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DECODING
min / Published on 05/23/24

Michelin, leader in AIRLESS technology

For Michelin, airless mobility is an essential milestone on the road to more sustainable mobility. The Group has launched an ambitious research program to speed up the development of AIRLESS technology. Michelin’s technological leadership is already apparent in a number of applications including space exploration. 

Potential loss of control of the vehicle, lower productivity due to vehicle downtime, premature tire replacement .... these are just some of the many consequences of a flat tire impacting people, business and the environment. Michelin strongly believes that AIRLESS technology has a role to play in making mobility even safer and more efficient by combining excellent performance with lower environmental impact. To achieve this, Michelin can leverage its innovative power and indepth knowledge of the properties of materials, in particular composites.

From the “VISION concept” to “AIRLESS” technology - expertise boosted by passion

The VISION concept was unveiled by the Group in 2017 as a sustainable development model for tires. The four main characteristics of this model are AIRLESS technology, connectivity, the use of renewable or recycled materials and a tread that can be recharged on demand. With AIRLESS technology, the air is replaced by a revolutionary load-bearing structure securing wheel stability and guaranteeing a comfortable and safe ride. What lies behind such an amazing feat? Michelin has developed distinctive know-how in the design and production of innovative materials based on materials science. Expertise in composite solutions built on the ability to blend materials of very different types is a major differentiating factor and allows Michelin to be best in class in AIRLESS technology.

Pneu vision

The various benefits of AIRLESS technology

For Michelin, no development project can be tackled without factoring in all its economic, social or environmental impacts. The Group has chosen an “All sustainable” approach. One of its main drivers is innovation and Michelin’s AIRLESS technology certainly fits the bill.

In a world of finite resources, one of the most important environmental features of any object, including tires, is that they last longer. Yet, every year, 20%1 of tires are scrapped prematurely because of a flat (12%) or irregular wear (8%) as a result of inappropriate tire pressure (8%). That’s the equivalent of 200 million tires. These situations could be avoided thanks to AIRLESS technology. Another major advantage of AIRLESS solutions is the cost factor; reducing vehicle downtime boosts productivity and avoiding premature tire replacement saves money. Moreover, maintenance is quicker as it is no longer necessary to check tire pressure. Lastly, it guarantees peace of mind and additional safety for everyone on the road which is a definite advantage.

1 Internal "scrapyard" study (2012-2015) based on a sample of 135,000 tires and extrapolated globally (estimated 1 billion end-of-life tires every year). 

Tweel, Uptis, Michelin Lunar Airless Wheel… three AIRLESS solutions for three separate applications

TWEEL, AIRLESS technology applied to construction and handling machinery

 
TWEEL tires are puncture-proof thanks to their tough tread and flexible spokes designed to bear the weight of the vehicle; in terms of behavior, they are the same as standard tires.
Launched in 2012, TWEEL tires have already performed well on the market, proving their multiple benefits: easy mounting, exceptional operator comfort, improved productivity, damage resistance and enhanced durability.
A TWEEL range exists for a whole variety of vehicles and equipment such as compact loaders, handling equipment and all-terrain utility vehicles.
airless tire for construction equipment - Michelin

Did you know?

TWEEL is a portmanteau of tire and wheel clearly illustrating that it is a combination of the two. This innovation saw the light of day at the Michelin Research Center in Greenville, South Carolina. 

Uptis, AIRLESS technology applied to cars and light vehicles 

 
The subject of more than 50 patents related to the tire’s structure and high-tech materials, MICHELIN UPTIS encapsulates the vast know-how that Michelin has acquired in 130 years, particularly in the field of high-tech materials. It combines an aluminum wheel and a flexible load-bearing structure made from glass fiber reinforced plastic (GFRP). As it has no compressed air, it cannot puncture. This tire mainly addresses the light utility vehicles fleet market for professional use dedicated to last mile deliveries. Michelin signed two sales partnerships in 2023, one with DHL in Singapore and the other with La Poste, the French post office. These partnerships provide an opportunity to test UPTIS prototypes in the extremely demanding real-world condition of last-mile deliveries: frequent stops, driving on to and off of sidewalks, highways, and rural roads in poor condition, repeated braking and acceleration, etc. UPTIS is currently the only AIRLESS solution in use on the open road and in real-world conditions. These real-life tests will be taking place until the end of 2025 and will help enhance the Group’s knowledge in this area thanks to advanced analysis and expertise.
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Did you know?

At the end of 2023, the UPTIS prototypes in circulation had already driven more than 4.5 million kilometers. 

AIRLESS technology applied to the lunar wheel  

 
Michelin belongs to the Moon RACER2 team which was tasked with conducting the feasibility study for the lunar terrain vehicle as part of NASA’s ARTEMIS project. The Group will be able to leverage its previous experience on NASA projects as well as its expertise in airless tires and its knowledge of high-tech materials to design a lunar wheel capable of withstanding extreme temperatures (over 100°C and below -240°C) and solar and galactic radiation, while preserving the vehicle’s battery life and providing maximum traction on aggressive, uneven ground. Michelin believes that the technical developments and scientific breakthroughs during the project will help the Group to continue innovating in applications back on earth! The next milestone will be in one year’s time when the Group presents its feasibility roadmap.

2 Michelin’s fellow members in the team coordinated by Intuitive Machines include AVL, Boeing and Northrop Grumman. 

MICHELIN Airless technology applied to a lunar wheel

Did you know?

This is not the first time Michelin has collaborated with the NASA. For 30 years - from 1981 to 2011 - Michelin was the exclusive supplier of tires for the main landing gear and the front auxiliary landing gear of NASA space shuttles. 

200

The number of tires which would no longer be wasted thanks to UPTIS = the equivalent of 200 Eiffel Towers in weight.

Source internal "scrapyard" study (2012-2015) based on a sample of 135,000 tires and extrapolated globally (estimated 1 billion end-of-life tires every year).
340°C

Temperature difference which the lunar wheel has to be able to withstand

So, is the Holy Grail within sight? Michelin’s unique innovative power has been responsible for numerous disruptive innovations which have revolutionized the history of mobility: the removable tire, the MICHELIN Guide, road signs, the Radial tire, the fuel-efficient Energy tire etc. By leveraging its unparalleled know-how in materials and constantly overcoming challenges, the Group has already acquired leadership in AIRLESS technology and is ready to make a dream come true: making flat tires a thing of the past.