In human mobility, tyres are ‘the only contact between the vehicle and road’, to make people move from one point to another ‘safely’.

In land cargo transportation, they are the ‘work horse’ of the supply chain for any goods, whether industrial (raw material) or finished goods. In special applications such as mining, they are ‘mimicking’ pipelines in the oil and gas industry, such as piping where hydraulic pumps replaced by truck engines.

So tyres play a ‘critical role’ in transporting almost anything: ‘people and goods’ when we must deliver on land transport mode.

The challenges: Too many options

Its vital role is not questionable. But having that critical role doesn’t mean it’s easy to handle for the end user.
Why?

In the case of tyres, we know premium brands, regional brands and sometimes local brands. The classic question is: which one is the best?

For personal purposes (PCR), a decision could be made easily with the risk of losing a small amount of money. Simply fitting a tyre according to OEM standards will not be a big issue. The problem arises with fleet companies (trucking or bus) with tens, hundreds or even thousands of units of equipment.

Even riskier when it comes to OTR tyres, where prices can reach tens of dollars or more. It is not easy to pick which one is the best.

How to choose the most suitable tyre for operations?

In order to get the right choice, we must do the following:

1. Define performance indicators: Productivity or efficiency -  Regarding commercial tyres (TB/AG/OTR/IND), performance is defined as productivity and efficiency. These two elements are sometimes aligned and sometimes contradictory.

Which one should be chosen?

It depends on the company’s goal or situation. We must optimise between those two so that it becomes ‘business decision’ and not a solely ‘tyre technical decision’. When productivity takes the lead compared to efficiency

One fleet of 120T giant trucks fitted with 27.00R49 has limitations due to the TKPH caused mainly by long distances, so the real site TKPH is quite high. It limits trucks operating cycles to only 6.5 per shift. It is only transporting coal at 120 T/cycle x 6 cycles = 720 T per shift, while the end user burns fuel without getting tonnage in return for a half cycle.

In this situation, the end user is not sensitive to efficiency; they are more sensitive to how to increase productivity.

When efficiency becomes the driver instead of productivity

The other situation is that coal transporters have problems with tyre costs due to inefficient tyre usage. The end user thinks they made a good choice using the 12.00R24 *** (three-star) rating. They expect a long life, but the outcome is the opposite. Testing was done with bias tyres (12.00-24), 18PR and 20PR. Comparison testing was done for six months, and in the end, we concluded bias tyres were more efficient than radial tyres.

The explanation for why bias tyres perform better than radial tyres comes from a pressure check done with 1,500 points of data show ‘intentional’ pressure reduction.

When it was discussed with site management and the driver, the driver told management that the hauling road was undulating, forcing them to reduce pressure. If they don’t reduce pressure, they will suffer from back pain.

So in terms of truck load, it is not overload, but in terms of tyres, it becomes overload due to low pressure. As bias tyres use nylon as the carcass, they have more resistance to fatigue, whereas radial tyres using steel cord have less resistance to fatigue and are more prone to premature failure.

The common sayings that radial is better than bias, premium is better than normal brand and thicker tread is better than shallow tread are more myths than realities. It all depends on the requirements coming from the field/ operations.

2. Optimise tyre life

The only way to do this is the end user doing an assessment of their requirements for each application, operating condition and site/road condition. This way, they could be able to build up the tyre requirements and externalise their requirement to get the most suitable tyre specification from whichever brand and whichever type of tyres.

With tyre OEMs mostly developing products for the most common applications, the potential performance is not necessarily the best performance on every site, independent of the brand, tyre type etc.

The best suggestion for the end user and OEMs

OEMs should start Co-Creation Value by having close communication from the beginning about actual customer requirements and focusing on creating the most suitable solution rather than the most common approach.

How it becomes practical If fleet truck customers have more than 1,000 trucks and mining customers have at least 100 giant trucks, they would like to have the most suitable product rather than the most common product for their application, as their tyre cost will be significant to gain their attention.

Meanwhile, for OEMs, it is worth to develop tyres with the most suitable solution and treat the customer as Key Account.

How to measure the benefits for each party

For the end user, the more suitable the tyre, the more optimum tyre performance they will have. For OEMs, the measurement is quite simple: calculating the potential life-time value (LTV) of a customer (estimate revenue generated from this customer) compared to the cost-time value (CTV) of the customer (the spending on developing products and maintaining relationship with the customer).

