Tires that think and feel “Haptic computing, things that think”

Haptic technology, or just haptics, is a feedback technology that takes advantage of the user's sense of touch by applying forces, vibrations, and/or movements on the user. The word derives from the Greek haptikos meaning “to be able to come into contact with.” [1]

Haptics is the science of applying tactile sensation to human interaction with computers. A haptic device is one that involves physical contact between the computer and the user, usually through an input/output device such as a joystick or data gloves, that senses body movements.

By using haptic devices, the user can not only provide information to the computer, but can receive information from the computer in the form of a sensation on some part of the body. This is known as a haptic interface. For example, in a virtual reality environment, a user can pick up a virtual tennis ball using a data glove. [2]

The computer senses the motion and moves the virtual ball on the screen. However, due to the nature of a haptic interface, the user will feel the tennis ball in their hand through the tactile sensations that the computer sends through the data glove, mimicking the feel of the tennis ball in the user’s hand.

With the intelligent revolution of autonomous vehicles, many of their systems, subsystems, and internal parts become intelligent and aware of context and environment. Haptic computing will play a major role in the revolution of things that think and feel. Imagine driving a car that is able to think and feel your thoughts and emotions like Kitt, the fantastic futuristic car from the popular 1970s Knight Rider world series with its x-ray-capable anamorphic equalizer and infrared vision.

In the 21st century, Mercedes Benz has equipped some of its higher-end vehicles with technology that allows the driver to see better in the dark (other than, obviously, turning on lights). Using infrared, the road ahead is “illuminated” in a way that is invisible to humans, but can be interpreted by a computer to give better visibility. Goodyear Smart Tire Prototype The Goodyear Smart Tire Prototype allows for continuous connectivity and real-time data sharing, enabling optimal tire use for safer, more cost-effective mobility and maximized uptime. [3]

Wireless sensors continuously measure and record tire temperature and pressure, which is combined with other vehicle data and connected to Goodyear’s proprietary cloud-based algorithms to improve overall fleet operations and predict when tires need service or replacement.

With the potential of data-driven tires, real-time diagnostics will make vehicles more cost-effective and safer. Tire performance and wear information provide a real-time signal for when a tire needs service to extend its life, fuel economy, and performance attributes.

Goodyear’s Smart Tire Prototype informs optimal tire usage to maximize uptime and also cost-effective mobility through constant connectivity along with real-time data sharing.

Michelin's Vision Concept

The tire company recently presented its smart, biodegradable, airless, 3D-printed tire concept. Michelin shows the way to safer, smarter, and more intense mobility. It is a tire connected to the vehicle, users, and navigation systems. [4]

VISION unites four main innovations, while incorporating up to 19 patents:

? A bio-pneumatic created from bio-based and biodegradable materials that, at the same time, minimize the environmental footprint.

? A 3D-printed and rechargeable tire, according to mobility needs by wear.

Equipped with sensors, VISION reports in real time on the state of the tread. In addition, through the Michelin mobile application, it is possible to simply schedule an appointment to change the type of use of the tire, according to needs.

This modification of use (for example, to provide services for driving in the snow) is quickly done using 3D printing. The rim, which is shaped like a honeycomb, allows you to remove air to support the car, so no time is lost on the road in the event of a break. In addition, the rim is equipped with intelligence by having cloud-connected sensors that allow the user to provide real-time feedback on its performance.

Continental Contisense, Conti adapt

ContiSense: uses tire sensors to measure tread depth and temperature and alerts drivers to tire damage - data transmission via electrically conductive rubber 5

ContiAdapt: Adjusts tire pressure and tire width to adapt the contact patch to road conditions.

ContiSense is based on the development of electrically conductive rubber compounds that enable electrical signals to be sent from a sensor in the tire to a receiver in the car. The rubber-based sensors continuously monitor both tread depth and temperature.

If the measured values are above or below predefined limits, the system alerts the driver immediately. If something penetrates the tread, a circuit in the tyre is closed, which also triggers an immediate warning for the driver – faster than the systems used up to now, which only alert the driver when the tyre pressure has already begun to drop.

In the future, the ContiSense system will feature additional sensors that can also be used individually. In this way, the tyre can “sense” information about the road surface, such as its temperature or the presence of snow, and transmit it to the driver. The data can then be transmitted to the vehicle electronics or via Bluetooth to a smartphone.

“Haptics is a growing field that aims to enable our bodies to control and “sense” our virtual identity.”

References:

1.Haptic Technology: An Evolution towards Naturality in Communication. International Journal of advanced research in computer science.

2.Webopedia definition.

3.Good Year s news. March, 06, 2018.

4.Michelin: Concept tire, our vision of the future.

5.Continental presents two new tire technology concepts for greater safety and comfort.

Fernando Jiménez Motte Ph.D (c) EE, MSEE, BSEE

CEO

NEUROMORPHIC TECHNOLOGIES NT

Robotics, Control Systems, Artificial Intelligence AI

https://www.nt-research-development.com/

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