Building on the success of Goodyear's and TNO's integration of tire intelligence into antilock braking systems (ABS) showcased at CES 2024, this project further underscores the role of tire data in advancing automotive safety systems.
The AEB system, designed to help prevent or reduce the severity of collisions by automatically applying the brakes when a crash is imminent, has become a key focus in the automotive industry.
While existing systems are typically tuned for high-friction surfaces like dry asphalt, integrating Goodyear SightLine, the company's suite of tire intelligence solutions, can help the AEB system function effectively across a wider range of driving environments, including low-friction surfaces such as wet roads or ice. Through the contact patch with the road, tire intelligence can provide the AEB with deeper insights into actual tire and road conditions to enable smarter, more precise decision-making.
"Safety is a cornerstone of Goodyear's commitment to innovation," said Chris Helsel, senior vice president and Chief Technology Officer at Goodyear. "By providing critical inputs about tire and road conditions into AEB systems, we are helping OEMs and their customers take a leap forward in safety, well ahead of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) 2029 mandate for AEB systems in passenger vehicles. Beyond this mandate, AEB systems will play a critical role in automated driving, helping to provide a comprehensive safety solution at all times."
Recent wet road testing indicates that an enhanced AEB system incorporating Goodyear SightLine technology has the potential to assist in mitigating impacts at speeds of up to 80 kph (50 mph) by engaging braking earlier. Overall, the integration of AEB with SightLine insights on tire and road condition data helps ensure robust performance across diverse scenarios.
"TNO is dedicated to enhancing the safety, efficiency and sustainability of vehicles," said Martijn Stamm, marketing director, Unit Mobility & Built Environment, TNO. "Our collaboration with Goodyear aims to predict the braking distance of a vehicle in more conditions, like dry and wet asphalt, and trigger the AEB timely to reduce accidents and ultimately safe lives. This knowledge is a key enabler for a safe introduction of higher levels of automation."
This breakthrough positions Goodyear and its partners as leaders in delivering advanced safety solutions to meet and exceed regulatory requirements. As major OEMs and tier-1 suppliers prepare for the 2029 AEB mandate, the SightLine integration can offer a competitive edge in the race to build safer, smarter vehicles.
About The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company:
Goodyear is one of the world's largest tire companies. It employs about 71,000 people and manufactures its products in 55 facilities in 22 countries around the world. Its two Innovation Centers in Akron, Ohio, and Colmar-Berg, Luxembourg, strive to develop state-of-the-art products and services that set the technology and performance standard for the industry.
About TNO:
The Netherlands Organisation for Applied Scientific Research TNO is the largest Dutch independent research and innovation organisation. TNO connects people and knowledge to create innovations and evidence-based insights that boost the sustainable competitive strength of industry and well-being of society. Now and in the future. Together with our partners, TNO focuses in particular on the societal challenges of a safe, healthy, sustainable and digital society. This is our mission and it is what drives us, the 5,000 professionals at TNO, in our work every day.