Smart Tires That Report Road Conditions Are Coming
▼ Summary
– Pirelli’s Cyber Tire technology has expanded from high-performance cars to traffic agencies and multiple OEM clients.
– The Cyber Tire wirelessly transmits tire temperature, pressure, and specific tire information via Bluetooth Low Energy.
– It enables vehicles like the Pagani Utopia to customize ABS and ESC systems based on the specific tires installed.
– Bosch has partnered with Pirelli to implement this technology for other automotive manufacturers beyond Pagani.
– Pirelli is actively working on multiple Cyber Tire integration projects globally, including in Europe, China, England, and Korea.
The next generation of automotive intelligence is rolling out, not just within the vehicle’s computer, but literally where the rubber meets the road. Pirelli’s sensor-embedded Cyber Tire, initially showcased on high-end supercars, is evolving beyond simple performance metrics to become a vital data source for traffic management systems. This technology represents a significant leap from basic tire pressure monitoring, using Bluetooth Low Energy to transmit real-time information on temperature, pressure, and unique tire characteristics directly to the vehicle’s onboard systems.
Following its debut on the McLaren plug-in hybrid supercar, Pirelli has aggressively advanced the capabilities of its smart tire. A notable development occurred with the creation of Cyber Tires for the Pagani Utopia, where the system enabled the hypercar to dynamically adjust its antilock braking (ABS) and electronic stability control (ESC) systems. This customization is a game-changer, as standard vehicle calibrations are typically a one-size-fits-all solution, regardless of the specific tires installed.
The performance gap between different tire types is substantial. A high-performance summer tire behaves entirely differently from a dedicated winter tire due to variations in rubber compound, tread design and depth, and overall structural stiffness, including the sidewalls. The Cyber Tire technology allows a vehicle like the Utopia to recognize these differences and optimize its safety and handling systems accordingly, providing a level of personalized performance previously unimaginable.
While such hypercar applications might seem like a niche concern, the technology is rapidly moving toward mainstream adoption. Bosch, which collaborated with Pirelli on the Pagani integration, has since entered a partnership with the tire manufacturer to extend this capability to its other original equipment manufacturer (OEM) clients. This expansion is already bearing fruit, with Aston Martin announcing just last month its intention to adopt the Cyber Tire system.
According to Piero Misani, Pirelli’s Chief Technology Officer, the pipeline for this innovation is robust. “There are plenty that I cannot yet mention now that are in an advanced phase of proof of concept,” Misani revealed. The initial demonstrations utilized Pirelli’s own AMG vehicle, but the company is now actively integrating the technology with several new OEM partners. He confirmed active development, stating, “We are already working with two projects in Europe and two projects in China, for example, and this will lead to another one in England, Korea. We will start in January, and this will lead for sure to effective projects in the future.” This global rollout signals a future where your car’s tires are a key component of its intelligent driving ecosystem.
(Source: Ars Technica)