Korean Tire to Supply Next-Generation Airless Tire 'i-Flex' for Hyundai Rotem's Unmanned Firefighting Robot

*This content was translated by AI.

Korean Tire & Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter Korean Tire) will supply its next-generation airless tire, 'i-Flex (i-Flex)', as a new vehicle tire for an unmanned firefighting robot developed in collaboration with Hyundai Rotem.

The unmanned firefighting robot to be supplied is built on the basis of Hyundai Rotem's multi-purpose unmanned vehicle, 'HR-Sherpa'. Equipped with 65mm high-performance waterproof fabric, vision-improving cameras, a self-contained spray device, and remote operation capabilities, it is deployed in high-risk fire scenes where firefighting forces have difficulty entering, such as underground parking lots and logistics warehouses.

Korean Tire conducted joint development with Hyundai Rotem for approximately five years to develop and unveil an airless tire optimized for high-risk fire scenes. By applying an airless structure that requires no separate air pressure management, it can maintain mobility without concerns of air loss or punctures.

To cope with heavy-load structures and off-road driving environments, the product applies a 'double arch (Arch)' structure that facilitates load support and distribution. It consists of an 'outer arch structure' that absorbs off-road road surface shocks, an 'inner arch structure' that mitigates vibration transmitted from the vehicle's drive section, and a 'hinge (Hinge) structure' connecting the two arches. Based on a robust tread design and grip force, it provides stability for off-road driving.

The unmanned firefighting robot equipped with i-Flex has been utilized in actual disaster scenes, including a factory fire in Eumseong County, Chungcheongbuk-do, and an industrial complex fire in Daejeon's Daejeon-gu. Currently, one unit each is deployed and operated under the Central 119 Rescue Headquarters' Seoul Metropolitan Area 119 Special Rescue Team, Yeongnam 119 Special Rescue Team, Hwaseong Fire Station in Gyeonggi-do, and Chungcheongnam-do Fire Headquarters.

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*This content was translated by AI.