There are estimated to be roughly 30 billion connected devices worldwide. CCTV cameras connected watches etc. - numerous fields of application for connected devices already exist and tires are no exception. Tires are, in fact, at the forefront of connected technology.
Connected tires are a fantastic technological driver for Michelin making it possible to exploit the tire’s full potential throughout its lifetime, making driving safer, enhancing the user experience, saving money and reducing the environmental impact while reconciling the economic, human and environmental impacts of mobility and assuming, of course, that there is a reliable source of data which can be correctly interpreted.
How to make tires smarter ?
How do connected tires work?
The smart tire leverages all the power of algorithms enabling pertinent data processing and analysis. So, how do you get a tire to talk? In order to communicate, tires need to be equipped with Tire Mounted Sensors (TMS), these sensors are designed to collect tire data - inflation pressure and temperature - in real time. It is then converted into actionable information by means of algorithms then sent to the vehicle using Bluetooth® Low Energy (BLE) technology.
Michelin connected tires also boast an integrated Radio Frequency IDentification or RFID chip. This tamperproof electronic chip works as a tire identity card that contains a unique identifier which memorizes all the tire’s information - from cradle to grave - including the place of manufacture and materials. This data is particularly important for recycling end-of-life tires and reusing high-quality second-generation materials.
These two connectivity solutions provide information via an interface, helping users optimize the potential of their tires and/or activities.
Another approach utilizes algorithms based on vehicle data. The algorithm is capable, for example, of evaluating tire wear or grip, or identifying a slow leak. This gives OEMs a panel of advanced functions encouraging them to adopt connected tires, which in turn fosters more sustainable mobility.
These two approaches are complementary and can be tailored to the needs of each customer.
Did you know?
Michelin is a stakeholder in the CIRPASS 2 project funded by the European Union to generalize information sharing and the use of the Tyre Digital Product Passport (DPP) to encourage recycling and contribute to the circular economy.
Michelin, a key player in connected tires
Michelin can boast over a hundred years’ experience in tire physics and vehicle dynamics underpinned by an unparalleled culture of customer service. Over time, Michelin has acquired an in depth understanding of tire usage and vehicle behavior, ensuring thorough and pertinent interpretation of the collected data.
This is enhanced by extensive expertise in cutting-edge algorithm design guaranteeing precise analysis of data to serve its customers. It is thanks to these distinctive know-hows that the Group has made a name for itself in connected mobility.
Moreover, Michelin also relies on motorsports as a real-world laboratory to accelerate research, testing and industrial development of connected tires. For example, Michelin was able to capture a vast amount of data from the tire sensors in the vehicles used for the ABB FIA Formula E World Championships between 2019 and 2022. With more than 200,000 connected tires fitted to mass-produced vehicles as well as mining equipment and aircraft, Michelin’s expertise in connected technology has already proved its value in multiple applications.
Michelin fits connected tires to mass-produced vehicles - there are now more than 200,000 connected tires on the road.
Michelin has over 15 years’ experience in connected tire technology
The first vehicles to benefit from Michelin connected technology were used in mining since 2007. Today’s mining vehicles are fitted with the fourth-generation Michelin Earthmover Management System, a powerful tire monitoring tool which is designed to cut maintenance costs, reduce vehicle downtime and boost operational security. Since 2021, Michelin has been fitting connected tires to Premium electric vehicles, alongside homologation projects that are ongoing with OEMs. The Group recently launched the first connected aircraft tire in partnership with Safran; it is designed to simplify maintenance for the airlines. Connected truck tires are next in line!
Connected tires: the next turning point in mobility?
Michelin patented its Radial technology in 1946. It went on to revolutionize the tire business, becoming the norm on all types of vehicles. Connected tires may well be the next revolution in mobility. Imagine a tire which is smart enough to tell you when it really needs to be changed, which helps optimize vehicle handling in real time and which also saves you petrol or battery life and is even traceable for simpler end-of-life recycling.
The data collected from Michelin connected tires and algorithms opens up huge potential for new features, bringing added value for everyone - businesses and individual motorists alike. A safer drive, more efficient and productive fleets, greater environmental protection... For Michelin, connected tires with what they bring as benefits are a valuable solution to deal with new mobility challenges.
Connected tires, the center of Michelin’s “All-sustainable” approach
Michelin is convinced that the connected tire will help it achieve its goals faster, reconciling economic, human and environmental priorities by enhancing the efficiency, safety and sustainability of transport.
Michelin Connected Fleet solutions already allow fleets to rationalize fuel consumption and cut downtime, but the Group intends to go further by leveraging data from connected tires and the algorithms used. By launching new functionalities on the market based on the state of wear of tires and their conditions of use (temperature, pressure, load, environment etc.), Michelin intends to continually create value for its customers by offering services such as predictive tire maintenance. Another argument in favor of connected tires: safety! The data from connected tires is used to ensure the right vehicle settings, guaranteeing a safer driving experience. Lastly, they make a significant contribution, environmentally speaking, by combating climate change and conserving natural resources.
Correct tire pressure combined with intelligent journey management translates into lower fuel consumption and fewer CO2 emissions. It also provides an opportunity to reduce material consumption by optimizing tire wear and improving end-of-life tire recycling, thereby regenerating as much material as possible. Michelin is ever more invested in its quest for innovative solutions with a positive environmental impact so it is hardly surprising that it is striving to speed up connected tire development.
PREDICTIVE TIRE MAINTENANCE
There is no doubt that connected tires will have a major impact on the transportation of people and goods. It is why Michelin is continuing to develop more and more connected services and is keen to make them easily available to all its customers.
Michelin already features among the leaders in connected tires thanks to its data-driven mindset and carefully honed algorithms, and will continue to explore all the possibilities data has to offer. When this expertise is combined with Michelin’s proven passion for innovation, curiosity and commitment to the planet, just imagine what the connected tires of the future might look like!