Kumho links with SUM on smart tires, autonomous driving

Seoul – Kumho Tire has signed a memorandum of understanding with autonomous driving specialist SUM to develop integrated smart tire and autonomous driving technologies, as part of efforts to build a “next-generation intelligent driving ecosystem.”

Under the agreement, the companies will combine Kumho’s smart tire-based vehicle data with SUM’s autonomous driving platform, said Kumho 1 April.

The project particularly targets applications in unmanned transport systems and heavy-duty special vehicles.

The partners plan to cooperate on “technology for unmanned transport platforms within ports and logistics complexes,” as well as integration of smart tire and autonomous systems for medium-to-large and heavy-duty vehicles.

The scope also includes proof-of-concept projects, commercial testbeds and “data-based integrated safety and prediction systems.”

Kumho said its 'smart tire system' measures “tire pressure, temperature, wear, and dynamic load while driving.”

The system uses in-tire sensors and wireless communication, providing real-time data to improve safety, fuel efficiency and maintenance.

The company added that the collaboration will see these capabilities applied directly to vehicle control systems, including braking, to improve “operational stability and efficiency” in industrial and logistics environments.

SUM, which develops full-stack autonomous driving technology, is expanding its focus to logistics transport in ports and industrial sites.

“We expect to further advance smart tire technology, which is essential for the era of autonomous driving, through our collaboration with SUM,” said Kim Young-jin, EVP and head of R&D at Kumho Tire.

SUM CEO Hyun Young-jin said the partnership will combine both companies’ technologies to deliver “data-driven driving control and safety technologies” and “accelerate the commercialisation of next-generation unmanned transport solutions.”