Lori L. Mavrigian

Managing Editor

Since joining Modern Tire Dealer in 1979, Lori Mavrigian has held several key positions leading to her current title as managing editor. In addition to handling the day-to-day operations of magazine production, Lori writes features, contributes photography and is in charge of several of the magazines departments. She also works with the magazine's National Advisory Council for the exclusive Ludwig Report surveys. She earned a B.A. in Mass Media-Communications from the University of Akron.

» More

From intelligent tires to intelligent vehicles

By: Lori L. Mavrigian

The "smart tire" concept has been around for a number of years. Intelligent tires have electronic sensors embedded in them that can transmit data about the tire's performance, tracking heat, mileage, repairs, etc., to optimize performance.

According to the Great Lakes Innovation Technology Report (GLITR), the Lawrence Technological University in Southfield, Mich., has introduced the nation's first graduate course studying smart tires and the all-important role they play in the creation of an intelligent vehicle.

“Intelligent Tire and Vehicle Structure Mechatronics,” is part of Lawrence Tech’s master’s degree program in mechatronics systems engineering.

The word "mechatronics" is a combination of "mechanics" and "electronics." Mechatronics "employs a unique approach that cuts across multiple academic disciplines such as electrical and computing engineering, math and computer science," reports GLITR.

For the smart tire course, graduate students will analyze these tires' responses to various loading and road conditions. "This is an important part of the move to intelligent vehicles since practically all the forces that move a vehicle come from tire-ground interaction," GLITR notes.

“You can control the vehicle dynamics and performance if you control the tire rolling process,” says the professor who is presenting the course. 

Just one more piece of information to use when your customers ask why tires cost so much. If they could only understand how much their safety and vehicle's performance depends on these technological wonders!

Related Topics: Smart tires

comments

1. Keo | February 13, 2010 at 11:37AM
   "Intelligent Tires" Lets's see OEM Tire replacement for a 2007 Camry 4cyl with the goverment imposed TPMS retail now for about $750.00+/ After the tires become intellegent we'll have to take out student loans to pay for them.