Pirelli Readies Advanced Tire-to-Vehicle Sensor

Pirelli & Co. SpA has developed a tire with an embedded sensor that transmits data back to the vehicle and a cloud storage system.

The company says it is working with several unnamed carmakers to integrate the technology into vehicle computer systems. The first models, including some electric vehicles, to feature Pirelli’s Cyber Car tires are expected to be available by year-end.

The tiny sensor, which Pirelli says will weigh less than one ounce, will measure a tire’s air pressure, internal temperature and tread depth. Information will be used to activate safety systems such as antilock brakes and traction control as well as adjust some other vehicle settings.

The tire sensors also can provide accurate weight measurements, which Pirelli notes will help improve real-time driving-range estimates, and tread wear to help identify maintenance needs. Information will be stored on the Pirelli Cloud, which motorists and fleet operators can access via a smartphone app.

Pirelli also is working on future upgrades that it says will provide data with every tire rotation. The company is testing the system on Ferrari’s LeFerrari-based 1,000-hp FXX-K track model.