Swedish automotive software leader NIRA Dynamics AB and BANF Smart Tire System of South Korea have announced a new partnership aimed at significantly enhancing vehicle safety and predictive maintenance for commercial vehicles. The collaboration will see BANF integrate its high-frequency tyre sensors into NIRA's established software ecosystem.

This strategic alliance aims to disrupt Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), providing commercial fleets and automakers with unprecedented real-time insights into tyre health and road safety. NIRA Dynamics, founded in 2001, is a global automotive software powerhouse with its technologies deployed in over 120 million vehicles worldwide, including an indirect TPMS (iTPMS) that has surpassed 110 million units sold.

Under the agreement, NIRA will incorporate BANF's triaxial tyre sensors into its Road Surface Information (RSI) and Wheel Safety Insights (WSI) platforms. These platforms already utilise existing vehicle sensor data and proprietary algorithms for functions like tyre grip estimation, tread wear analysis and loose wheel detection.

BANF's key innovation lies in its Smart Profiler system, which wirelessly powers internal tyre sensors directly from the vehicle battery, overcoming the challenge of continuous power and real-time data transmission from rotating tyres. This integration will significantly enhance NIRA's capabilities, particularly for monitoring commercial vehicle loads and dual-tyre setups, by providing sensor data at high sampling rates of 1kHz and 4kHz.

Otto Johansson, Head of Innovation at NIRA Dynamics, said, "This collaboration accelerates our vision of creating a comprehensive vehicle intelligence network. While our software solutions already process data from millions of vehicles, adding specialised hardware enables new use cases in predictive maintenance and ADAS applications."

NIRA's evolution from software-only tyre pressure monitoring to multi-layered safety systems is evident in its flagship Tyre Pressure Indicator (TPI) technology, which has eliminated the need for physical sensors in many applications, significantly reducing electronic waste. The company has also collaborated with automotive giants like Volkswagen Group on innovations such as Road Surface Alerts.

The partnership also addresses critical safety needs in commercial vehicles. NIRA's Loose Wheel Indicator (LWI), already deployed in Audi vehicles, will now be extended to heavy-duty vehicles through the BANF collaboration, aiming to mitigate the thousands of annual wheel detachment incidents reported.

For fleet operators, the integrated system promises substantial operational benefits. NIRA's Winter Road Insights product, which helps optimise road maintenance, combined with BANF's wear prediction algorithms, is expected to lead to reduced tyre replacement costs and improved fuel efficiency.

Ron Yoogun Lee, Head of Business Development, BANF, said, “Our goal is to enhance cost-effectiveness, save lives and preserve the environment by digitising tyres, which are the last analog domain in the mobility industry.”

Looking ahead, NIRA's technology roadmap includes developing ‘grip maps’ for SAE Level 2-3 autonomous vehicles and leveraging data from millions of vehicles to create AI models for predictive infrastructure maintenance, further solidifying its position at the forefront of automotive innovation.

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MICHELIN Connected Fleet, the data-focused fleet management arm of Michelin, has introduced Smart Predictive Tire, a new monitoring solution specifically engineered for the trailers of Class 7 and 8 fleets. This technology is designed to shift trailer tyre management from a reactive to a proactive model by delivering real-time data on pressure and temperature, alongside predictive maintenance alerts. The goal is to empower fleet operators to address tyre health issues before they escalate, thereby minimising unplanned downtime, controlling costs and extending tyre life while enhancing overall vehicle safety.

At the heart of this innovation is Michelin’s proprietary Smart Leak algorithm, which is capable of identifying subtle, early indicators of tyre degradation. By flagging these warning signs promptly, fleet managers can intervene early, avoiding more severe and costly problems. The solution not only helps in preventing roadside emergencies but also supports broader operational efficiency. Maintaining correct tyre pressure through this system can lead to a reduction in fuel consumption and slower tyre wear, contributing to a more sustainable and economical fleet operation.

The effectiveness of Smart Predictive Tire has been evaluated through international pilot programmes in Europe, where participating fleets experienced notable improvements. Data from these trials showed a significant drop (up to 80 percent) in tyre-related roadside events, an increase in the usable lifespan of tyres (up to 9 percent) in cases where chronic under-inflation was previously an issue and measurable fuel savings (up to 4 percent) when optimal tyre pressures were consistently maintained. While these outcomes are promising, Michelin notes that individual results will depend on various factors unique to each fleet, including its size, operational routes and maintenance routines.

Integrated into the company’s Trailer Premium offer, the Smart Predictive Tire solution provides flexible deployment to meet diverse fleet needs, marking a step forward in connected vehicle technology.

Damon Newquist, Vice President – Sales, MICHELIN Connected Fleet, said, “Emergency roadside service continues to be a major pain point for fleets of all sizes, especially with trailers. When there is a tyre-related event, the root cause is overwhelmingly attributed to improper inflation. Michelin’s proprietary Smart Predictive Tire solution uniquely empowers fleet operators with the tools and alerts to address these issues before they become critical. These tools are designed to help extend tyre life, reduce costs and help keep drivers off the side of the road.”

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Triangle Tyre Co., Ltd. has been recognised as an ‘Excellence Level’ facility in the 2026 Shandong Smart Factory Cultivation Library, an accolade announced by the Shandong Provincial Department of Industry and Information Technology. This acknowledgment highlights the company’s significant progress and systematic achievements in intelligent manufacturing.

This provincial initiative is a key strategy to promote new industrialisation and merge the digital economy with the real sector. Enterprises were evaluated and ranked into three tiers – Pioneer, Excellence and Advanced – based on their comprehensive capabilities in digital design, smart production, lean management and sustainable operations. Over 30 businesses from the tyre sector and its related industries, including manufacturing, steel cord, rubber additives and machinery, were selected. Among these, 1 achieved the Pioneer level, 15 attained Excellence and 15 reached the Advanced level.

