Science Robotics magazine featured Hankook Tire’s latest product- Transforming Tire- on its cover page. Hankook Tire developed this new tyre in collaboration with a research team from Seoul National University. This was led by Professor Kyu-Jin Cho from the department of ‘Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering.’ Kyu-Jin is also a director of the ‘Human-centric Soft Robotics Research Centre.’

The tyre has been developed under ‘The Next Driving Lab’ project with the use of specially developed materials and paper folding craft. The ‘Transforming Tire’ is capable of changing its structure according to various road conditions and can bear loads of up to 1 tonne. The Transforming Tire is designed to transform into a smaller tire on smoother roads to ensure stability and nimbleness while transforming into a larger tire with tread blocks on rough patches of roads to tackle tougher road conditions.

The ‘Transforming Tire’ can also change its size range from 450mm- 800mm which allows it to be used with applications such as delivery robots and space exploration vehicles.

Bonhee Ku, Senior Vice President and CTO of Hankook Tire & Technology, said, “We believe this project represents a synergy between academia with new ideas and a company with industry-leading technology capabilities. The Transforming Tire which has started from a question ‘why should a tyre be in one form?’ challenged the stereotype and showed the company’s commitment to innovation. We expect the developed technology can be highly utilized not only in the tire industry but also in the mobility service industry as a whole. Hankook Tire will continue to challenge the limits of tires and display our innovative brand values." (TT)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

AI-powered mobile data capture company Anyline has launched TireBuddy, a smartphone-based app designed to modernise tyre inspections in automotive service bays. The app replaces traditional, manual inspection methods with a standardised digital workflow that delivers consistent, data-backed results and clear customer reports.

TireBuddy offers technicians tools to detect tread depth issues, tyre age, alignment concerns and sidewall damage using AI-powered analysis and visual reporting – without the need for additional hardware. Reports can be instantly shared in digital or printed formats, helping to reduce manual entry errors and increase customer trust.

The launch comes ahead of National Tire Safety Week (30 June 30 – 4 July), positioning the app as a timely solution for shops preparing for the summer travel season.

Lukas Kinigadner, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Anyline, said, “TireBuddy is not only about faster inspections — it’s about more trustworthy ones. We’re helping garages and service centres replace subjective tyre checks with data-backed insights and visual reporting that both technicians and customers can rely on.”

Frederic Baroin, Global Head of Automotive Business at Anyline, said, “TireBuddy empowers technicians with real-time, reliable data that strengthens recommendations and builds customer confidence. We designed it to deliver clarity, not complexity, in every inspection.”

By enhancing inspection accuracy and transparency, Anyline said TireBuddy can also drive higher service approvals and boost shop revenue.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Indian tyre maker CEAT said it has purchased the country’s first Scania 460 G prime mover truck to strengthen its research and development operations as the company pushes to expand in overseas markets.

The Mumbai-based manufacturer described the acquisition as part of efforts to upgrade its commercial vehicle tyre testing capabilities to international standards, particularly for certification in Europe and the United States.

The Scania G460 produces 460 horsepower from its 12.7-litre engine and can handle a gross vehicle weight of 150,000 kilograms (330,693 pounds). The truck features Scania’s Super engine technology, which the Swedish manufacturer says improves fuel efficiency while cutting emissions.

CEAT officials stated that the new testing platform will help accelerate product development and reduce costs while meeting stricter global standards.

“This high-performance vehicle is not just a prime mover — it’s a strategic investment in our Commercial Vehicle Tyre Testing Infrastructure, aimed at elevating our research & development capabilities to meet global standards,” the company said in a statement.

The investment comes as Indian tyre companies grapple with volatile raw material prices while trying to capitalize on strong domestic demand from India’s growing automotive sector. Industry analysts say that manufacturers are under pressure to improve efficiency and expand internationally in order to maintain profitability.

CEAT joins other major Indian tyre makers in ramping up research capabilities as they compete for market share both domestically and abroad.

