Autonomous cars are just around the corner and this means that relevant problems and issues need to be tackled before they surface. Yes, that is the problem posed by new technologies; you have to be sure about the pros and cons and be ready to tackle anything that might hamper the development of new technology. Considering all this, at the 86th Geneva International Motor Show, Goodyear has unveiled two concept tires that have been designed specifically for the autonomous cars of tomorrow. The two designs include one tire that is capable of making the car move sideways while the other one is capable of sensing road conditions and then adapt to them.
Eagle-360
The first concept that was unveiled is known as Eagle-360. Yes, the name says it all actually. This is the spherical tire that connects to the car via magnetic levitation instead of axles and is thus capable of rotating on any axis in any direction. This allows the car to become highly maneuverable and renders it capable of navigating smaller car parks and become highly efficient in utilizing the road space.
It also features sensors that allow it to gain information about local environment and is capable of carrying out communication with other vehicles or the local traffic control system. It also monitors the tread along with tire pressure and rotates itself to maintain an even wearing out of surface and thus, provide longer mileage.
The tread features a 3D printed biomimetic design that mimics the pattern of brain coral; it works like a natural sponge, stiffening in dry condition and softening in the wet for reduction pertaining to aquaplaning and subsequently improves handling.
Intelligrip
The other concept tire revealed has been named as Intelligrip. This one sports the idea that is already being worked upon. Although it looks like a conventional tire, it is capable of communicating with autonomous vehicle’s control system and can ascertain the road surface and weather conditions via advanced sensors. It monitors the wear of tire and also the pressure and temperature of tire. It has been designed to work in collaboration with the anti-collision systems and is capable of automatically detecting and adapting to road conditions while also capable of adjusting the cornering, stopping distance and stability.
Joseph Zekoski, Goodyear’s senior vice president and the chief technical officer says, “By steadily reducing the driver interaction and intervention in self-driving vehicles, tires will play an even more important role as the primary link to the road. Goodyear’s concept tires play a dual role in that future both as creative platforms to push the boundaries of conventional thinking and testbeds for next-generation technologies.”
