the hankook design
innovation project has proposed a series of innovative tire proposals including
the ‘mayfloat’ and ‘flexup’. the initiative is the result of a discussion between creative and
realistic alternatives to future driving. combining design and technology in
relation to the urban landscape, these mind blowing ideas introduce a whole new
driving experience.
the 2016 hankook theme ‘connect to the connected world’ predicts mobility changes in
future mega cities and presents a vision of future mobility through tires.
the ‘flexup’ design consists of one single wheel which
expands and contracts through a principle of divided treads which makes it
possible to move freely even when the stairs are encountered. it can also
freely turn any corner on flat ground by using a titling technique similar to
when skiing.
the ‘magfloat’ in appearance
resembles a skateboard but instead uses a magnetic field extension and rotation
principle rather than wheels. this feature allows the user to move freely at a
low speed of 20km / h or less.