The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and Gatik AI, Inc. have unveiled plans to extend their groundbreaking integration of tyre intelligence technology into autonomous driving systems, marking a pivotal advancement in the realm of self-driving vehicles.
Gatik, known for its autonomous fleet of Class 3–7 box trucks, has made remarkable progress in bolstering safety, precision, and overall performance in autonomous vehicles (AVs). By harnessing Goodyear's Endurance® RSA® tyres equipped with Goodyear SightLine technology, Gatik aims to elevate safety measures and operational efficiency across its fleet in the U.S. and Canada. The strategic implementation of intelligent tyre solutions is set to significantly enhance delivery reliability while fostering a safer transportation ecosystem.
Revolutionising Autonomous Tech with Tyre Intelligence
"Tyres are the vehicle's sole contact point with the road, playing a pivotal role in enabling vehicles to respond akin to a human driver," commented Chris Helsel, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at Goodyear. He emphasised the transformative role of Gatik in the autonomous tech domain, acknowledging that the real-time insights derived from intelligent tyre data can fortify Gatik's AV systems, rendering them safer, more reliable, and efficient.
Unveiling Performance Enhancements
Extensive on-road testing in diverse and challenging driving scenarios has been instrumental in garnering tyre intelligence data. This data encompasses crucial information regarding road conditions and tyre health, empowering Gatik to enhance its AV controllers with nuanced insights. Insights into cornering precision, braking stiffness, rolling resistance, and tyre load enable Gatik's fleet to adeptly navigate varying road conditions, even amidst changes in truck payload or mass during deliveries.
Real-Time Data Integration for Performance Gains
The integration of Goodyear SightLine technology and Gatik's autonomous driving systems forms a real-time feedback loop. This seamless communication channel facilitates continuous data exchange, empowering Gatik to adapt swiftly and safely to dynamic road conditions.
Strategic Collaborative Testing for Safety
The collaborative partnership between Goodyear and Gatik extends to rigorous testing at Goodyear's San Angelo, Texas, Proving Grounds. These tests encompass a wide array of road scenarios, from routine traffic signals to evasive manoeuvres and precise lane-keeping, ensuring Gatik's AVs are well-equipped to handle diverse situations.
Future Endeavours
Looking ahead, Goodyear and Gatik are poised to integrate Goodyear's advanced predictive road condition monitoring solution into Gatik's autonomous driving systems. This incorporation aims to optimize operations, ensuring consistent and reliable transportation of goods for Gatik's extensive customer base.