And if LTV/CTV > 1, it is an Attractive Customer. If the estimated LTV/CTV is not attractive enough to be handled, the OEM could focus on another customer.

Summary

• Tyre optimisation for end-user applications is a fair measure, and the actual performance indicator aligns with the temporary business objectives of the end-user that could change over time; one time it will be more productivity focused, the other time it may be efficiency focus.
• Democratisation and an open field for the whole OEM player that is not dogmatised as premium always being better, radial always being better or star rating always being better. It is merely how end-users could define their operational requirements and work together as cocreators with certain OEMs.
• It is not necessary for OEMs to chase all market segments; each OEM could choose where they will be more competitive than others. Meanwhile, for the end-user, they will get high-quality and reliable service from certain OEMs on their tyre usage.

Representational image courtesy: cebmumbai/Facebook

The author is an engineering expert in the mining and truck tyres field. 
The column was first published in August-September 2023 issue of Tyre Trends.

Are tyre failure or lack of control really the driver’s fault or could a better tyre survive?

Catastrophic tyre blowouts occur unexpectedly and pose a significant risk to drivers and passengers. After a tyre blowout, steering becomes difficult to control, the vehicle pulls sharply to the side, fishtailing, and loses stability and control at high speeds.

After a tread detaching, wobbling and vibration in the wheel occurs while pieces of tread are flying off the tyre. When the tyre rotates, a dull noise is produced, which makes traction and vehicle control impossible, especially on wet roads. The sidewall is visibly bulged or split, and the vehicle sags sideways after a tyre blowout. Maintaining control is then difficult, especially when cornering.

Bead unseat or bead burst, overheating and melting, impact breaks, explosive failure in commercial tyres can be added on this list. What about cases where a driver can survive a cornering manoeuvre due to insufficient sidewall stiffness and lateral grip, or could they survive hard braking with a tyre that offers a much shorter stopping distance on wet roads?

Are these failures or lack of control really the driver’s fault or could another tyre survive and you would have the best outcome if you could save your car and your life without being charged as a reckless driver?

Premium tyres are generally safer and offer significantly better performance in almost every metrics.

Tyres are regulatory base tested before releasing to market. If the conducted tests based on legal requirements would be enough safe, customers in the market shouldn’t be faced with unexpected results. In fact, it reminds us the differences of premium tyres! What differences ‘Premium Tyres’ create?

Premium tyres are generally safer and offer significantly better grip in all conditions. They last longer, thus retaining their original performance and generally reducing fuel consumption. They are quieter overall and provide more driving pleasure. Their initial cost proves to be a significant advantage in the long run, as the comprehensive benefits lead to long-term cost savings.

Premium tyres are pushed to their limits in dedicated testing facilities, tested under extreme conditions so intense that most of us will never experience – but for which we all need to be prepared. This is an extremely rigorous process that goes beyond the requirements of European tyre labelling, which is limited to wet braking, fuel consumption and exterior noise levels.

‘Content Marketing’ with relevant sharing through blog posts, videos, infographics and pop-ups takes advantage of sales.

Today, social media is widely accessible for news and tyre test results. This allows drivers to rely on real-world differences from comparison tests of different brands and expert advice to find the right tyres for their budget, rather than relying on external influences.

When considering trends in the tyre industry, the topic of ‘Sustainability’ is becoming increasingly important. The use of bio-based materials will become more widespread. Furthermore, ‘Sensors, IoT technologies and Cloud Systems’ significantly support smart tyre concepts, while drivers can access information about the vehicle and surrounding traffic.

Electric cars, on the other hand, pose a challenge due to their differences. More importantly, current advances in the safety and performance of ultra-high-performance tyres particularly in terms of pattern and compound design are so fine. Their optimal performance in terms of grip, handling, braking, smoothness, rolling resistance and durability are well suiting for electric cars.

Online Retail and ‘Direct-to-Consumer Sales’ are least but never last trends that influence the popularity and ways customers are reached. E-commerce sites offer many opportunities. ‘Content Marketing’ with relevant sharing through blog posts, videos, infographics and pop-ups takes advantage of this. Key product features and benefits are presented in a visually appealing format, helping to increase customer loyalty online and in direct sales.

