#United States #Akron #Goodyear #TNO #AEB Technology

Goodyear and TNO Enhance Automotive Safety with Tire Intelligence

In a groundbreaking collaboration, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has teamed up with TNO, the Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research. This partnership is focused on the integration of advanced tire intelligence technology into vehicle safety systems, specifically Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) systems, which is set to revolutionize how vehicles handle adverse weather conditions.

Enhancing Vehicle Braking Systems

Recent developments have revealed how Goodyear is leveraging its Goodyear SightLine tire intelligence suite to improve the effectiveness of AEB systems. Traditionally, these systems have been designed primarily for high-friction surfaces such as dry asphalt, leaving vehicles at risk during challenging conditions like wet roads or icy surfaces. By incorporating real-time tire and road condition data, Goodyear aims to allow AEB systems to make smarter, more informed decisions.

Through tire data that measures the vehicle's interaction with the road, AEB systems can engage brakes sooner, significantly reducing the likelihood of accidents. Recent tests conducted on wet roads indicate that this technology could potentially mitigate impacts at speeds as high as 80 kph (50 mph), demonstrating the capacity to prevent crashes before they occur.

Meeting Future Safety Standards

As the automotive industry gears up for the 2029 AEB mandate from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the integration of technologies like Goodyear SightLine offers manufacturers a competitive advantage. This innovative edge is vital as major original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 suppliers strive to construct safer and smarter vehicles. Achieving compliance with upcoming safety regulations while exceeding current standards could put manufacturers ahead in this rapidly evolving market.

Chris Helsel, Goodyear’s Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer, asserts that “Safety is a cornerstone of Goodyear's commitment to innovation.” The integration of tire intelligence into braking systems supports OEMs' efforts to deliver advanced safety solutions, thus enhancing vehicle safety capabilities well ahead of regulatory deadlines.

The Role of Tire Intelligence in Automated Driving

As we move towards higher levels of vehicle automation, the need for seamless integration of advanced safety technologies becomes paramount. The brake systems designed collaboratively by Goodyear and TNO not only address current safety concerns but also lay the groundwork for future innovations in automated driving, ensuring robust real-time decision-making abilities in varied environments.

Martijn Stamm, marketing director at TNO, highlighted their dedication to enhancing vehicle safety, stating, “Our collaboration with Goodyear aims to predict the braking distance of a vehicle in diverse conditions and enable timely AEB engagement to minimize accidents.” This collaboration emphasizes the significance of tire intelligence in achieving a safer, more predictable roadway experience.

Paving the Way for Safer Roads

The successful integration of tire intelligence technology signifies a pivotal advancement in automotive safety. By providing deep insights into vehicle dynamics and road conditions, Goodyear and TNO are setting a new precedent in vehicle safety systems that could pave the way for safer roads and fewer accidents. As both companies continue to innovate and develop, the automotive industry stands to benefit greatly from enhanced safety measures.

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About Goodyear

Goodyear is among the largest tire manufacturers globally, operating 55 facilities across 22 countries and employing about 71,000 individuals. The company continuously endeavors to create cutting-edge products and services at its Innovation Centers located in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg.

About TNO

The Netherlands Organization for Applied Scientific Research (TNO) stands as the largest independent research and innovation entity in the Netherlands. With a mission to address societal challenges, TNO dedicates its resources to enhancing the safety, sustainability, and efficiency of vehicles.