Pirelli develops "smart" tires for rescue operations

CompaniesPirelliand Abet Group have signed an agreement to jointly develop remotely controlled electric ground equipment designed for rescue operations on land in particularly difficult and extreme conditions. Pirelli will equip the machinery with "smart" Cyber Tyre tyres, fitted with sensors that transmit real-time data and help ensure maximum grip in various conditions. Additionally, the companies plan to develop new Run-Flat tyres based on Pirelli's patented Run Forward technology, which will enable the equipment to operate effectively in aggressive environments.

Under the agreement, Pirelli and Abet High Tech Solutions also intend to jointly develop new AI and machine learning models, combining the knowledge and expertise of the two companies to enhance the efficiency of data usage from cameras and sensors in tyres, enabling new innovative technical features.

"We knew that Cyber Tyre technology was perfectly suited for rescue vehicles operating in extreme conditions, and Abet will be the ideal partner for us in this field," said Pirelli CEO Andrea Casalucci. "Our developments enable us to collect data that can enhance the reliability of such vehicles, and this is a very interesting market segment we want to explore, as we are confident in the potential of our technologies and the benefits they can deliver."

Fulvio Serra, General Director of Abet HTS, thanked Pirelli for being chosen as the tire manufacturer and technological partner, and noted that the unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) segment is currently developing rapidly, and adopting new innovations plays a crucial role.

According to him, the technology is intended for use during rescue operations, for example, after natural disasters such as earthquakes, as well as in potentially radioactive environments, etc. "Tire reliability and obtaining data that enhance vehicle efficiency and safety are extremely important, so Cyber ​​Tyre technology will be indispensable for us," added Serra.