The safety requirements of each target service and regulatory compliance concerns vary considerably from tyre to tyre. Therefore, testing must be conducted under different conditions. Most cases of loss of control depend heavily on the success of the tests conducted during the design phase.

Of course, compliance with legal regulations is important, and some factors vary from country to country. Therefore, every tyre must meet legal standards, and product compliance is ensured through testing.

Tyre manufacturers conduct extreme tests, or ‘endpoint tests’, to explore the limits of tyre performance, which help to differentiate their products in a highly competitive marketplace.

Transparency about tyre performance is important to inform buyers. Choosing tyres for a specific vehicle and application must be clearly understandable to customers. Consumer confidence is therefore important, and thorough and rigorous testing must be planned and conducted to meet requirements. The data provided must be shared via social media and magazines.

Continuous improvement is essential to meet changing customer needs and technological advances. Tests provide important information for the design and materials of new tyre models. Only the results of carefully conducted tests can help designers achieve further improvements.

 Tyre manufacturers conduct extreme tests, or ‘endpoint tests’, to explore the limits of tyre performance. In addition to durability and high-speed testing, track tests that exceed standard testing limits and protocols are conducted. These unique tests often demonstrate their commitment to performance and safety and help differentiate their products in a highly competitive marketplace.

By extreme tyre tests, manufacturers can promise superior performance and safety, thus establishing a selling point in a competitive marketplace.

Tyres undergo rigorous testing under extreme heat and cold conditions, including temperatures well above normal operating temperatures, including plus or minus 40°C. This allows us to understand how tyres behave under thermal stress, wear, tread separation and subsequent failure modes that can occur in extreme environments.

High-speed and endurance testing is primarily conducted in-house at speeds significantly above typical highway speeds, reaching over 200 km/h for extended periods, depending on the tyre’s speed rating. Furthermore, it is possible to evaluate very high threshold performance in terms of stability, wear and potential failure due to centrifugal forces, ensuring tyre integrity at extreme speeds.

In ‘Heavy Load Tests’ testing, tyres are subjected to loads far beyond normal operating conditions, simulating, for example, use on heavy commercial vehicles or overloaded passenger cars. These tests allow the behaviour of tyres under abnormal loads to be determined by evaluating their durability, temperature rise and long-term wear. These tests can be critical for commercial and high-performance vehicles.

‘Abrasion Tests’ simulate extended use on highly abrasive surfaces such as gravel, sand or even artificial surfaces. Tyre durability in harsh environments can be tested, providing concrete results from innovations in tyre compounds, especially for off-road and high-performance tyres.

Other examples of extreme tyre tests include ‘Aquaplaning Tests Beyond Normal Wet Conditions’ conducted in great water depths and under varying pressure conditions; ‘Puncture Resistance Tests’ under extreme conditions; ‘Extreme Terrain Simulation Tests’ on special tracks such as mud, snow or rocky terrain and ‘Fatigue Tests and Life Cycle Analysis’ to check whether performance deteriorates over time.

The ‘Environmental Simulation Chambers’ as internal equipment allow for the simulation of chronic exposure to factors such as UV radiation, ozone and humidity, as well as the evaluation of how external elements contribute to rubber degradation over time. This ensures that the tyre can withstand prolonged exposure to environmental stress without sacrificing performance.

These advanced or extreme tests allow tyre manufacturers to better understand the limits and capabilities of their products. By providing empirical data from these rigorous evaluations, companies can promise superior performance and safety, thus establishing a selling point in a competitive marketplace.

Today’s highly competitive environment requires market differentiation. Superior performance indicators can increase the market appeal of tyres by sharing test results and differentiating a brand’s products. In today’s highly competitive environment, only extensive testing can help brands stand out from the crowd.

The future of mobility is poised for a revolutionary transformation driven by emerging technologies and changing consumer demands. With an increasing shift towards electrification, autonomous driving and connected ecosystems, the automotive industry is evolving rapidly. Electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more mainstream, reducing carbon footprints and promoting sustainability. At the same time, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning and data analytics are enabling smarter vehicles that can adapt to real-time conditions, enhance safety and provide seamless user experiences. Additionally, the integration of shared mobility solutions, such as ridesharing and autonomous fleets, promises to reshape urban transportation, making it more efficient and reducing congestion. As sustainability becomes a central focus, the future of mobility will also involve the development of greener materials, eco-friendly technologies and circular economy practices that minimise waste and maximise resource efficiency, paving the way for a cleaner, smarter and more connected world.

