Conti Touts Future Tire Tech

Continental AG's new concept tire features several technologies to improve performance and monitor wear.

Dubbed Conti CARE (connected, autonomous, reliable and electrified), the concept system targets robo-taxi fleets. The supplier showcased the technologies at last month’s Frankfurt auto show.

One system uses sensors to continuously measure tread depth, temperature, air pressure and signs of damage. Such data could be relayed via a cloud network to fleet managers, who could pull a vehicle from service and/or schedule maintenance as needed.

The concept also can adjust tire air pressure while the vehicle is in motion. This is done via centrifugal pumps built into the wheel hub. During acceleration, centrifugal forces within the wheel act on the pump to compress air. The air can be stored in a small tank and used when the tire pressure drops.

Another technology features a modified outer rim that Conti says can reduce vibrations and improve ride quality.