Goodyear is working with Arizona-based Local Motors to conduct tire testing on its eight-passenger autonomous shuttle, the Olli. All of Local Motors’ Olli vehicles will be equipped with Goodyear tires.
The partnership will enable Goodyear to evaluate advanced tire technologies at various locations, including at the University of Michigan’s Mcity test facility. In particular, engineers will study operation and maintenance considerations.
“Our work on autonomous vehicle projects such as the Olli is another mile marker on our journey to future mobility solutions. We learn through pilot programs with leading startups, transferring advanced vehicle and ridesharing data into truly usable and connected information to improve operating performance and benefit customers,” said Chris Helsel, Goodyear’s chief technology officer.
In addition, three autonomous shuttle buses have been fitted with Goodyear tires at the tire maker’s R&D center in Luxemburg. The vehicles, operated by bus company Sales-Lentz, will shuttle up to 14 passengers per ride on a variety of local routes.
The tires are equipped with sensors to collect operational data, which Goodyear engineers and data scientists can use to map predictive maintenance and other performance benefits.
