The growth of 5G is currently booming throughout the world, and is set to further enhance data connectivity and also IoT (Internet of Things) efficiency. In light of this, Pirelli is pioneering to be the first tyre company to integrate 5G connectivity in their tyre products.
The company dubbed the intelligent 5G equipped tyres as the “Pirelli Cyber Tyre” which is capable of transmitting information regarding road surfaces to the driver, as well as to the following car that is also equipped with the technology. Pirelli has been developing the tyre and its technology since 2010, with the goal of increasing road safety awareness to drivers in real-time when on the road. The introduction of 5G this year had tremendous impact on the Cyber Tyre’s development as it could improve communication between the tyres and its user with faster connectivity.
The intelligent tyre is equipped with an internal sensor that will provide the car with data relative to the tyre model, kilometers clocked, and dynamic load. A first for its kind, the Cyber Tyre could also transmit to the driver the data of potential danger on road surfaces such as the presence of water and poor grip. This information will enable the car to adapt its control and driving assistance systems, thus improving the level of safety, comfort, and performance. As mentioned earlier, it will also provide the same information to other cars and the infrastructure.
The intelligent tyre was demonstrated during “The 5G Path of Vehicle-to-Everything Communication” event organised by 5G Automotive Association which was held in Turin, Italy. Pirelli collaborated with Ericsson, Audi, Tim, Italdesign and KTH for the demonstration which showcased an Audi A8 that was equipped with the sensor-fitted Pirelli Cyber Tyre and connected to the 5G network. During the demonstration, An Audi Q8 – which was trailing the A8 a distance away – was pinged with a “water on the road” alert when the A8 drove on a part of the course that was drenched for the test. The demonstration proved that potential hazards can be alerted to the driver and other vehicles in a matter of seconds thanks to 5G connectivity.
With this, Pirelli is able to place the Cyber Tyre inside a wider communication context that could benefit the ecosystem of on-road transportation. Furthermore, this technology would also contribute to the development of solutions and services for future mobility, as well as the systems of autonomous driving.
