Michelin Pioneers New Tire “Digital Twin” Technology to Transform Everyday Driving

Michelin's new Tire Digital Twin software enables predictive maintenance and enhances vehicle performance by leveraging 130 years of expertise in tire physics combined with advanced mathematical modeling, AI and data science algorithms. This innovation can convert in-vehicle data into actionable insights in real time to make recommendations to drivers without requiring input from physical tire sensors.

"Thanks to its universal digital twin, Michelin has built a platform that optimizes the driving experience by connecting vehicle dynamics, driver preferences and tire performance in real time," said Philippe Jacquin, Michelin Group executive vice president research & development and member of the Group Executive Committee. "Every tire, whatever the brand, has its very own embedded intelligence. Michelin is bringing a new dimension to the role of tire manufacturer, and is once again proving its commitment to enhancing reliability for all road users."

Michelin's Tire Digital Twin technology is a dynamic virtual replica of a tire. It continuously analyzes and predicts the state of tires at a given time factoring in tire pressure, wear, load, grip and driving conditions while comparing them with in-vehicle data.

Instead of simply supplying information to the vehicle and driver, it directly interacts with the embedded systems to optimize their performance. The vehicle can anticipate grip, improve its stability, optimize fuel consumption and adapt braking distances.

The system is fully integrated, and it brings tangible benefits on every drive, offering critical real-time information on tire conditions and performance. For the driver, this means smoother, and more predictable navigation without changing driving habits.

By supplying a continuous flow of reliable data based on vehicle signals, it also facilitates predictive maintenance, naturally extending the tire's lifespan. Tire performance is optimized when the driver takes action based on these insights.

Michelin's system makes use of existing in-vehicle data without requiring additional tire-mounted sensors. It is compatible with all tire brands and models and all types of vehicles - passenger cars, trucks or even self-driving shuttles.

The digital twin is an embedded "brain," adapted to the new Software Defined Vehicle (SDV) architectures. This innovation is the result of more than 10 years of research and development secured by several patents and validated by tests covering several million miles. It harnesses existing in-vehicle data combined with physical and mathematical modeling developed by Michelin.

Thanks to its embedded digital twin, Michelin uses tires as an invaluable source of data to shape tomorrow's mobility right from the heart of the vehicle's data ecosystem.

The arrival of SDVs and self-driving vehicles means that performance, features and user experience can continually be enhanced throughout the vehicle's lifetime. The SDV market was evaluated at USD213.5 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach almost USD1,240 billion in 2030¹.

Thanks to this technology, the Michelin Group will play a pioneering role in the sector and will be a key partner supporting manufacturers' transition to vehicles whose functions are increasingly enabled through software.

This journey is driven by major collaborations, with partners such as Brembo, Hyundai, QNX, ETAS and Sonatus, covering the full spectrum of innovation from fundamental research to industrial integration at scale.

The recent partnership with Brembo provides a tangible illustration of the benefits of the Michelin digital twin on ABS² performance. Integrating data on the actual state of the tire in braking algorithms has made it possible to boost braking system performance leading to shorter braking distances (up to 4 meters) and improved stability.³

^{1. MarketsandMarkets - Future of SDV Markets Global Forecast to 2030 (Passenger Car & Light Commercial Vehicle) - Use of data authorized subject to quoting the source: MarketsandMarkets}

^{2. ABS - Anti-Blocking System}

^{3. Braking Tests conducted on the test tracks of the Michelin R&D center - Ladoux, France over 17 days between September 30 and October 29, 2024, with two identical vehicles except that one was equipped with the Brembo Sensify system + Michelin Solutions, the other with a standard ABS system. Standard test protocol including multiple repetitions, conducted on dry and wet tracks (water level controlled at 0.8mm), with varied tire conditions: new tires and tires with 2mm tread depth, with nominal and under-inflated pressures, Michelin Pilot Sport and Michelin Pilot Alpin tires at different speeds: 50km/h, 90km/h, 110km/h and 130km/h. Although testing of the braking system and Michelin solutions was made using only Michelin tires, the solutions can be applied to other tire brands as well.}

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