Our world is becoming increasingly networked. Vehicles and their surroundings are communicating increasingly and also fully automated
Goodyear SightLine: Tyre intelligence drives innovation
In this Goodyear SightLine system, data is an important key. Sensors and connectivity now allow tyres to talk to us – and there are many reasons why we should listen to them. “Smart” and connected tyres can not only help us save time and money and improve safety, but they can also provide valuable information for autonomous vehicles.
By 2027, Goodyear aims to reshape the world of tyres and service, delivering sensor-based and artificial intelligence and data in all of its new products. With a focus on fleets, autonomous, connected, electric and sustainable (FACES), it is transforming from a tyre company to a mobility provider.
Connected solutions Goodyear’s SightLine concept for smart tyre technologies includes connected solutions that, by using real-time data and a deep understanding of tyre dynamics, can help identify and solve problems before they become apparent.
“The idea behind Goodyear SightLine is to democratise tyre intelligence,” says Sosia Causeret Josten, Goodyear SightLine New Venture Specialist. “Tyre intelligence is nothing new. It already exists in specific applications available to all drivers and vehicles.”
Although SightLine is an overarching concept, the focus is on light truck fleets in construction, field service fleets and last mile delivery.
“In the first application, SightLine offers several options, from the complete solution with tyre sensors and a dongle that connects to the vehicle’s OBD (on-board diagnostics) unit, to a full integration with existing telematics systems that collect all real-time data to the SightLine cloud, where they are processed into an intelligent algorithm,” explains Causeret Josten.
“This connectivity gives fleet operators and drivers the opportunity to manage the fleet more efficiently by preventing tyre-related downtime and thus reducing downtime costs,” says Causeret Josten. a crucial advantage.
“As a digital product, new functions are constantly updated. The first phase of Goodyear SightLine functionality includes tyre damage detection, parked vehicle tyre monitoring and air pressure monitoring.
Expected future features are automatic tyre location, fuel consumption through optimal tyre pressure monitoring, tyre load estimation, current grip on the road, tyre identification and tread wear monitoring.
In the future, Goodyear SightLine will also be able to be integrated into the original equipment of automobile manufacturers, so that important safety functions can support vehicle control systems. Aquaplaning alerts and general tyre health monitoring will be useful features to come.
Cost and operational efficiency “In terms of customer experience, Goodyear aims to make the entire process of owning, maintaining and driving a vehicle more seamless and smoother,” reports Causeret Josten. For example, if a tyre might be worn out in the next 500 kilometres, an app would schedule an appointment with a preferred tyre dealer, which means that the day the vehicle is in the workshop, the tyres will be available – the driver does not have to worry about a thing. Everything is managed for him.” The result is higher efficiency and lower costs.
Performance-related functions are another area where Goodyear SightLine‘s technologies bring benefits, particularly when it comes to safety. “Regardless of the tyres you have, the ABS system usually reacts in the same way,” explains Causeret Josten. “However, if the ABS can recognise that the vehicle is driving on semi-worn summer tyres, it can react more quickly and reduce braking distances. This advantage can play a significant role in an autonomous future where the vehicle itself must react.”
Technologies like these can play even more important roles. In the future, if a vehicle’s tyres wear out, that vehicle may not start. For autonomous vehicles this can be an advantage that reduces the risk of accidents.
What other future benefits could the technology bring? Feedback on road and tyre conditions could be collected, promoting additional safety data. Tyre intelligence can also lead to precision improvements in ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance System) technologies, as well as related to connected autonomous vehicles. Connected and customised Goodyear SightLine is currently in the pilot phase and will contain many data subsets. It will be available in different packages to create more customised solutions for fleets. A global study group of over 1,000 vehicles is currently testing Goodyear SightLine with possible wider implementation in late 2022.
