Goodyear unveils concept tires for autonomous cars

Geneva, Switzerland – Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has unveiled two innovative new concept tires at the Geneva Motor Show, 3-13 March, which it claims can “reshape” the future of “autonomous cars”.

The spherical-shaped Eagle-360 was designed with features intended to enhance manoeuvrability, connectivity and 'bio-mimicry' for autonomous mobility, while the IntelliGrip, features an “advanced” sensor and treadwear technology.

"By steadily reducing the driver interaction and intervention in self-driving vehicles, tires will play an even more important role as the primary link to the road," said Joseph Zekoski, Goodyear's senior vice-president and chief technical officer.

Embedded sensors, it added, increase safety by communicating road and weather conditions to the vehicle control system while tread and tire pressure monitoring technology regulate even wear of the 360-degree tire to extend mileage.

The tires are also equipped with a 'magnetic-levitation' suspension system the car, which is said to ensure a smooth and quiet ride for passengers.

The tire’s 'bio-mimicry' feature is inspired by nature and includes a 3D printed tread which mimics the pattern of brain coral and behaves like a natural sponge.

The tread pattern is designed to stiffen in dry conditions and soften when wet to deliver good driving performance and aquaplaning resistance.

The Goodyear IntelliGrip concept tire is designed to communicate with autonomous vehicle control systems, sensing road surface and weather conditions for improved driving safety and performance.

According to the tire-maker, the sensor technology and the specially-designed tread in the concept tire, allow it to sense many road conditions, including both surface and weather conditions.

Goodyear also has developed algorithms that account for variables, such as inflation pressure and tire temperature for this tire.

The US tire-maker is working with a number of vehicle manufacturers to further adapt its technology to their needs.

Targets, it said, include enhancing connectivity and sensor technology with features such as electronic stability control systems, brake control systems and suspension control systems.