Goodyear introduced the visionary concept of Goodyear Eagle-360 tire with the unique shape of the sphere and the possibility of a 360-degree movement. Eagle-360 is designed for autonomous car of the future. The tires are connected to the vehicle via magnetic levitation, embedded sensors record road conditions and communicate them to the car itself and to other vehicles in order to increase the overall traffic safety.

According to Navigant Research, we can in fact expect that by 2035, 85 million of autonomous-capable vehicles to be sold annually around the world.

Conceptual Eagle-360 tires are connected to the vehicle body via magnetic fields, like trains on a magnetic cushion. This provides a more comfortable ride and reduced noise levels. At the same time the specific form of rubber is adapted for autonomous mobility and is crucial in ensuring greater maneuverability of the vehicle as the tire can be moved in all directions, which contributes to greater passenger safety. Active technology allows the tire, even in risky situations, such as ice or unexpected obstacles on the running surface, to reduce the possibility of slipping and also helps in maintaining a safe direction. At the same time a spherical shape ensures a lateral movement, which means that the vehicle can avoid an obstacle without changing the direction of travel. Eagle-360 allows a 360 degrees turning and can successfully cope with space restrictions when parking because it car turn the car on the spot.

Goodyear Eagle-360 enables the connectivity to the vehicle and increases safety

Eagle-360 offers the possibility to connect to the vehicle, which improves driving conditions for autonomous cars. Its special sensors, which are built inside the tire, record the state of the road, including the weather and the running surface. The collected data are transmitted to the car itself and also to other vehicles, which increases road safety. These sensors also monitor tread wear and tire pressure, thereby enabling higher mileage.

Imitating the nature for optimal driving characteristics

The elements of the conceptual Eagle-360 tire are  based on the principle of biomimicry, or in other words, by imitating the nature. This principle is often used by Goodyear in their concepts. Tire tread closely mimics the pattern of brain coral, its multi-directional blocks and channels help to secure contact with the ground. In designing the bottom of the channels, Goodyear was inspired by the sponge, which is more firm in the dry state and softer, when it is wet. The innovative texture absorbs water on the road and discharges it out of the tread by means of the centrifugal force. Because of that the risk of aquaplaning is largely reduced. It also ensures optimum driving characteristics.

Image credit: Goodyear