Kumho is working on tires for unmanned vehicles

Kumho Tire has become a partner of the Korean startup Autonomous a2z, which is engaged in the development of unmanned vehicles. On September 12, at the headquarters of Kumho in Seoul, the heads of the companies signed a memorandum of understanding regarding joint development of intelligent and airless tires, and as part of the cooperation, Kumho tires will also be installed on the autonomous shuttles ROii, which will make their international debut at the APEC summit to be held in Gyeongju (South Korea) from October 31 to November 1, 2025.

Over the next four years, Kumho plans to develop and bring to market new tires for fourth- and higher-level autonomous vehicles with the participation of a2z, and the company expects that "smart" tires equipped with sensors and airless tires will significantly improve the safety and efficiency of unmanned vehicles.

a2z ranked 11th in the recent ranking of companies engaged in autonomous transportation technology compiled by Guidehouse Insights, taking the highest position for Korean firms, and the ROii shuttle is also expected to be used in the Cheonggyecheon stream area in Seoul, which has been converted into a recreation space.

"As the mobility of the future develops, tires are no longer just components necessary for driving, and their technologies will have a decisive impact on the safety and energy efficiency of transportation," said Kumho CEO Jeon Il Taek. " Kumho Tire will strive to expand the functional capabilities of future mobile systems through differentiated technologies and data-based solutions."

Not so long ago, special tires for unmanned shuttles and robotaxis were presented by the company Continental.