Nexen taps virtual reality, AI for tire design

SEOUL, South Korea—Nexen Tire is introducing virtual reality and artificial intelligence technologies to its tire development process to evaluate the performance its tires and increase R&D efficiency.

Earlier this month, the South Korea-based tire maker introduced VR-based "high dynamic driving simulator" through a partnership with United Kingdom-based equipment supplier Ansible Motion, Nexen said July 22.

The machine, claimed to be "first of its kind" in South Korea, is expected to boost collaboration with car makers, shorten vehicle development times and reduce costs through accelerated virtual development.

VR tire development involves evaluating products using virtual tires with mathematically simulated performance, which eliminates the need for initial physical prototypes.

The machine simulates real-world conditions, allowing drivers to assess virtual tire performance.

According to Nexen, the equipment can "accurately predict tire performance through real-time simulations," incorporating precise tire modelling techniques to final products.

With the introduction of the driving simulator, Nexen said it planned to "predict and optimize" the performance required for OE tires in advance, reducing time and costs while boosting its market competitiveness.

"VR development reduces costs associated with raw materials, vehicles and space rentals while also shortening the testing period and processing time from prototype to finished product," it added.

The new simulator is the latest in Nexen's efforts to enhance tire development through new technologies.

In 2022, Nexen established its AI Performance Prediction System, which uses machine learning to predict key tire performance metrics at the concept stage.

The system enables tire developers to forecast essential performance characteristics such as fuel efficiency, noise, handling and grip, using extensive test data accumulated over time.

Nexen said it plans to further expand its application of AI technology using XAI (eXplainable AI).

XAI, according to the tire maker, generates answers to given test values while explaining and interpreting results and processes "to provide optimal design solutions."