As the automotive world embraces transformative trends like electrification, sustainability and digital connectivity, Apollo Tyres stands at the forefront, driving innovation with its cutting-edge R&D. With a legacy of pioneering breakthroughs, Apollo’s commitment to shaping the future of mobility is grounded in a holistic approach that blends advanced technologies, sustainability and performance excellence.

Historically, Apollo Tyres has consistently delivered products tailored to diverse market demands. Its R&D operations in India and Europe synergise global expertise to innovate solutions for traditional and electric vehicles. Today, Apollo leads the industry with adaptable tyre platforms and technologies designed to meet the unique requirements of EVs, featuring low rolling resistance, noise reduction, traction and durability enhancements. Innovations such as real-time tyre sensors and noise-cancelling technologies further define the company’s reputation for excellence.

Looking ahead, Apollo Tyres is championing a sustainable future through material innovation and digital transformation. The company integrates renewable and recycled materials, collaborates with leading universities to explore eco-friendly alternatives and advances tyre retreading and circular economy principles. These efforts culminate in passenger vehicle prototype tyres composed of 75 percent sustainable materials, showcasing Apollo’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Meanwhile, digital tools such as virtual prototyping and AI-powered analytics accelerate R&D cycles, ensuring responsiveness to emerging trends.

Apollo Tyres envisions a mobility landscape where tyres transcend their functional role, becoming integral to vehicle connectivity and safety. By leveraging intelligent technologies like Tyre Pressure Monitoring Systems and sensor-enabled diagnostics, Apollo is redefining the tyre’s role in connected ecosystems. Through relentless innovation, Apollo Tyres not only aligns with the future of mobility but actively drives it forward. The R&D vision is to create value to customers by developing products and technologies that are best in class in performance while being profitable to business and sustainable to environment.

THE STRATEGY FOR 2026 IS BUILT ON THE FOLLOWING THREE PILLARS

1. 1. Developing advanced tyre technology tailored for traditional and electric vehicles.
2. 2. Embracing circular economy principles by integrating renewable and recycled materials.
3. 3. Harnessing AI and virtual development tools to accelerate innovation in testing and material science.

Apollo’s investment in R&D has grown to around 2 percent of revenue. With a relentless focus on innovation, sustainability and customer satisfaction, Apollo is poised to continue its journey as a global leader in the tyre industry.

GLOBAL R&D TEAM: A SYNERGISTIC APPROACH

Our global R&D operations are strategically located in Chennai, India and Enschede, The Netherlands. These two centres integrate local expertise with advanced global technologies, addressing diverse market needs. Whether it’s the tropical climate and varied road conditions in India or the high-performance demands of European consumers, our R&D team tackles challenges with a unified approach. With state-of-the-art infrastructure, including advanced material research facility, raw material, predevelopment and simulation technologies, design, testing, advanced engineering, intellectual property, process and product development, Apollo Tyres delivers innovative tyre designs that address both regional and global demands.

ADVANCED MATERIAL RESEARCH AND SUSTAINABILITY INNOVATIONS

At Apollo, sustainability begins with material innovation. We are replacing conventional tyre components with eco-friendly alternatives. Collaborations with leading universities explore nano cellulose as a sustainable substitute for carbon black. Partnerships with Tyromer have revolutionised the quality of recycled rubber through cutting-edge devulcanisation techniques. On top we have signed collaboration projects with Asian premier institutes on bio degradation of ELT. Additionally, we promote natural rubber sustainability through plantation certifications, traceability programmes and education initiatives, achieving ISCC certification in our plants. Our material research extends to bio-based and recycled raw materials that enhance material sustainability. Advanced analytical tools enable precise characterisation of smart materials, supporting breakthroughs in polymer and filler technologies. Our tailored compounds ensure low rolling resistance, high traction and noise reduction, while delivering superior performance across all applications.

