Pirelli & Cie SpA is extending its research partnerships in Milan and will incorporate its driving simulators and virtual reality technology to focus on tires for the future.
The tiremaker will continue working with Milan Polytechnic and Polytechnic Foundation for another three-year term, through 2023. Pirelli says the simulator will be "pivotal" to the program as the next chapter of work will focus on tire materials and product and cyber development.
The first 10 years of partnership between Milan University, the University Foundation and Pirelli have resulted in at least 14 registered patents filed, plus 30 articles published in international scientific journals and other "high-profile presentations" to international conferences. Research grants have been given to graduates in chemistry as well as others in connected tire and Formula 1 research. A master's degree focusing on research and development has also been created.
Marco Tronchetti Provera, Pirelli’s executive vice-chairman and CEO says, “Innovation is the engine room of our company. Being able to rely on a network including the most advanced research institutions and universities in the world, such as Milan University, means investing to meet the future challenges of mobility."
Provera notes the project envelops all parts of sustainability, automation, virtual technology and connectivity. "The collaboration with the university underlines our commitment to strengthen the core of our group's know-how in these key areas within Italy.”