The company said the new truck will support vehicle dynamics testing and help reduce the time needed to bring new commercial tyre products to market.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

SDVerse, a leading B2B marketplace for vehicle software, has announced that global tyre major Goodyear will now promote its SightLine suite of tyre intelligence software offerings on the SDVerse platform.

This collaboration marks a significant move for Goodyear into the burgeoning software-defined vehicle (SDV) space, offering tyre-centric software solutions designed to boost vehicle performance, safety and efficiency.

Goodyear's intelligent mobility solutions, including real-time tyre health diagnostics, road surface sensing and predictive maintenance insights, are engineered to allow OEMs and Tier-1 suppliers to integrate tyre intelligence directly into a vehicle's core systems.

SDVerse will be the inaugural online marketplace to feature Goodyear's expansion from traditional hardware into the digital realm of mobility. This strategic shift by Goodyear reflects the industry's increasing focus on data-driven, connected platforms where every vehicle component contributes to a safer and more efficient driving experience.

Werner Happenhofer, Vice-President of Global Tire Intelligence & Solutions at Goodyear, said, "Our tyre intelligence technologies are at the core of our commitment to innovation. Integrating these technologies into a vehicle's control systems represents a significant step forward in enhancing vehicle safety, performance and efficiency. Partnering with SDVerse gives us the opportunity to collaborate with other members and OEMs as we meet the evolving demands of the industry."

For SDVerse, Goodyear's entry further solidifies its mission to revolutionise automotive software sourcing by connecting buyers and sellers, accelerating innovation and enabling software-defined mobility at scale.

Prashant Gulati, CEO, SDVerse, said, "We’re thrilled to welcome Goodyear to SDVerse. Goodyear’s move into software is not only bold but incredibly timely. Their presence on our platform underscores the breadth of what software-defined vehicles can become – where even tyres evolve into intelligent systems contributing real-time data and decision-making capabilities across the vehicle ecosystem."

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

German tyre manufacturer Continental is set to showcase its new range of solutions for sustainable port operations at this year's TOC Europe.

Under the banner ‘Smart Port – Better Flow,’ the company is showcasing its tyre and digital technologies designed to enhance efficiency, safety and environmental responsibility in port logistics.

Federico Jimenez, Head of the Port Operation Tires Business Field at Continental, said, "We focus on the needs of our customers and provide them with tailor-made solutions. With our port tyres, we are already enabling more efficient, digital and sustainable operations – and are thus helping to shape the future."

Sustainability is a cornerstone of Continental Tires’ Vision 2030, aiming for carbon-neutral production by 2040 and a target of 100 percent sustainable materials in all tyres by 2050. This dedication was recently recognised with Continental's plant in Lousado, Portugal, receiving an award for environmentally friendly tyre production and Continental being named Tire Manufacturer of the Year at the Tire Technology International Awards.

A key product on display is the TerminalMaster, specifically developed for demanding port environments. Its extra-deep tread and reinforced industrial carcass offer high resistance to damage and extended mileage, contributing to more efficient, safe and sustainable operations.

Continental's holistic approach extends beyond robust tyres to a unique portfolio of digital solutions tailored for the port segment. ContiConnect, a digital tyre management system, plays a crucial role in boosting port sustainability. By ensuring properly inflated tires, ContiConnect can reduce fuel consumption by up to one percent and extend tyre life by up to 20 percent, leading to reduced CO2 emissions and lower operating costs. The system offers both a mobile-only Lite version and a comprehensive Pro version with real-time data analysis and reporting for larger fleets.

Furthermore, Continental is offering ‘Smart Tire Consulting’ to port operators. Through this service, tyre experts provide recommendations to optimise vehicle utilisation, routing and tyre selection based on analysed application data. This expertise helps customers improve operational processes, leading to optimised tyre usage, extended tyre life and reduced total cost of ownership.

By combining high-performance tyres with innovative digital solutions and expert consulting, Continental aims to empower port operators to achieve their environmental goals, making sustainability a measurable factor and a clear competitive advantage.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!