HANKOOK i-Flex airless pull

JAN 2022

Hankook showed the first airless tire at Ces 2022 in Las Vegas: it is called i-Flex and, thanks to the collaboration with Hyundai, it was mounted on the modular Plug & Drive (PnD) platform of the South Korean manufacturer that allows the mobility of normally inanimate objects, robots and robotic concepts I-Flex is characterized by a biomimetic design, the result of science (biomimicry in fact) that studies and imitates the biological and biomechanical processes of nature and living beings as a source of inspiration for the improvement of human activities and technologies. It allows excellent shock absorption and considerable vertical load capacity, while the fact of not having air inside increases safety while reducing maintenance costs: having no air inside, it is not subject to punctures or leaks of pressure. Important qualities with a view to the mobility of the future with autonomous driving.

As for dimensions, the model seen at Ces is small, with a diameter of 400 mm and a width of 105 mm. As for the structure, to absorb the shocks of the road and be able to carry heavy loads, the Hankook technicians were inspired by the cellular structure of living organisms, with multilayer interconnections to connect the myriad of small hexagonal and tetragonal structures, of different stiffness for a more stable load support. In addition, the concave C-shaped tread profile ensures maximum contact patch on the road, maximizing safety. The tread - designed for the multidirectional movement of the vehicle - adopts the same characteristic honeycomb pattern of the inside of the tire.


auto123.com :

Revolutionary technology
Recently, Hankook tyres launched a brand new futuristic, even revolutionary tyre; the iFlex. These new wheels, which are made from synthetic polyurethane, are 95% recyclable. The sound comfort is said to be increased compared to a regular tyre and even the fuel consumption is said to be significantly reduced. In addition to being puncture resistant, the "airless", which is inspired by the tracks used on tanks and snowmobiles, has several advantages. 

Incomparable advantages 
Lighter than a regular tyre, the iFlex offers maximum shock absorption thanks to the notches in its structure. With no rims, this tyre is made up of a single component, maximising your safety. Such a tyre would be able to adapt to changes in the car and different types of road surfaces. In fact, when speed increases, the central band of the tyre sags, leaving a larger contact area with the ground, which favours grip. On the contrary, at low speeds, the central band retracts, limiting the surface of contact with the ground to the edges of the tyre, with the aim of reducing fuel consumption. This new technology is therefore simpler, more economical and environmentally friendly. For the time being, no date has been given by Hankook Tyres for the launch. 



ASSOCIATED TALENTS

Nature as a partner in transforming the world

We are a very small company with two partners and consultants. We offer skills assessments and training to support business leaders and their teams. One particular training course connects entrepreneurs with Nature in the broadest sense of the term. Our teachers are horses, wolves, trees, plants etc.


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Contact:

Sophie Marty Elissagaray

smarty@talents-associes.com

MYCOPHYTO

MYCOPHYTO, a Deep Tech start-up, is inventing tomorrow's agriculture with its mycorrhizal fungi, natural plant biostimulants


MYCOPHYTO was co-founded in 2017 by Justine LIPUMA, a doctor in microbiology, and Christine PONCET, an agricultural engineer. Spin off INRAE (INRA) and UCA (Université Côte d'Azur), it has received more than 12 awards since its creation.

MYCOPHYTO is to develop, produce and propose to agricultural professionals effective biological solutions by adapting scientific knowledge concerning mycorrhizal symbiosis.


A look back at the intervention of Mathilde Clément, R&D Manager, on the Biomim'expo stage in Marseille during the IUCN World Conservation Congress:


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Contact:

Jean-Nicolas Detourbet

jeannicolas.detourbet@mycophyto.fr

SIGNS

SIGNS laboratories: innovative solutions for animal welfare

Products that improve the living conditions and emotional state of production animals, laboratory animals, zoo animals and even humans.

SIGNS (Semiochemicals for Innovation Gathering Novelty and Sustainability), created in 2018, is the patent valorisation agency of Group-IRSEA, a world leader in semiochemical research. The two entities have developed a range of products based on synthetic pheromones copying nature, thus reproducing the beneficial effects for the animal.

