Still, in its prototype phase, Goodyear’s initial studies have shown that its Connected Tyres technology is able to reduce stopping distances by 30%
The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company recently surpassed 4.8 million kilometres worth of data from road tests and field trials with customers derived from its connected tyres. The prototype aptly named Connected tyres – those with embedded sensors – are able to “talk” to the vehicle and the road and measure characteristics of the tyre, leading to potential enhanced vehicle performance and safety.
Goodyear says that its initial studies have shown that the connected tyres can reduce stopping distance lost between a new and worn tyre by 30%. With the evolution of electric and autonomous vehicles, connected tyres and the impact they can have on stopping distance, communication with the vehicle will only increase in importance.
Goodyear’s connected, intelligent tyre system continuously measures and records tyre-derived information, which is paired with other vehicle data and connected to Goodyear’s cloud-based proprietary algorithms.
The intelligent tyres Goodyear says can measure tyre wear, load, inflation and temperature, along with road surface conditions, in real-time, allowing the vehicle to adjust and respond to these measurements and optimise vehicle performance.
“Consider someone driving on a slick, curvy road in wet conditions. The driver adjusts his movements by slowing down, tapping the brakes or avoiding sudden steering. But what happens when nobody is behind the wheel? The tyre is the only part of the vehicle that touches the ground and it can communicate vital information to the vehicle, enhancing safety and performance.”
Chris Helsel, Goodyear’s Chief Technology Officer
While Goodyear’s connected tyres are not yet available to consumers, the company is continuously testing connected tyres extensively with automakers, start-ups and more, developing custom products and solutions to help enhance safe riding experiences with eventual use by consumers down the road.