Intelligent Tyre From Nokian Links To Driver’s Mobile Phone

Finnish tyre manufacturer Nokian is claiming a world first by developing an intelligent tyre technology system that communicates directly with the driver’s mobile phone, sending real-time data on tyre pressures and temperature. Unlike other monitoring systems, there is no need for an additional display monitor in the car/truck. A chip in the tyre acts as a measuring instrument, transmitting data to the driver’s mobile phone, which has to be Bluetooth-enabled in order to receive the information.

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless connectivity system, developed jointly by a number of companies involved in the communications field. The technology (for which there is a patent pending) is in its early days, but later Nokian hopes that there will be applications in many other areas, such as the prevention of aquaplaning, monitoring of tyre wear, anti-theft devices, monitoring vehicle location and in logistics applications. Kim Gran, President and CEO of Nokian Tyres, says that the company is in the process of choosing partners for the various application areas, adding: “With the intelligent tyre technology system, Nokian Tyres has entered a new area of technology and business.

” The company expects to be in a position to globalise and commercialise the business during next year, with the first applications being on truck and van tyres and high-speed passenger car tyres. Nokian has developed the intelligent tyre system in cooperation with Flextronics International, Nokia, The Technical Research Centre of Finland and VTI Hamlin. .