The concept is not new and was first presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 2016. It has recently evolved, but the idea of using it is slowly growing. GoodYear invented the ball tire!
Designed for autonomous cars, this tire could be printed in 3D with a suitable printer, and could serve as a relay between the car and the on-board computer. Thus, this tire is equipped with sensors that analyze the condition of the road surface and the climatic conditions; he can measure his own state of wear.
The Eagle 360 prototype is printed in 3D to customize tire tread patterns to fit the driver’s region and usual traffic conditions. And because it is shaped like a sphere, and connected to the car by magnetic fields, the tire can move in all directions, including lateral movement.
Parking has never been so easy
Imagine your car literally moving sideways to slip into a small parking lot. No more ugly and sometimes difficult parallel parking in the city center!
Not only are they tires for your vehicle, they also become resources for all vehicles. Interior sensors record traffic parameters, including temperature and road conditions. They communicate this information to the car and other vehicles to improve safety.
The design of the sole has also been studied to take the best performance and best grip in all conditions.
Of course, this tire itself will probably never see the light of day. But many of its components, including the road sensors, are currently undergoing serious studies for future use in GoodYear tires.
