What are intelligent tires? When was the concept of intelligent tires established?
People don’t think too much about the importance of tires. Most of the time, people only give them attention when the air is low, or the tread is wearing off. Most people don’t realize that tires are directly related to accidents, vehicle handling, and fuel consumption. There is also a direct relationship between a tire and the vehicle it is installed on – while the vehicle manufacturer determines what the tire pressure should be, they do not determine what type of tire should be used. It is likely that the same make and model tire, on two different vehicles, will have different pressure settings.
Nearly 40 years ago, companies started connecting critical capital assets for remote monitoring and support, and this process evolved as OEMs added software, sensors, error codes, and internal diagnostics to aid in remote troubleshooting. From the Bosch bell that alerted drivers of leaking air to the RFID1 to rudimentary tire-pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), the concept of smart tires has come a long way. Today’s tires are smarter than you might think, equipped with various sensors that collect data and provide valuable information about tire performance, road conditions, and safety.
How do intelligent tires collect data?
Intelligent tires use sensors in the wheels to gather data on the temperature, pressure, and the surrounding environment. This imperative data is collected using various types of sensors, such as:
- Tire pressure sensors
- Temperature sensors
- Tread depth sensors
- Road surface sensors
Types of tire sensors
- Tire Mounted sensors are attached directly to the inner lining of the tire and provide pressure, temperature, and identification data.
- Valve Mounted sensors are attached to the inside of the rim. They feature information on pressure, temperature, and identification, as well as spare tire monitoring, tire fill assist, lock warnings, and tire burst warnings.
- Wheel Mounted sensors primarily record data on the tires’ air pressure and send it to the vehicle’s computer system. Some sensors even have more precise analytical capabilities, giving drivers the ability to analyze the pressure of each individual tire.
Benefits and value drivers of intelligent tires
Reliability
Intelligent tires are largely dependable; however, some factors can affect their reliability. Situations that may affect the efficacy of intelligent tire sensors include:
- Sensor quality
- Integration with vehicle systems
- Drastic environmental factors, such as very high or low temperatures
- User awareness of the tire’s warning system
Fuel efficiencies
There is a direct relationship between tire condition and fuel consumption, which ultimately has a major impact on operating expenses. According to the National Highway Traffic Association (NHSTA), tires can impact operating expenses by 10 to 15% in fleets. The average American family spends $5,000 annually on fuel for their vehicles, meaning that tire pressure alone can influence $500 to $750 of that cost. That’s just the impact on a single family – imagine how much these costs can affect the operating expenses of entire fleets of vehicles.
Increased availability
Major tire companies are already implementing smart technology for their tires. Even though TPMS was originally limited to high-end performance tires, the prevalence of AI is helping the technology become more widespread across all types of vehicles, including fleets of large trucks.
Increased safety and sustainability
By allowing drivers to have real-time, accurate information about the state of their tires, TPMS greatly augments the safety of the vehicles they’re installed on. In fact, the installation of these technologies will be required on all heavy commercial vehicles manufactured in the European Union starting in 2024. Further, intelligent tires can assist with sustainability efforts by minimizing the frequency of tire replacements and maintenance, ultimately reducing the number of tires that are discarded.
What are the use cases of intelligent tires?
Tire monitoring
- Pressure: Intelligent tires monitor tire pressure in real time and alert the driver if it dips too low.
- Temperature: Changes in temperature are signs that might lead to safety issues and blowouts. TMPS notifies the driver if the tire temperature is outside the normal range.
- Speed: Intelligent tires can help optimize speed by providing insights on terrain, condition, and performance. For example, intelligent tires might detect a change in road surface due to weather and notify the driver that slowing down might be safer and more comfortable.
- Shock: Shock detection capabilities can record data on road hazards such as potholes and prevent blowouts by monitoring for punctures and rapid air loss.
Understanding the tire lifetime
Tire lifetime is different for every vehicle, so it’s best to understand the signs that yours are ready to be replaced. Tires are considered “worn out” when the tread depth reaches 2/32 of an inch, however, the lifetime greatly depends on what type of vehicle you drive, what type of tires you use, and a variety of other factors.
Understanding factors influencing tire wear
Tire lifetime depends on a variety of factors, such as weather, road conditions, driving habits, and age. By keeping tabs on crucial elements of tire health such as tread depth and pressure, intelligent tires can help you keep track of and even extend the lifetime of your tires.
Fuel consumption monitoring
Rolling resistance – the energy your vehicle needs to send to the wheels to keep them moving at a steady pace – closely affects fuel consumption. If tire pressure is low, rolling resistance increases – escalating costs for consumers and contributing further adverse effects on the environment.
Applications of smart connected tires
- Tire manufacturers can identify defects or mishaps throughout the production cycle by using the real-time data provided by the tires throughout their quality and testing processes. They can also improve customer service by using this data for troubleshooting efforts.
- Vehicle OEMs can monitor the health of tires to better understand maintenance and replacement timelines.
- Dealers and retailers can use the real-time data provided by intelligent tires to offer customized recommendations for customers.
- Consumer and Fleet Owners can take action when issues arrive by receiving real-time data about tire pressure, temperature, and other safety measures.
Related questions
Can intelligent tires be connected with driving assistance devices?
Driving assistance devices such as electronic stability control (ESC) can be paired with smart tires. In fact, smart tires can provide more accurate information to these devices. Further, smart tires can help driverless cars maneuver challenging conditions such as snowy roads much more safely.
Does the collected information impact the vehicle?
Smart tires collect information to inform the vehicle’s control system in real-time. Weight changes on the traction can impact the safety and drivability of the vehicle – by analyzing the center of gravity using changes in the friction coefficient, smart tires can make swift adjustments to improve performance.
What is the future of intelligent tires?
Major tire manufacturers, startups, and other innovators are beginning to realize that smart tires open up a world of new possibilities by preempting tire failure, prolonging tire life, measuring tire wear and tread depth, and determining vehicle alignment. Smart tires provide opportunities for disruptive innovation through sensor output and the deduction of contact patch patterns using machine learning algorithms. Many industry leaders have strategically acquired telematics and fleet management service providers, recognizing that tire management is a key differentiator for future-proof fleet solutions.
Driving the Future of Intelligent Tires
Learn more about how Bosch is paving the way for the future of intelligent tires – and how they can boost efficiency, sustainability, and safety at your organization.
Learn More