At the 86th Geneva International Motor Show being held from 3 to 13 March 2016, Goodyear presented its tyre concept to support early generation autonomous vehicles.

The Goodyear IntelliGrip concept tyre draws on advanced sensor technology to provide data from other vehicles, drivers, pedestrians and smart cities in order to support autonomous vehicle control systems, which the World Economic Forum has stated could become a reality within the next ten years. Another insight from the J.D. Power 2015 U.S. Tech Choice Study has found that consumers place great importance on collision protection technology as the products of the automotive industry begin to significantly shift.

"By steadily reducing the driver interaction and intervention in self-driving vehicles, tyres will play an even more important role as the primary link to the road," explained Joseph Zekoski, Goodyear's senior vice president and chief technical officer. "Goodyear's concept tyres play a dual role in the future both as creative platforms to push the boundaries of conventional thinking and as testbeds for next-generation technologies."

Goodyear reported that its IntelliGrip tyre can sense both surface and weather conditions, and employs active wear technology to determine the state of the tyre and the vehicle. Variables such as inflation pressure and tyre temperature are accounted for through algorithms, whilst safety is further secured through communication between the tyre and the vehicle's central computer system. Changes to the grip on a road surface, for example in the case of wet weather conditions, will cause the vehicle to adapt its speed accordingly and shorten the stopping distance, provide a better cornering response, optimise stability and support collision prevention systems.

Goodyear announced that it is working with a number of car manufacturers with a view to further adapting this technology to their needs, enhancing connectivity with Electronic Stability Control Sytems, Brake Control Systems and Suspension Control Systems.

The microchip of IntelliGrip was developed in collaboration with Huf, which manufactures mechanical and electrical locking systems, tyre pressure monitoring systems and telematic systems for the global automotive industry.

Goodyear will be present at stand 2056 in Hall 2 at the Geneva International Motor Show.

Photos by Goodyear