6 Jul 2026
Investment in Italian spin-off gives tire maker option for full ownership as it expands its ‘Cyber Tyre ecosystem’
Milan, Italy – Pirelli has agreed to acquire a 24.99% stake in Italian mobility startup RIDEsense as part of a strategic partnership to strengthen its ‘Cyber Tyre’ platform with advanced virtual sensor technology.
The agreement also grants Pirelli a licence to use RIDEsense's software and includes an option to increase its holding to 100% of the company in the future, Pirelli announced 2 July.
RIDEsense, a spin-out from the University of Naples Federico II and the MegaRide Group, develops "virtual sensors" – physics-based algorithms capable of processing data from sensors already installed in vehicles.
The technology is available both as software, implementing virtual sensors within standard production vehicle electronic control units (ECUs), and as hardware through the development of a dedicated platform, designed to provide direct access to the testing and motorsport markets.
By integrating these with Pirelli's in-tire sensors, the partners aim to enhance the ‘cyber tire ecosystem’ and expand its role in advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving.
According to Pirelli, the combined technology will strengthen existing safety functions, including aquaplaning detection, while enabling new capabilities in tire and vehicle diagnostics.
"More than 20 years ago, we embarked on the journey that led to the integration of data collection and transmission capabilities into tires, giving rise to Cyber Tyre technology," said Piero Misani, chief technical officer at Pirelli.
The agreement with RIDEsense will further expand the potential of this ecosystem by strengthening its software component, Misani added.
Pirelli’s cyber tire is claimed to be the “the world's first" integrated hardware and software solution capable of collecting data from sensors embedded in tires and processing.
The technology enables the transmission of data in real time to a vehicle's electronic control systems, allowing functions to be integrated with ABS, ESP and traction control.
According to Pirelli, the technology can also be used to monitor road infrastructure, with pilot projects already underway alongside public authorities.
The announcement follows Pirelli's confirmation late last month of plans to invest up to $1.2 billion in expanding US production capacity, including the development and rollout of cyber tire technology. (ERJ report)
Subscribe for unlimited access. A subscription to European Rubber Journal includes:
Already a subscriber? Log in here
