3D-printed tyres and a vehicle with spherical wheels: Hankook showcases the mobility of tomorrow

Hankook presents two mobility studies at the ‘Design Innovation Day 2025’
Sustainable concept tyre from a 3D printer with organic, functional tread design
WheelBot 2 robot platform with spherical wheels for movement in all directions

Neu-Isenburg, Germany, 29^th September 2025 – Premium tyre manufacturer Hankook is presenting two new concepts at its in-house ‘Design Innovation Day’ this year. The Sustainable Concept Tyre is produced layer by layer in a 3D printer. It uses recycled and renewable raw materials and features 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.

Mobility revisited: Robot 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.

Turning on the spot, turning at a right angle, or moving diagonally — the following video demonstrates the manoeuvrability of the PathCruizer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEu1B2RIAY4

Leading research and industry partners

The 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. Its success can be seen in international design competitions like the Red Dot, iF and IDEA Award, where the projects have already achieved accolades. Previous concepts include the Hexonic smart tyre for autonomous driving, the aerodynamically optimised Aeroflow high-speed tyre and modular mobility platforms. These projects highlight Hankook's role as a driver of innovation in the tyre industry.

Hankook’s “Design Innovation Day” is an annual forum aimed at presenting new mobility technologies at the intersection of innovation, design, and sustainability. Another aim is to strengthen links to the technology partners. The event is hosted in the “Technoplex”, Hankook’s headquarters in Pangyo in South Korea.

About Hankook Tire

Hankook Tire manufactures innovative, high-performance tyres for passenger cars, SUVs, light trucks, RVs, trucks, buses and motorsports. With five R&D centres and eight production facilities worldwide, Hankook continuously invests in research and development to offer the highest level of quality and driving satisfaction. The company employs around 20,000 people globally and sells products in over 160 countries. Hankook Tire has been the exclusive tyre supplier for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship since 2023. Leading car manufacturers rely on Hankook tyres for original equipment. More than 38 percent of global sales are generated in Europe.

Hankook’s European headquarters are located in Neu-Isenburg, Germany. At its European Technical Centre in Hanover, Germany and its manufacturing site in Rácalmás, Hungary, Hankook develops and produces bespoke tyre solutions for the European market.

For more information please visit www.hankooktire-mediacenter.com or www.hankooktire.com

Hankook Tire Europe GmbH | Marketing Communications Europe | Siemensstr. 14, 63263 Neu-Isenburg | Germany