Michelin to showcase "smart" tires at CES 2026

Michelin in collaboration with Sonatus, a specialist in AI technologies for the automotive industry, will present "smart" tires at the CES exhibition in Las Vegas, which can inform the driver about their condition. 

At CES 2026, Michelin will showcase tires made using SmartLoad and SmartWear technologies, implemented with the help of the AI Director toolkit from Sonatus. "Traditional tire monitoring systems often rely on sensors or estimates based on mileage, which means that parameters such as braking intensity, loads, and cornering forces are not taken into account, all of which have a negative impact on tires," say Sonatus. — At the same time, Michelin's SmartLoad and SmartWear models analyze these signals, providing continuous access to accurate information about the actual state of the tires, allowing fleets and drivers to operate tires correctly, improve safety, and reduce their costs." 

The company adds that "the new software for monitoring the condition of tires has the potential to replace outdated sensors and eliminate the associated costs by effectively virtualizing sensors and reducing the material specification (BOM), which, according to the analytical company Frost & Sullivan, may provide savings of $1.68 billion by 2030". 

"Michelin's experience in understanding the physical properties of tires, modeling, and data processing, combined with Sonatus' innovative AI system, allows us to demonstrate how the use of digital twins of tires can be scaled in predictive vehicle maintenance," Sonatus says. — The Sonatus Collector AI technology allows Michelin to calibrate its algorithms according to the specifications of automobile manufacturers, and Sonatus AI Director ensures their effective use with various electronic control units (ECUs)" 

Alexander Korzhon, Senior Vice President of Development at Sonatus, says that with the demonstration of "smart" tires, the company intends to show how "predictive maintenance can be integrated into the automotive sector, helping to create safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly mobility". 

In turn, Ali Rezgui, Michelin's Vice President responsible for the implementation of tire digital twins, stated that SmartLoad and SmartWear technologies "allow complex data to be converted into clear predictive conclusions", which help automobile manufacturers and consumers extend the life of tires, reduce costs, and make mobility more environmentally friendly. 

"Michelin SmartWear and SmartLoad are the first components of a comprehensive portfolio of solutions that will allow automobile manufacturers to use digital twins of tires," he added. — Since the tire is the only link that ensures contact between the vehicle and the road, its digital twin must be unique, universal, and able to function together with software developed to assist in vehicle management" 

During CES 2026, intelligent tires will be installed on a 1970 Ford Bronco, and visitors will be able to see how new technologies transform data and provide access to it using the Michelin MyTires app. 

Sumitomo Rubber Industries will also present its "smart" tires at CES, with its development in this area called Sensing Core. One of the differences of the Japanese technology is that, thanks to the analysis of wheel rotation speed and other data received from the local network of controllers (CAN), the system can accurately identify the loosening of wheel nuts to the nearest millimeter. In 2024, tires with the new feature were first used by the manufacturer in the standard equipment of their vehicles, and the company says that "Sensing Core is a technology that, in our opinion, can make a significant contribution to improving road safety in a society where autonomous vehicles are becoming increasingly common". 

CES 2026 will take place from January 6 to 9.