Anyone who wants to understand the future of the tyre industry needs to keep an eye on Hankook.