Nexteer Automotive and Tactile Mobility have unveiled a software solution that aims to improve vehicle health management and safety and performance by detecting evolving tire conditions such as tire stiffness and tread depth. The system can also detect changing road surfaces such as dry, wet or icy conditions.
The partnership’s solution works as part of a vehicle’s steering system and by utilizing the latest software and virtual sensors it has the ability to measure tire health and other tire-related parameters.
Nexteer Automotive and Tactile Mobility’s software enables the monitoring and identification of tire tread depth, alerting the vehicle’s driver when a replacement tire is required. The transparent and proactive maintenance subsequently enhances vehicle safety.
“Our new road and tire detection software highlights how we’re combining Nexteer’s expertise in EPS software and steering feel tuning with Tactile Mobility’s sensing technology and data analytics to improve a vehicle’s connection to the road and enable even safer, more reliable driving,” commented Robin Milavec, president, CTO, CSO and executive board director, Nexteer Automotive. “We’re excited about the opportunities that this new software can provide to improve overall vehicle health management, safety and convenience for drivers in all road conditions.”
The companies’ solution employs machine learning and works by identifying patterns in road surfaces and tire detection data from more than 20,000,000 miles of driving. The system will continue to use machine learning to improve its ability to proactively translate road and tire conditions.
“We are excited to join forces with Nexteer, bringing our safety enhancing sensors to more vehicles, improving road and vehicle safety for everyone,” said Shahar Bin-Nun, CEO, Tactile Mobility. “With tactile insights, drivers will have previously unavailable information on their vehicle and the road conditions, providing them unprecedented insights to make safer driving choices. This partnership further enables us to address the rapidly growing need for efficient and reliable sensors in the automotive industry and to pave the way toward full autonomy.”
