Michelin introduces AGV-specific port tyre

Michelin has launched what it calls the “first tyre specifically designed for automatic guided vehicles (AGV) operating in ports.” This is the Michelin X AGV^EV, which the tyre maker currently offers in one size – 18.00 R 25 – through its dealer networks in Europe and Asia. Michelin intends to extend availability to other regions at a later date.

“The Michelin X AGV^EV means that port operators now have access to a tyre engineered to meet their AGV requirements in terms of performance, reliability, productivity, and safety,” shares Michelin. “It is also the first time a port tyre has been ‘EV’ marked, indicating that it contributes to reducing machine emissions, and increasing battery life on electric vehicles, due to its very low rolling resistance.”

AGVs are becoming an increasingly common sight in ports as their high levels of productivity and safety help optimise operations. While numerous ports in Asia, Europe and North America currently use these machines, until now no tyres specifically designed for these vehicles were available in the market.

According to Michelin, the main features of the X AGV^EV are:

Smooth running and optimal reliability: Michelin designed the tyre to resist damage and says that this, together with its slick tread pattern, ensures long lasting reliability.

Robustness: The development team optimised the tyre’s construction to cope with high vehicle and load weights.

Very low rolling resistance to save energy: As most AGVs are now electric, Michelin has taken care to ensure minimal energy consumption, making it the perfect fit for electric vehicles.

TPMS-ready: The tyre comes with a specific patch inside that allows for easy fixing of the Michelin TPMS sensor that monitors pressure and temperature in real time. Michelin describes this as a peace of mind solution for driverless vehicles where there is no operator to perform regular visual checks of the tyres.

Specifically developed to meet customer needs

“As work environments such as ports evolve with automation and electrification becoming key driving trends, the Michelin X AGV^EV is living proof of Michelin’s dedication to innovation and a customer-centric approach,” comments Dominique Morel, business segment manager for Ports and Ground Support Handling at Michelin. “While AGVs have been growing in numbers around the globe, we see them equipped with tyres for reach stackers or other machines rather than with dedicated solutions that better meet the specific requirements of their application.

“As a result, we took the opportunity to develop this tyre specifically for our customers’ needs. These include tyre performance, reliability and productivity, and it will also help terminal operators develop a more sustainable ecosystem with their AGVs, due to its low rolling resistance.”