Reinventing tires using NASA space technology

WHY THIS PROJECT ?

The Smart Tire Company’s project emerged from awareness of the tire industry's ecological impact. Each year, global production exceeds 2.5 billion tires, leading to over 500 million punctures and blowouts, and the accumulation of more than 50 billion tons of waste. This waste often ends up in landfills or oceans, contributing to microplastic pollution.

THE MISSION

The mission of The Smart Tire Company goes beyond merely reinventing the tire. The company aims to transform the $300 billion global tire industry, which could grow to $500 billion by 2030. Their ambition is built on three key pillars:

Performance: Design high-performance, airless tires using Nitinol, a material that combines the flexibility of rubber with the strength of titanium.

Sustainability: Reduce environmental impact by using 50% less rubber than conventional tires and creating retreadable tires.

Safety: Enhance road safety by eliminating the risk of punctures and improving handling through Nitinol technology.

A DISRUPTIVE INNOVATION

The use of Nitinol, a shape-memory alloy originally developed for NASA's Mars rovers, is The Smart Tire Company’s key innovation. Nitinol offers revolutionary benefits:

Strength and Flexibility: Nitinol gives tires exceptional durability while maintaining rubber-like flexibility.

Self-Healing: Due to its shape memory, Nitinol allows tires to return to their original form after deformation, preventing punctures.

Increased Durability: Nitinol is more wear-resistant than rubber, significantly extending tire lifespan.

POSITIVE IMPACT ON THE SOCIETY

The "Metl" tires developed by The Smart Tire Company offer several benefits:

SDG 3 : Enhanced Safety: By eliminating punctures, these tires reduce accident risks and provide peace of mind to cyclists and drivers.

SDG 9 : Transforming the tire industry : with nitinol, a shape-memory alloy, to create more durable, puncture-resistant tires. This innovation improves transport infrastructure by providing a more reliable solution for micromobility vehicles like bikes and scooters.

SDG 11 : Cost Savings for Consumers: While the initial cost of Metl tires is higher (about $500 per pair), their extended lifespan and the ability to retread them for $10 per tire result in significant long-term savings.

SDG 12 : Waste Reduction: Their longevity and retreadable nature reduce the number of tires discarded, conserving resources and cutting waste.

SDG 13 : Lower Environmental Impact: With 50% less rubber and better resistance to wear, Metl tires help cut microplastic production and carbon footprint.

LEVERAGING THE 3DEXPERIENCE PLATFORM

Design and Modeling of the Metl Tire: The 3DEXPERIENCE platform could be employed for designing, modeling, and simulating the Metl tire, taking into account the unique properties of Nitinol.

Tire Structure Optimization: The platform’s simulation tools would allow for virtual testing of the tire’s strength, flexibility, and durability under various conditions, enabling optimization of its structure.

Performance Analysis: The platform could be used to analyze performance data from lab tests or real-world conditions, helping to refine the tire’s performance.

Eco-Design and Lifecycle Analysis: 3DEXPERIENCE could assist in evaluating the environmental impact of the Metl tire throughout its entire lifecycle, from manufacturing to recycling.

COLLABORATIVE & COLLECTIVE INTELLIGENCE

Multidisciplinary Team: The Smart Tire Company leverages a team of experts from diverse fields such as materials science, mechanical engineering, marketing, and startup management. This diversity fosters innovation and informed decision-making.

Collaboration with NASA: The company developed the Metl tire in partnership with NASA, benefiting from the expertise of the U.S. space agency.

Crowdfunding: Through a Kickstarter campaign, Smart Tire Company engages with the community to gauge public interest in the product and gather valuable feedback.

Industry Exchange: During its presentation, Smart Tire Company interacted with mobility industry professionals, demonstrating a commitment to collaboration and industry engagement.