Upgrading autonomous vehicles with ‘intelligent’ tyres

Gatik's autonomous fleet, which includes Class 3-7 box trucks, has integrated Goodyear's advanced tyre technology, specifically the Endurance RSA tyres equipped with Goodyear SightLine technology. This integration is a significant advancement in autonomous vehicle (AV) technology, enhancing safety, accuracy, and overall performance. This year, Gatik aims to implement this intelligent tyre solution across a significant portion of its autonomous fleet in the US and Canada.

“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,” said Chris Helsel, Senior Vice President, Global Operations and Chief Technology Officer, Goodyear. “Gatik is revolutionising the autonomous technology space, and by providing real-time insights through intelligent tire data, we can support Gatik’s autonomous driving system to become even more safe, reliable and efficient.”

Gatik's AV controllers have benefited from tyre intelligence data, gaining insights on accurate cornering, and braking stiffness, rolling resistance, and tyre load through extensive on-road testing. The data, communicated through a real-time feedback loop between Goodyear SightLine technology and Gatik’s autonomous driving system, has enabled Gatik to swiftly and safely adapt to varying road conditions and truck payloads.

"The groundbreaking integration of Goodyear SightLine technology into Gatik's autonomous fleet is a first in the industry. The real-time data derived from intelligent tyre technology not only enhances the safety and predictability of our autonomous vehicles, but also enables us to maintain high levels of efficiency, reliability, and delivery uptime throughout our operations," said Gautam Narang, Gatik CEO and Co-founder.

Goodyear and Gatik have been conducting ongoing, rigorous testing at Goodyear’s San Angelo, Texas, Proving Grounds. This collaboration has allowed Gatik to extensively test its autonomous vehicles in a safe, controlled environment for a wide range of road scenarios.

Looking ahead, Goodyear and Gatik plan to incorporate Goodyear's advanced predictive road condition monitoring solution into Gatik’s autonomous driving system. This future integration is expected to strategically enhance Gatik's operational planning, ensuring reliable goods movement for its diverse customer base, which includes leading grocers, retailers, distributors, e-commerce platforms, and CPG companies.