Goodyear advancing tyre intelligence with TDK & ZF

With the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) now in full swing in Las Vegas, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has taken the opportunity to talk about its work in the field of tyre intelligence technologies. This includes new joint development with specialists such as TDK Corporation and, separately, ZF.

Developing tyre sensing system with TDK

The collaboration between Goodyear and TDK focuses on accelerating the development and adoption of integrated intelligent hardware and software into tyres and vehicle ecosystems. Together, the organisations plan to bring to market a “robust” tyre sensing system that combines TDK’s software, sensor and electronic component expertise with Goodyear’s know-how in tyre development, intelligent solutions and industry trends.

“As the automotive industry continues to technologically advance, so too does the need for real time intelligence from the road to the tyre to the car,” says Jim Tran, TDK Corporation’s general manager, Americas HQ and deputy general manager, Technology & Intellectual Property Center. “This alliance will have the joint benefit of accelerating both technology and customer access to the highest performance sensor technology in the market. We look forward to this collaboration with Goodyear, a worldwide market leader in the automotive segment.”

Goodyear and TDK are in the process of conducting market research and technical exploration for a joint solution that delivers actionable insights improving vehicle performance, safety and efficiency. “Working with influential organisations like TDK is essential to further innovate in the intelligence space,” states Chris Helsel, Goodyear’s senior vice president, global operations, and chief technology officer. “TDK’s expertise in the sensor and electronics space will be instrumental in maximising the utility of what a tyre can provide.

“We are driving toward a mobility future where vehicles themselves are smarter, safer and more sustainable. Collaborations like this one can play a critical role in achieving these objectives.”

Deeper connection to the road

Goodyear has also announced the “successful integration of tyre intelligence technologies with vehicle motion control software” together with vehicle systems company ZF. The collaboration delivers Goodyear SightLine suite of tyre intelligence technologies, into ZF cubiX, a scalable vehicle motion control software that coordinates all dimensions of vehicle dynamics. This provides further tyre and road data into the chassis system and enables an improved driving experience with better comfort, control and efficiency.

“Goodyear SightLine will deepen our connection to the road and expand the scope and value of cubiX by supporting the era of software-defined vehicles,” says Martin Fischer, head of the ZF Chassis Solution division. “By joining our ecosystems, our customers will unlock a range of possibilities to customise and optimise their solutions in both vehicle motion and tyre intelligence.”

Through research, virtual simulation and real-world testing, Goodyear and ZF have identified the potential of an integrated solution in improving vehicle performance and safety. Reducing the risk of hydroplaning, the Goodyear SightLine solution is capable of detecting partial hydroplaning early and offers recommendations for optimal speed to enhance vehicle control. Moreover, when heightened hydroplaning severity is detected, equipped with tyre intelligence data, the cubiX software is designed to instruct the chassis actuators to apply corrective measures, stabilising the vehicle.

Additionally, the synergy between Goodyear SightLine and cubiX capabilities can provide enhanced vehicle responsiveness, more direct and linear steering, improved turn-in response, increased stability, reduced controller workload and minimised intrusive interventions.

“Tyres are the only part of the vehicle that touch the road and by digitising this connection and equipping vehicle control actuators with critical insights, we can help optimise vehicle performance and safety,” explains Chris Helsel. “This collaboration with ZF is a great way to demonstrate what tyre intelligence, actionable insights and elite software applications can do for mobility.”