Goodyear has revealed a new generation of smart tyres designed to enhance vehicle safety by integrating advanced sensors that detect slippery road conditions.
The new technology, showcased at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, aims to improve automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems in challenging environments such as rain, snow and ice.
Adapting to low-friction conditions
Developed in collaboration with Dutch research organisation TNO, the smart tyres incorporate sensors that measure tyre-to-road friction. This data is transmitted to the vehicle's AEB system, allowing it to respond more effectively to potential collisions.
Werner Happenhofer, vice president of tyre intelligence and e-mobility solutions at Goodyear, said to The Verge, "The AEB can be assertive way earlier. They say, oh well, wait a minute, my maximum deceleration potential is probably just half a G because of the lower friction potential. Hence the system would react way earlier if it spots a situation where a crash is imminent."
SightLine operates at speeds of up to 80km/h, improving braking performance on slick surfaces where traditional systems struggle.
Advancing tyre intelligence
Goodyear’s SightLine technology was initially introduced in 2021 with features like air pressure monitoring and wear detection.
The latest iteration advances these capabilities by sensing road friction, providing automakers with a tool to meet stricter AEB requirements.
Chris Helsel, Goodyear’s vice president for global innovation and chief technology officer, described the technology as an extension of Goodyear’s existing work.
He stated, "Success out of this is [automakers] reach out [to us] and say, ‘Oh, hey, let’s see how you can help us meet that regulation.’"
Helsel also emphasised that tyres are often underestimated as a critical component in meeting safety regulations, highlighting the unique role of this innovation.
Addressing industry challenges
Under new US regulations, all vehicles sold from 2029 must include AEB systems capable of detecting vulnerable road users, such as cyclists and pedestrians, even at night.
In New Zealand, while AEB is not yet mandatory, it is increasingly promoted through ANCAP safety ratings, which incentivise manufacturers to include this technology.
The Ministry of Transport has also identified AEB as a key feature under consideration for future regulations, aligning with international safety standards.
While automakers have expressed concerns about the feasibility of meeting these standards, Goodyear’s technology could bridge the gap.
The tyres integrate seamlessly with existing systems, adhering to automotive-embedded software standards.
Despite its potential, the SightLine-equipped tyres remain a concept for now. Goodyear spokesperson Caitlyn Duran clarified that the current release serves as a technology demo, highlighting the system’s potential benefits rather than an imminent commercial product.
By addressing braking challenges on low-friction surfaces, Goodyear’s smart tyres demonstrate the transformative potential of tyre technology.
As regulations tighten, innovations like SightLine could play a critical role in shaping safer roads for all users.