Created in 1995, the IRSEA research institute isolated and reproduced the first pheromone in cats (Feliway), thus opening up new ways of understanding and communicating between and within species. Since then, numerous applications have been developed, notably in dogs (Adaptil) and horses (ConfidenceEQ / Equanimity) as well as in livestock (pigs, poultry, rabbits, sheep, goats, cattle, etc.).

The SIGNS laboratories are responsible for the development and marketing of products resulting from IRSEA research

IRSEA holds more than 300 patents and SIGNS Laboratories are in charge of developing and marketing the products resulting from this research. Today, SIGNS Laboratories market these pheromones and bring you natural and environmentally friendly products that meet the criteria of well-being and productivity.


Back to Alessandro Cozzi's intervention on the Biomim'expo stage in Marseille during the IUCN World Conservation Congress:


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Contact:

Manon FELICIAN

Head of the Communication Department Group-IRSEA

(+33) 4 90 75 06 12

m.felician@group-irsea.com

ECOCEAN

Marine restoration solutions

ECOCEAN, INNOVATION FOR AQUATIC BIODIVERSITY

Ecocean is a pioneering French company that acts and innovates in favour of aquatic biodiversity. Riparian and coastal areas are increasingly affected by human activities and many young fish in shallow areas are faced with a lack of natural habitats. In the life cycle of coastal marine fish, post-larvae (newborns) return to the shoreline and look for a suitable habitat for their development (nursery). However, this habitat is often degraded by human constructions: it is therefore necessary to act!

The origin: in 2003, ECOCEAN developed a unique know-how, that of the collection and breeding of post-larvae (PCC) for the sustainable development of marine resources and the conservation of the biodiversity of marine ecosystems. Ecocean has become the world leader in the PCC technique and has been granted Young Innovative Company status since its creation. It is also supported by the BPI. Our various experiences in the marine environment have enabled us to develop various exclusive applications in post-larvae capture and rearing techniques. Today, these applications are based on 4 areas of expertise: sustainable breeding, ecological restoration, the sale of fishing and breeding gear, and diagnosis.


LE MONITEUR / SEPT 2021

Ecocean keeps a tight rein on marine biodiversity


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Contact:

Sabrina PALMIERI sabrina.palmieri@ecocean.fr

JEREMY GOBE

Jérémy Gobé's work reflects a vision of art "in life". He encounters workers without works and materials without workers, objects without use and unshaped works.

In the course of his exhibitions in France (Palais de Tokyo, CENTQUATRE-Paris, Fondation Bullukian, etc.) and internationally (Bass Museum Miami, Hangzu China Museum, Shanghai Yuz Museum, etc.), his works propose a reconnection with nature.

Following the example of Auguste Rodin: "an art that has life does not reproduce the past, it continues it", Jérémy Gobé, inspired by ancient know-how, imagines global solutions to contemporary problems.

Since 2017 he has created Artefact Coralan art science industry project to save the coral reefs.


Participation in Biomim'expo 2020 :

Jérémy Gobé will be pleased to come and talk about his career, his passions, his commitments and his projects during a segment of the "Just like at home.

2pm - 2.30pm JOB ... "ARTIST - CORAL BREEDER. What is the relationship between art, science, industry and ecology? How does an artist who is sensitive to objects, raw materials and industry, and who is used to prestigious exhibition halls in France and around the world, find himself stunned one day by the resemblance between the pattern of a lace from Le Puy-en-Velay and the geometry of coral? To finally become an inventor-starter to save the coral reefs by developing coral stakes?

  • Jérémy Gobéinspired by ancient know-how, imagines global solutions to contemporary problems. In 2017 he created Artefact Coralan art science industry project to save the coral reefs.

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GREEN TURTLE

8 million tonnes of waste go into the world's waters every year. Green Turtle is the design of a waste-tracking turtle robot by students at ESTACA.

