SEOUL, South Korea — Leading global tire maker Hankook Tire is working with the University of Cincinnati on its Design Innovation 2020 project that will present a study and vision for the future, Hankook announced on January 16.
Launched in 2012, Design Innovation is a biannual joint study between Hankook and one of the world’s leading design universities. The project is part of Hankook’s R&D, which is working towards futuristic and problem-solving driving methods.
Hankook incorporates student ideas with its global Top Tier technology in exploring new design concepts for its line of next-generation products, officials said.
The theme of the 2020 project is Urban Reshaping, which focuses on transforming cities, by reconfiguring mobility as part of living spaces, rather than stand-alone. Future environments will use augmented, cutting-edge technology and automation infrastructure that are eco-friendly.
Automated driving and AI (artificial intelligence) will be part of future cities, participants explained. This design project is expected to be conducted at a much higher level than the 2012 and 2016 projects.
The endgame and results of this project will be used in exhibitions that will enable Hankook to secure its competitive role in future technological breakthroughs. The company has taken extra steps towards securing patents for these designs, in order to ensure its implementation.
The University of Cincinnati and Hankook have been brainstorming about what future mobility scenarios might look like, as well as on ideas for building infrastructure that will fit into the environment. These concepts are being reviewed by industry experts.
Later this year, Hankook’s Research and Design Department will showcase the student designs, then secure patents for their innovation and technology. Awards will be presented to students for their work at Hankook’s Design Insight Forum in September. Their work also will be on display at auto industry events to promote Hankook’s role in innovation, design and technology globally.
Jimmy Kwon, VP of Hankook Tire Brand Lab said, “The project paves the way to discover ‘the driving vision of the future.’ Hankook Tire will not only continue to offer cutting-edge designs, but also we will continue our research to develop the most advanced technology out there when it comes to the future of mobility.”
It also has secured an advanced technological source through the use of its global R&D network, Hankook Technodome. Like this design project with the university, Hankook Tire also perceives projects, such as its Next Driving Lab, to be part of driving experiences of the future.
About Hankook Tire America Corp.
Hankook Tire America Corp. is a growing leader in the U.S. tire market, leveraging investments in technology, manufacturing and marketing to deliver high quality, reliable products that are safer for consumers and the environment. Headquartered in Nashville, Tenn., Hankook Tire markets and distributes a complete line of high performance and ultra-high-performance passenger tires, light truck, SUV tires, as well as truck and bus tires in the United States. www.hankooktire.com
