AKRON—Already driverless, Goodyear's next-generation Starship Technologies robots are going airless.
The world's third-largest tire company said Jan. 5 that it is testing a non-pneumatic tire for use on its Starship delivery system, a network of more than 1,000 last-mile, autonomous robots that carry and deliver packages and groceries directly to customers.
The Starship Technologies is a portfolio company of Goodyear Ventures, a research and development division of Goodyear.
"We are excited to extend our unique airless tire architectures into new forms of mobility," said Michael Rachita, Goodyear's senior program manager for non-pneumatic tires. "The micro delivery space presents a different set of needs as it relates to the tire, and our NPT technology is ideal to meet those needs to help enable a maintenance-free and long-lasting experience."
The airless tire was developed in response to Starship Technologies' push to extend tire life and reduce maintenance activities on the tire, according to Goodyear.
Testing will take place at Bowling Green State University. Early results have been positive as they relate to treadwear, braking and vibration dampening, the company said.
"Our delivery robots make thousands of deliveries every day in all types of weather conditions and terrain," said Siim Viilup, mechanical engineering manager, Starship Technologies. "To make sure we can keep up with the growing demand for our services, we need tires that are reliable and keep our robots on the move around the clock and around the globe. It's great to see these new tires offering reliability as well as cost savings as we scale our business."
Starship was founded by Ahti Heinla and Janus Friis, who is Skype chief architect and co-founder. Alastair Westgarth is CEO.
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