Pirelli and Bosch develop software-based smart tires

Pirelli and Bosch plan to jointly develop tires that incorporate sensors that can send data directly to the vehicle's on-board computer.

These software-enhanced tires will provide “greater safety, comfort, sustainability, and improved driving dynamics,” the companies said. According to the companies, this will be made possible by using data from the tires to fine-tune software-controlled features to suit different road conditions. [Pirelli and Bosch have already demonstrated this concept with the Pagani Utopia Roadster tire. To better control the 852 hp generated by the Utopia's twin-turbo 6.0-liter V12, a specially developed, Bosch-supplied stability control system and sensors connected to ABS and traction control systems have been incorporated. version of the Pirelli P Zero Trofeo RS.

As vehicles become more fuel efficient or completely abandon the internal combustion engine in favor of electric powertrains, tire wear becomes a larger part of the overall environmental impact. While Pirelli is looking to software to improve sustainability, some rival tire manufacturers are focusing on alternative materials.

In 2023, Continental discussed making tires from rice husks and plastic bottles to achieve its goal of having all tires made from sustainable materials by 2050. Bridgestone already makes tires from rubber from a desert shrub called guayule, which is native to the southwestern United States and has been demonstrated at IndyCar races.

Airless tires are another possibility. Since air pressure does not need to be maintained, punctures and sidewall damage are not a problem, and tires last longer. They also add a margin of safety by avoiding the risk of blowouts.