For years, Triangle Tyre has steadfastly advanced its intelligent manufacturing strategy, focusing on complete process digitalisation and smart system integration. Looking forward, the company remains committed to principles of innovation and green development. It plans to further integrate digital technologies with manufacturing processes, aiming to establish a modern production base that is not only smarter and more efficient but also safer and more environmentally sustainable.

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BANF, a Korean intelligent tyre system company, and Silicon Labs, the leading innovator in low-power wireless, have developed a tyre monitoring platform capable of real-time, high-resolution data processing specifically designed for autonomous vehicles and connected fleet operations. A detailed case study documenting this development is now available on the Silicon Labs website.

The system directly addresses the limitations of conventional Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS), which only trigger alerts after pressure drops substantially, leaving critical safety and efficiency issues undetected. BANF has transformed the tyre into an active intelligence node by integrating the Silicon Labs BG22 Bluetooth LE SoC into its in-tyre sensor architecture. This ultra-low-power system-on-chip was chosen for its robust RF performance, enabling reliable wireless communication even within the tyre's challenging environment where steel belts and thick rubber typically create a Faraday cage effect that impedes signals.

Inside the tyre, BANF's iSensor captures 3-axis acceleration, pressure, temperature and tread depth data at 4 kHz sampling rates. Rather than transmitting this raw information, the system performs onboard processing to extract key signals indicating wheel-nut loosening, slip events or reduced friction before sending concise alerts to the vehicle. This approach reduces communication load while accelerating response time. The integration of Silicon Labs' Secure Vault technology ensures automotive-grade security, protecting tyre data from tampering or spoofing for autonomous applications.

Power delivery has historically prevented advanced tyre sensing due to battery degradation from heat, centrifugal force and mechanical stress. BANF solved this through proprietary wireless power transfer technology. The Smart Profiler, mounted on the mudguard or fender, delivers continuous power to the iSensor using magnetic resonance, enabling battery-free operation with uninterrupted data acquisition at thousands of Hertz.

This real-time tyre intelligence feeds directly into chassis control, stability systems and autonomous driving algorithms for driverless trucks and buses where human intuition cannot detect traction loss. BANF plans to leverage accumulated data for predictive maintenance, route optimisation and insurance-linked services, positioning this solution as foundational infrastructure for next-generation mobility. Through this partnership, BANF and Silicon Labs have digitised the vehicle's last analogue domain.

Adam Sunghan You, CEO, BANF, said, "Tyres generate terabytes of data related to friction, load and mechanical stress, but until now there was no viable way to capture and transmit that information in real time. By combining Silicon Labs' BG22 with our wireless power technology, we have unlocked a new level of tyre intelligence."

Ross Sabolcik, Senior Vice President – Product Lines, Silicon Labs, said, "Compute is no longer confined to the CPU – it extends across intelligent peripherals and sensors. BG22 enables reliable, secure connectivity even in extreme environments, empowering innovators like BANF to digitise traditionally analogue systems."

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KraussMaffei Extrusion concluded a highly productive participation at the Tire Technology Expo 2026, held in Hannover from 3 to 5 March 2026. The company showcased its latest advancements in tyre extrusion technology alongside an enhanced portfolio of customer services. The exhibition booth attracted considerable attention from global trade visitors, with strong interest focused on systems designed to deliver precision, efficiency and reliability in the production of tyre components.

Dr Gerard Nijman, Senior Technical Expert Tire & Rubber at KraussMaffei Extrusion, highlighted the evolving dynamics of the global tyre market. He pointed to notable growth and transformation in regions such as India, Korea, Eastern Europe and increasingly Africa. This development is largely fuelled by the expanding global vehicle fleet. While Germany maintains a high vehicle density, emerging markets like India present substantial room for growth, accompanied by rising tyre demand.

Changing mobility trends, including the rise of electric vehicles and car-sharing models, are reshaping tyre specifications and manufacturing processes. Additionally, a growing emphasis on regional production is evident as manufacturers seek to minimise transportation expenses, shorten delivery timelines and navigate trade complexities. KraussMaffei Extrusion is strategically positioned to support this shift with its comprehensive technological offerings.

Central to the company’s exhibit were its high-performance Multiplex and Rollerhead systems. With decades of leadership in multiplex technology, KraussMaffei enables highly accurate co-extrusion of diverse rubber compounds, significantly boosting productivity. Its Rollerhead solutions further demonstrated capabilities tailored for cost-efficient production of components used in both passenger and truck tyres.

Dr Gerard Nijman, Senior Technical Expert Tire & Rubber

Beyond new machinery, the company emphasised the importance of modernising longstanding installations. Many systems from its predecessor brand remain operational after decades of service. Through customised retrofitting, KraussMaffei assists customers in upgrading existing lines to meet contemporary efficiency and production standards.

An expanded service portfolio was also unveiled, featuring a digital innovation that places QR codes directly on equipment. This allows for instant access to support services, with automatic capture of machine and order details enabling faster resolution of inquiries. Optional health checks can accompany QR code retrofits to ensure optimal system performance.

Sustainability emerged as a recurring theme throughout the event. Dr Nijman delivered a technical presentation addressing pathways to more sustainable rubber extrusion, engaging industry peers in discussions on future challenges and potential breakthroughs.

Buoyed by overwhelmingly positive feedback from clients and partners, KraussMaffei Extrusion looks ahead with confidence to ongoing developments in the international tyre industry and eagerly anticipates the next edition of the Tire Technology Expo.

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