TURIN, Italy—Pirelli & C. S.p.A. has claimed a world-first with the development of intelligent tires that are capable of detecting and transmitting information about road surface conditions via the 5G network, a move the tire maker said takes a step closer to full autonomy.
The Pirelli Cyber Tyre, which includes 5G enhanced ADAS (advanced driver assistance systems) services, was unveiled during a 5GAA – Automotive Association event in Turin on Nov. 14. It is designed to supply the car with data relative to the tire model, including mileage clocked and dynamic load as well as information on potential dangers on road surfaces.
"The tire is the only point of contact between the vehicle and road and, thanks to the technology which Pirelli is perfecting, it communicated with the vehicle, driver and, thanks to the potential of 5G, with the entire roadway infrastructure," Pirelli said in a news release. "... This information will enable the car to adapt its control and driving assistance systems, greatly improving the level of safety, comfort and performance. In addition, it will provide the same information to other cars and the infrastructure."
In a staged demo in Turin, a vehicle featuring the sensor-equipped tire detected a risk of aquaplaning and transmitted the information to a following car. The presentation, involving the use of 5G's ultra-high band and low latency was staged in collaboration with Ericsson, Audi, Tim, Italdesign and KTH.
By tapping into the potentials offered by 5G, Pirelli said it was able to place the tire in a "wider communication context" using the ecosystem of on-road transportation.