Revolutionizing the Road: Airless Tires Poised to Become a Reality – Discover the Latest Designs!
Exciting advances in tire technology are on the horizon, with airless and 3D-printable tires soon becoming a reality for vehicles and bikes.
Michelin, in collaboration with General Motors, is working to introduce the UPTIS (Unique Puncture-proof Tyre System) by 2024. This groundbreaking tire design eliminates the need for air, using a composite rubber and high-strength resin-embedded fiberglass structure to support the vehicle’s weight. Michelin claims that UPTIS will require “near-zero” maintenance and could prevent 200 million punctured car tires from ending up in landfills each year, offering significant environmental and economic benefits.
But the innovations don’t stop there.
At the 2017 World Summit on Sustainable Mobility, Michelin unveiled the ‘Vision’ concept—an airless, puncture-proof tire made from biodegradable materials. This 3D-printed tire supports the vehicle with an advanced internal architecture and includes sensors that provide real-time condition updates via an app.
Goodyear also showcased the ‘Oxygene’ tire in 2019, featuring living moss that absorbs carbon dioxide and moisture, producing oxygen through photosynthesis. This innovative design not only enhances vehicle performance but also contributes to environmental sustainability.
These technologies extend beyond cars. Airless and 3D-printable tires are being developed for bicycles, ride-on lawnmowers, and other vehicles. For example, BigRep has created a 3D-printed bicycle tire that mirrors the advanced designs of Michelin’s automotive prototypes. This tire can be customized in terms of tread pattern and wheel size, offering a glimpse into the future of cycling.
While these innovations are still in development, they represent a significant leap forward in tire technology, promising to transform how we think about and use tires in the near future. For more insights and updates on cutting-edge automotive advancements, visit driving.org.