It seems that all tire manufacturers want to get into science fiction! At least, that’s the impression one gets when looking at the different ideas of the future presented by various tire companies, for example Bridgestone and its Bridgestone World. Supposed to illustrate the vision of the future of technology and transportation, these imaginary worlds are far from reality, but offer an interesting idea of the philosophy of each company.
When we talked about Hankook at the beginning of November, I mentioned the constant innovation of the Korean manufacturer. Unveiled at the same time as the iON Winter, their Design Innovation 2022 project is a perfect demonstration! But, unlike most other projects of this kind, this time we even have a prototype…
The key to tomorrow’s mobility
It must be said that the idea of imagining such a utopia to guide the creation of new products is not new. Already in 2014, a study published in Environment and Planning A quantified the benefits of the method. The Design Innovation program itself is in its tenth year of existence and has often been able to lead to the development of new technologies. Presented at the trendy Peaches D8NE cultural complex in Seongsu-dong, Seoul, it was clearly intended to be a showcase.
This year’s theme is “Urban Remodeling” and Hankook is presenting its vision of the smart city. In this virtual urban space, Space Shifting Mobility is the ultimate transportation system, even for entering buildings. One moves through its network of movable rails in pods carried by spherical wheels capable of turning 360 degrees. The goal is to use energy more efficiently by modifying the road network to meet the needs of users.
The WheelBot at Design Innovation 2022
If this is not the first time we’ve talked about crazy ideas like this on this blog, it’s the first time we’ve presented a testable model! It’s also a first for Hankook, which developed the concept product in collaboration with robotics company Calmantech Corp. Visitors to “2022 MADE IN HANKOOK,” an exhibition linked to the event, were able to try out what the company is amiably calling the WheelBot.
Of course, none of this is available on BlackCircles.ca yet. I understand your disappointment, I would love to be able to buy spherical tires myself, but in the meantime we’ll have to settle for the Dynapro or Ventus lines!
