For example the Pirelli Connesso system presented in Geneva. It is a digital platform that uses a sensor embedded in Pirelli’s high-end tires to provide additional information beyond what is available from each car’s trip computer. The user has access to data on the condition, usage and maintenance of each tire along with personalized, local services tailored to the needs of even the most demanding driver.
The Pirelli Connesso consists of a sensor built into the tire
which is connected to the Pirelli Cloud and a smartphone app, creating an interface that allows drivers to constantly communicate with the tires. The sensors weigh only a few grams and have no impact on the physical performance of the tire. It continuously assesses the condition of each tire and sends data to a central control unit and the Pirelli Cloud, which together form the true brain of the Connesso system. There the information is processed and then transferred to the driver application.
With Pirelli Connesso, the identity code of each tire is registeredand track its status from production in the factory to recycling at the end of its life cycle. Recorded: Pressure, temperature of the tire even when the car is stopped, vertical load, wear and the number of kilometers it has covered. Based on these, the estimated remaining life in kilometers is evaluated, while in the future it will also function as a pressure indicator when the tires are inflated even when hot, providing a true and accurate indication, without the driver having to wait for them to cool down.
Pirelli Connesso warns the driver when the pressure in one or more tires drops too low or nears the wear limit. When requested, the mobile application locates the nearest vulcanizer and can immediately make an appointment to restore the pressures, or proceed to pre-order and change the worn tires, reducing the waiting time.
In a future version, Connesso will also be able to detect pressure loss and to immediately arrange the change or repair of the tire, in the area where the car is parked. This type of operation, which allows proactive tire management, was developed by Pirelli engineers not only to meet the requirements of individual users but also of fleets and car sharing services.
The Pirelli Connesso app is powered by the first mobility platform of the kind that connects tire manufacturers, consumers and the sales network. The Connesso app will offer exclusive services such as: highlighting racing events taking place in the region, while also offering vulcanizer reviews, so customers can share their opinions by receiving and reading reviews from other drivers in the Pirelli Connesso community .
Pirelli’s new system is currently aimed at the aftermarket segmentbut in the future there will also be an OE (original equipment) solution. In collaboration with some car manufacturers, Pirelli is developing a completely new technical architecture for tires. In addition to serving all the basic functions, it will be able to automatically control the vehicle’s setup. By reading the ID code of each tyre, the sensor will recognize its characteristics and send this information to the trip computer to select the ideal setting for optimal levels of performance and safety.
Takis Pournarakis