Goodyear has developed a method of integrating its tyre intelligence technology into autonomous driving systems for small goods vehicles.
The new technology has been installed in Gatik’s autonomous fleet, resulting in improvements to the safety, accuracy and overall performance of autonomous vehicles (AVs).
The tyres are fitted with Goodyear SightLine technology, the company’s comprehensive tyre intelligence system. Through extensive on-road testing in a wide variety of challenging real-world driving scenarios, tyre intelligence data regarding road conditions and tyre health have helped Gatik to advance its AV controllers with insights about accurate cornering and braking stiffness, rolling resistance and tyre load.
This data, which is communicated between Goodyear SightLine technology and Gatik’s autonomous driving system through a real-time feedback loop, has enabled the fleet operator to yield numerous performance enhancements, including the ability to adapt swiftly and safely to a variety of road conditions, even when the mass or payload of the truck varies by delivery.
According to Chris Helsel, senior vice president, Global Operations and Chief Technology Officer, Goodyear, being the vehicle’s only contact point to the road, the tyre can play a pivotal role in enabling the vehicle to react like a driver would.
“By providing real-time insights through intelligent tyre data, we can support Gatik’s autonomous driving system to become even more safe, reliable and efficient,” he says.
Gautam Narang, Gatik CEO believes that the real-time data derived from intelligent tyre technology not only enhances the safety and predictability of autonomous vehicles, but also enables operators to maintain high levels of efficiency, reliability and delivery uptime throughout their operations.
The companies have partnered to conduct ongoing, rigorous testing at Goodyear’s San Angelo, Texas, Proving Grounds. Through this collaboration, Gatik is able to ensure its autonomous vehicles are tested extensively in a safe, closed course environment for both common and unusual road scenarios, including traffic lights, road signs, evasive maneouvtrs, tight turns, collision avoidance, precise lane keeping and minimum risk stopping distances.
There are also future plans to incorporate Goodyear’s advanced predictive road condition monitoring system into the autonomous driving system. This integration will enable Gatik to strategically plan its operations, ensuring a consistent and reliable movement of goods.
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