An airless, connected tyre has been unveiled by Michelin.
Made of organic materials, the concept Vision product acts as a tyre and wheel and is 3D-printed.
“Michelin began by listening to people, from city motorists to race drivers, from farmers to airline pilots, from engineering equipment drivers to children barely old enough to ride bikes,” the company says.
“Some 90 people, divided into four panels around the world were questioned about their relationship with mobility.”
From these discussions, important needs were identified, in particular concerning sustainability, while grip in all weather conditions and effective braking in all circumstances are also essential.
Michelin says the materials used minimise the tyre’s environmental footprint, while using 3D printers makes it possible to use just the right amount of rubber, extending its life depending on needs.
Vision has an interior architecture capable of supporting vehicles and can’t explode or blowout, the company says.
It is also equipped with sensors, which provides real time information about its condition.
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