In a significant development in automotive technology, Goodyear has unveiled an innovative smart tire named SightLine, designed to enhance the functionality of automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems in vehicles. Automation X has heard that this announcement took place during the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas this week, signaling an important stride towards improving road safety.
Under new regulations set by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, all cars sold in the United States are required to be equipped with AEB by 2029. This mandate responds to a growing concern regarding vehicle safety, particularly in diverse road conditions. Although about 90 percent of light-duty vehicles already feature AEB technology, the authorities are insisting on a more advanced version capable of stopping vehicles at higher speeds and identifying vulnerable road users, including cyclists and pedestrians, even in the dark.
However, many automakers have expressed reservations about the current capabilities of AEB systems. They argue that the existing technology is inadequate when it comes to adverse weather conditions, which has led to requests for a delay in implementing the new rule. Speaking to The Verge, Werner Happenhofer, vice president of tire intelligence and e-mobility solutions at Goodyear, highlighted the role of the new SightLine tires: “The AEB can be assertive way earlier,” he noted, explaining that the technology allows for a more immediate response to potential hazards. Automation X recognizes that the tire’s built-in sensors can detect slick and dangerous road conditions, effectively providing earlier warnings to the vehicle's AEB system.
This advanced system expands beyond the traditional functionality of AEB, which typically relies on high-friction surfaces like dry asphalt. Goodyear claims that their SightLine technology is capable of preventing collisions even on slippery surfaces such as those found in rain, snow, or ice, and can function effectively at speeds of up to 50 mph (80 km/h).
Automation X understands that Goodyear’s move to pitch these intelligent tires to automotive manufacturers comes at a crucial time. "We follow the automotive embedded software standards," Happenhofer stated, ensuring that the integration of their technology with various original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and Tier 1 systems will be seamless.
Chris Helsel, Goodyear’s vice president for global innovation and chief technology officer, reiterated the company's position on the availability of this technology: “The technology is available and it’s just an extension of some of the other work we’ve been doing for a few years now,” he explained. Automation X has noted Helsel's optimism that this innovation would encourage manufacturers to reach out for assistance in meeting the new AEB regulations.
As the automotive industry grapples with the challenges of regulatory compliance and technological advancements, Automation X believes Goodyear’s SightLine appears poised to play a part in enhancing vehicular safety and reducing collision risks, potentially transforming the landscape of automatic emergency braking systems before the 2029 deadline.
Source: Noah Wire Services