Motorsports
Hankook Tire is up ahead of developing a racing data analysis service for motorsports
- Hankook Track Solutions under development to offer AI-powered race coaching service
- Pilot tested at the motorsports championship by integrating the solution into Hankook’s 18-inch race tire
- Expected to finalize the product and officially launch next year
Seoul, Korea, November 17, 2021 – Global leading tire company Hankook Tire pilot-tested a new AI-enabled race coaching solution, tentatively named “Hankook Track Solutions”.
Hankook Track Solutions is intended for anyone who enjoys driving on the race track as well as for amateurs dreaming of becoming professional racing drivers. It aims to debut next year.
Using sensor technology mounted to tires, the solution provides real-time information including tire pressure, tire temperature, lap times, as well as tendencies such as understeering and oversteering. AI-powered personalized coaching function is also available based on individual data tracking, which will allow racing drivers improve their performance greatly.
Hankook Tire had built a mobile application as a platform for access to these data and analysis report. The app was made in collaboration with 3SECONDZ, the world’s first developer of AI-based motorsport coaching technology. The sensors that are attached to the tires, which are one of the key components, has also been self-developed in cooperation with the leading electronic component manufacturer in Korea, Patron.
The pilot test was conducted by integrating the solution into Hankook’s racing tire Ventus RS4 in the size of 18-inch. The tires were then fitted on Hyundai Motor’s high-performance hatchback Veloster N to be tested at Hyundai N Festival 2021, a one-make championship held from November 13 to 14. Testing was performed by three drivers, Jong-min Park, Jae-gyun Kim, and Jasmine Choi, during Round 7 and 8.
The test was successfully completed with positive feedback from the drivers. The drivers shared that it supports the best driving by providing optimized air pressure based on the analysis of circuit driving, using AI beyond delivering just the existing tire data information.
Sooil Lee, President and CEO of Hankook Tire & Technology, commented, “The pilot test went well and we received positive feedback from the drivers. They specifically praised that this solution helped bringing out the best performance by fully leveraging artificial intelligence for thorough analysis and customized guidance instead of giving a mere list of collected facts.”
Hankook Tire plans to analyze the pilot test results and develop final products with the aim of launching them next year. It also plans to expand tire products that are applicable to Hankook Track Solutions.