Goodyear link-up to supply tire intelligence for autonomous heavy machinery

Akron, Ohio – The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and autonomous systems supplier for heavy machinery SafeAI have announced a strategic partnership to incorporate tire intelligence into the programming of autonomous heavy vehicles.

Based in Milpitas, California, SafeAI retrofits heavy equipment for autonomous applications in mining and construction, using a software platform with advanced, industry-specific artificial intelligence (AI).

The partnership, Goodyear said 10 Dec, will enable the companies to exchange site data to protect tire health, eliminate downtime and contribute to “a smarter, safer standard for the construction industry.” 

As part of the collaboration, Goodyear’s TPMS Heavy Duty rim-mounted sensors will be deployed at an active construction site in Cupertino, California. 

Goodyear will outfit a Caterpillar 725, retrofitted with SafeAI’s autonomous software, to capture pressure and temperature data and monitor overall tire health. 

The sensors, siad the tire maker, can identify and communicate adverse conditions before they cause maintenance issues and derail a project.

According to Goodyear, tire intelligence can help mitigate traditional inefficiencies in construction and mining sites, which could lead to unplanned downtime rates of 20-30%.

“No matter the vehicle – automobile, freight truck or dump truck – tire intelligence can help elevate safety, performance and efficiency,” said Chris Helsel, Goodyear senior vice president and chief technology officer. 

In addition to improving visibility and efficiency for site operators, the partnership, will provide Goodyear with ‘invaluable performance data’ for future innovation in autonomy and heavy equipment, Helsel added.