 

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Contact:

Clara MARTIN

2A Aeronautics

+33 6.75.61.56.24

clara.martin@estaca.eu

Green Turtle Communication Unit

Competition Manager

ESTACA Campus West

Laval-Changé University Park

Rue Georges Charpak - BP 76121

53061 Laval Cedex 9

 

SharkSafe Barrier Pty



SharkSafe Barrier Pty is a South African based start-up company. It's the first eco-friendly shark specific product to protect people and sharks. The SharkSafe BarrierTM is a product that has been developed to ensure the safety of beach goers from shark attacks, to prevent the loss of tourism revenue following these traumatic events and to stop the environmental damage caused by some of the protection measures currently used"Dr Sara Andreotti, Marine Biologist, PhD, is one of the founders. She explains:

We provide an efficient, inspired by nature, shark-specific and eco-friendly barrier to keep sharks separated from surfers and swimmers. The vertical units of our product are very robust, but the anchorage system is always the sore-point, because it must be custom-made to every different sea-bed. When we have rocks (or less than 50cm of sand) we use concrete blocks, but it will be ideal to do so while also promoting the growth of marine organisms. "


Here is a short video of the technology :

Contact:

Dr Sara Andreotti

Marine Biologist, PhD

COO SharkSafe Barrier Pty Ltd

Posbus 3135 Matieland

Stellenbosch 760, South Africa

https://www.sharksafesolution.com/dr-sara-andreotti/

Cell: +27(0)72 3219198

H2OPE

River Whale, the waste collector for river cleaning and ocean protection

H2OPE has developed a innovative solution for waste collection in the waterbased on the principle of a network of collectors capable of retain the waste circulating on along rivers.

After a detailed study phase, H2OPE places its waste collectors at strategic points in the watercourse where drifting or semi-submerged objects are likely to accumulate, similar to natural logjams. They are then recovered to integrate recycling and reuse circuits.


LES ECHOS / FEB 2020 / H2OPE deploys its river cleaning solution

The Alsatian start-up specialising in river cleaning conducted a successful experiment in 2019. It now wants to deploy its solution on all of Strasbourg's waterways, as well as in other cities. More ...

Other news and awards ...


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POLYNESIAN INSTITUTE OF BIOMIMETICS

The Polynesian Institute of Biomimicry is an association (law 1901) recognised as a training organisation. It is also an international network of more than 150 active members, with complementary and varied professional expertise, based on the different professions involved in the biomimetic approach: researchers, biologists, designers, engineers, architects....

It also benefits from the support of numerous partners, laboratories, research centres, universities and service providers, thus ensuring continuity in the implementation of the various projects and missions for the development of biomimicry in the Polynesian context.


The Institute focuses on 4 areas of activity:

  • Expedition, Ecotourism and Participatory Sciences. In partnership with Nani-travels, the Polynesian Institute of Biomimicry proposes a 5-day immersion in Polynesian nature and culture. It proposes to explore the Polynesian land and sea nature while discovering the inspiring and innovative power of Biomimicry. Training in the methods and tools of biomimicry is offered for the regeneration of coral ecosystems.
  • Project management and assistance: The institute is committed to supporting companies that call on them to co-construct a Biomimetic project.
  • The In-depth Training is a 1 to 3 day course that introduces participants to the concepts of bioinspired design. Throughout the course, fun workshops, explorations of Polynesian ecosystems and practical design exercises are offered to participants.
  • Biomimicry Initiations: The proposed experiments are there to create wonder and allow participants to better understand the intelligence of nature of which each one is a part. It is not enough to dive into the ocean to discover postcard-perfect landscapes, we must also be inspired by nature, live with it and take it into account in all our projects.

This is how the Polynesian Institute of Biomimicry fights, mainly, against the pollution of the oceans, because the cleaning of waste is not enough. Companies must innovate and create differently. Everyone can contribute to building a new economy based on Nature, innovative and regenerative of our beautiful planet...

François Briant's speech at the Biomim'expo digital week 2020

Focus on a project presented during the Biomim'week 2020 on Friday 11 December morning:

"Biomim4Coral": a bio-inspired coral nursery

The article in Tahiti Infos! 09 SEPT 2020 Biomim4Coral: a plastic-free coral nursery


The team


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