Nexen Tire wraps up AI-integrated tire R&D course with Seoul National University

Nexen Tire has wrapped up an industry-academia tire research and development program run jointly with Seoul National University's College of Engineering, aimed at introducing future engineering talent to AI and virtual simulation technologies in tire development.

The company announced Monday that the tire R&D course, conducted through SNU's Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering as part of the subject "Engineering Technology and Management," completed its first-semester schedule this year. The program is the first in Korea's tire industry to embed AI and virtual development processes into a regular university credit course. Over the semester, students covered the structure of the tire industry, the R&D process, and the technological changes required by the future mobility environment.

The course went beyond classroom instruction by linking students directly to active research facilities. On May 29, participants visited Nexen Tire's Central Research Institute, THE NEXEN univerCITY, in the Magok district of Gangseo-gu, Seoul, and toured its key research facilities.

A highlight of the visit was hands-on time with the High Dynamic Driving Simulator, which Nexen Tire became the first company in Korea's tire industry to introduce last year. The equipment recreates vehicle driving conditions in a virtual reality environment and is used to analyze tire performance. Nexen Tire is using the simulator to advance its virtual development process, which allows engineers to predict performance and refine designs before physical prototypes are built.

As electric vehicles and self-driving cars become more widespread, the performance demands placed on tires are growing more precise. The ability to predict noise, vibration and ride comfort — as well as energy efficiency, durability and braking performance — from the earliest stages of development is becoming increasingly important.

The final class included an awards ceremony for team project results. Vice Chairman Kang Ho-chan delivered a special lecture on the theme of "co-growth between a growing company and engineering talent," engaging directly with students. Kang said the shift in the mobility industry underscores the need for technology-driven management and highlighted the role engineering talent must play.

Beyond its partnership with SNU, Nexen Tire is expanding joint research with other leading universities. With SNU, the company is working to improve the design precision of winter tires through the independent development of a snow material property tester. With Yonsei University, it is building an AI-based tool capable of predicting noise, vibration and harshness at the earliest stages of design. With Hanyang University, it is developing AI-based performance prediction technology that uses multimodal data to analyze tire images alongside design parameters.

"As AI and virtual technologies emerge as core pillars of future mobility, we are deepening our collaboration with universities to secure advanced capabilities ahead of the curve and cultivate top engineering talent," a Nexen Tire official said. "We will continue to expand industry-academia joint research and education programs with leading universities at home and abroad to solidify our technology leadership."