Michelin's Latest AI Tire Technology Could Render TPMS Obsolete | Carscoops

      Michelin’s SmartWear system enters the AI landscape in tire technology, aiming to replace outdated monitoring tools and enhance vehicle safety while addressing data privacy issues.

      Michelin's innovative system has been created in collaboration with the tech company Sonatus. Critical tire information is stored within the vehicle instead of on the cloud. A 1970 Ford Bronco will showcase the new technology in January.

      Not only are vehicles becoming smarter, but tires are evolving too. At the upcoming 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Michelin will unveil a new range of tires that not only move but also think. Utilizing artificial intelligence, these smart tires can assess their own wear and deliver real-time updates on their status.

      The new system, crafted alongside Sonatus, analyzes various vehicle signals such as braking force, vehicle weight, cornering dynamics, and other conditions to provide precise insights into tire health. Named SmartLoad and SmartWear, this system could potentially supplant traditional tire monitoring technologies. Michelin anticipates that this innovation could yield global cost savings of $1.68 billion by 2030.

      Where Does the Data Actually Go?

      Michelin states that the system operates smoothly with the Sonatus Collector AI and can easily be adapted to various vehicle types. Significantly, all tire data is kept within the vehicle rather than being sent to the cloud, a feature that is likely to resonate with automakers and consumers who are mindful of data security and privacy.

      “Michelin SmartLoad and SmartWear highlight how our knowledge in tire physics and modeling transforms complex data into straightforward, predictive insights,” explained Ali Rezgui, vice president of Michelin Tire Digital Twin. “These solutions assist automakers and fleets in prolonging tire lifespan, enhancing safety, lowering expenses, and fostering sustainable mobility. Michelin SmartWear and SmartLoad are foundational elements of a comprehensive suite that will allow OEMs to integrate Tire Digital Twin technology in their vehicles.”

      Retro Ford Bronco Demo Meets Modern Tech

      To showcase the system's functionality, Michelin and Sonatus will demonstrate the technology at CES using a 1970 Ford Bronco equipped with the smart tire system. Attendees will be able to access real-time tire health data via Michelin’s MyTires app.

      Cyber Tire Faces U.S. Scrutiny

      Michelin is not the only tire manufacturer investing heavily in technology. Pirelli launched its own Cyber Tire platform in 2021, which collects significantly more driving data than traditional tire pressure monitoring systems, even identifying road surface conditions such as heavy rainfall.

      However, this technology has drawn scrutiny in the U.S. due to national security concerns, particularly as Chinese company Sinochem owns a 37 percent stake in Pirelli. This has led to increased oversight as the U.S. aims to limit Chinese involvement in connected vehicle technologies.

      New federal regulations will prohibit certain software starting with the 2027 model year, followed by hardware restrictions in 2030. Unless exceptions are provided, vehicles featuring Cyber Tire technology may soon encounter limitations in the U.S. market.