Cimcorp parent Murata, Michelin co-develop ‘new-gen’ RFID modules

Kyoto, Japan – Japan-based Murata Manufacturing and Michelin have co-developed a new generation of RFID modules that are embedded into tires. 

The “robust” passive RFID tags require no external power supply and will continue to operate while being driven on for “extremely high mileages,” said Murata, the parent company of tire automation specialist Cimcorp Group. 

The “efficient and cost-effective” technology, said the Japanese group 12 Dec, delivers easy tire traceability and enables the management of inventory logistics, aftermarket maintenance, and recycling operations.

The new tags, according to Murata, have 'improved reliability compared to existing RFID tags with minimsed cost.'

“RFID technology is a key enabler to gain efficiency and optimise tire operations, but also to improve the customer experience while identifying tires and associating data,” said Jerôme Barrand, Michelin RFID programme leader

The new RFID tags, approximately the size of a grain of rice, have already been installed in more than four million Michelin tires, according to Barrand. 

From now on, he went on to say, the technology is also available to any other tire manufacturer.

Michelin currently uses the RFID tags in tires for commercial vehicles, such as lorries, buses and passenger cars. 

The French tire maker is working towards expanding this roll out to 100% of its tires from 2024.