Tyres are about to get smarter, with news Nokian Heavy Tyres will drive forward its agenda to bring tyre technology into the digital age, starting with agriculture.
Nokian Tyres head of sales and marketing Toni Silfverberg said the company is set to introduce the Intuiti smart tyre at Germany's Agritechnica fair in November, with the product set for commercial launch in 2020.
"The first commercial tyres released with the Nokian Tyres Intuitu sensors will be for agricultural use", he said.
"The first intended user groups are likely to be small-to-medium sized contracting and farming enterprises."
Inuitu combines sensor equipped smart-tyres with a mobile application which records sensor data taken from the tyres measuring pressure and temperature.
Mr Silfverberg said while vehicles and machinery are becoming increasingly digital, tyres had been overlooked as a crucial source of gathering real-time data.
"We have aimed to make the system plug and play, you just buy the tyres, install the application and you are good to go," he said.
"The application gives the drivers peace of mind by keeping them informed about the tyre pressure and temperature, helping to prevent tyre damage and warning about possible anomalies.
The application gives the drivers peace of mind by keeping them informed about the tyre pressure and temperature
- Toni Silfverberg
"Keeping the tyres in good condition keeps the machinery operational, minimises downtime and other damage related costs."
Mr Silfverberg said the system would ultimately save customers money through better decision making.
"A fleet manager wants to keep everything rolling with minimal unexpected downtime and maximal safety and profitability," he said.
"Intuitu offers them peace of mind by showing clear data that can be used in preventive maintenance."
Mr Silfverberg said the technology fundamentally affected the ability to offer warranties as the system helped prevent tyre damage.
"If you register your tyres with Nokian Tyres Intuitu, you'll get an extra year of warranty - which is no small deal", he said.
From an agricultural standpoint, Mr Silfverberg said running at the correct tyre pressure was pivotal.
"The optimal tyre pressure prevents damage to the soil, which can improve crop yields", he said.
"It is also linked to the tyre rolling resistance, which has a direct effect to fuel consumption."
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