Enhancing Tyre Performance: AI and Big Data Revolution

We all know that artificial intelligence is gradually impacting various aspects of a vehicle, primarily the features driven by electronics. However, with time, the evolution of artificial intelligence is influencing the development of other components, with the latest one being tyres. Like in the case of various other components, the manufacturing of tyres has also come under the radar of the influence of artificial intelligence.

Various tyre manufacturers, like Goodyear, Falken, JK Tyre and Nexen, have mentioned how artificial intelligence is impacting the tyre industry. With developments in other technologies related to the manufacturing and performance of tyres, artificial intelligence will become more impactful with time.

Why Artificial Intelligence Holds Significance In Tyre Performance?

The fact that cars and even two-wheelers are becoming more dependent on electronics and automation involving artificial intelligence is not hidden from anyone. On the other hand, tyres continue to be one of those components which require periodic maintenance and replacement, the functionality of which depends on human inputs. Tyres are responsible for making vehicle contact with any physical object, making them susceptible to the use of touch-based sensors.

Due to this, there’s a possibility of making the performance of tyres more efficient and intelligent, thus leaving a huge scope for the use of artificial intelligence. Nowadays, vehicles have various sensors for optimal functionality of mechanical parts like brakes and engines. With artificial intelligence, roadgoing tyres can use data collected by such sensors and use them for their benefit in making them more efficient.

Use Of Artificial Intelligence In Manufacturing Of Tyres

The first step of the use of artificial intelligence in tyre manufacturing is in the process of making itself. For example, JK Tyres has come up with a range of Ultra High-Performance tyres, which use high-grade MFX polymer as one of its key ingredients in their excellence in longevity and stability during hard cornering.

The tyre manufacturer uses continuously-retrieved data for designing the grooves of these tyres to avoid aquaplaning. The computation and simulations for the designing process are done using algorithms carried out by artificial intelligence.

How Are Tyres Putting Artificial Intelligence In Their Usage?

Apart from the manufacturing process, artificial intelligence is also leading the path of the functionality of a tyre while it is under use. Take, for instance, the concept of the ‘ReCharge’ tyre developed by Goodyear, an intelligent tyre prototype using AI at its best. This prototype tyre uses AI to monitor a person’s driving behaviour and better the performance of a tyre using unique technology.

While it is in use in a vehicle, this unique tyre developed by Goodyear leaves behind a synthetic material inspired by spider silk’s carbon structure. This synthetic material is pushed through grooves by AI-driven interchangeable ‘pellets’ fitted to the tyre, thus rebuilding the exterior surface of the tyre alongside its wear. This material then mixes with the naturally-grown rubber of the tyre, thus increasing its durability and performance.