PREDEVELOPMENT AND VIRTUAL PROTOTYPING TECHNOLOGIES

Innovation is the heartbeat of Apollo Tyres. Our predevelopment teams integrate groundbreaking technologies, setting new benchmarks in the industry. FOAM technology exemplifies this spirit, reducing cavity noise for EVs without compromising on durability. This technology addresses the evolving needs of OEMs. Our sustainability-driven initiatives include ultra-low rolling resistance tyres with a rolling resistance coefficient of just 5.5 kg/tonne. Lightweight Truck Bus Radial tyres with a 10 percent weight reduction highlight our focus on environmental stewardship and performance innovation. Across all R&D locations, our focus on high performance drives tyre innovation. Advanced Computer-Aided Design (CAD) tools and real-world simulations help optimise tyre designs for diverse terrains. Detailed aerodynamic analyses further enhance fuel efficiency in vehicles, ensuring superior grip, handling and noise reduction. By leveraging virtual prototyping, we accelerate development cycles, optimising characteristics like rolling resistance, grip, comfort and noise.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

Our Intellectual Property (IP) teams has played a crucial role in safeguarding and advancing the prosperity of our company. Our IP team is tasked with recognising, securing and utilising our intellectual property assets to strengthen our competitive edge and generate lasting value for our stakeholders.

The following are some of the key achievements:

• 1. 25 patent applications were filed in FY24.
• 2. A total of 200+ active patents across geographies.
• 3. 29 design registrations filed in FY24.
• 4. A total of 300+ design registrations across geographies.

Our Intellectual Property (IP) team has cultivated an innovative culture within our organisation by encouraging employees to adhere to best IP practices, leading to the creation of high-value patents and designs. Consequently, we have generated new intellectual property assets and bolstered our product development capabilities.

ADVANCED TESTING EXCELLENCE

Testing is integral to ensuring the safety, performance and durability of our tyres. Our test facilities feature cutting-edge equipment that validates products under diverse conditions:

Flat-Trac Machine: This sophisticated tool measures force and moment properties, aiding in the design of high-performance tyres.

Anechoic Chamber: Simulating various road conditions, this chamber evaluates tyre noise levels, ensuring quieter and more comfortable rides. We have developed dedicated testing protocols for EVs, focusing on rolling resistance and noise reduction. The newly established Cut and Chip track at NATRAX, Indore, is designed to test tyres under extreme conditions, evaluating durability, uptime and grip. Through experiential drives, we showcase our technological prowess to fleet owners, business partners and media.

INTEGRATING TYRES INTO FUTURE MOBILITY THROUGH ADVANCED ENGINEERING

Apollo Tyres is at the forefront of revolutionising mobility through advanced engineering aligned with key megatrends like sustainability, connected vehicles and autonomous driving. Our intelligent tyres, equipped with sensors, telematics and software, enable seamless communication of vehicle conditions. Tyre Pressure Monitoring Solutions (TPMS), deployed in our tyre as service AVOLVE programme, enhance safety, reduce fuel consumption and provide remote diagnostics. The tyre of tomorrow will not just be a component but a critical element in the vehicle’s connectivity and safety systems.

ADVANCING INNOVATION THROUGH STRATEGIC COLLABORATION

Our R&D endeavours are grounded in robust partnerships with prestigious academic institutions that include both Indian and European universities. Apollo Tyres is also participating in consortium research on pre-competitive technologies. It is also worth mentioning that Apollo Tyres is also actively engaging with our supplier partners and customers to deliver cutting-edge technologies, products and services. 

ADDRESSING TECHNICAL CHALLENGES AND INDUSTRY TRENDS

The automotive sector is undergoing rapid regulatory changes, including Europe’s Green Deal and Euro 7 standards. These developments demand stricter compliance with emission and mileage requirements, accelerating the adoption of EVs. Apollo’s R&D efforts address these challenges by focusing on sustainable materials and advanced technologies. Circular economy initiatives, such as tyre retreading and recycling-friendly compounds, reduce waste and maximise resource efficiency. Our development of passenger vehicle prototype tyres containing 75 percent sustainable materials underscores our commitment to innovation and environmental responsibility.

CONCLUSION

Apollo Tyres’ unified R&D operations in India and Europe are more than innovation hubs; they are the pillars of the company’s vision to lead in technology and sustainability. By addressing global challenges and leveraging cutting-edge tools, Apollo Tyres continues to shape the future of mobility, delivering technology excellence with operational excellence to customers worldwide.

A SYNERGISTIC ALLIANCE

If my fading memory serves me right, I think I may have written at least two articles during past four years on the theme of tyres and mobility. When I step aside from the technologist’s mentality and look at tyres and mobility from a bystander’s perspective, I am convinced that it leads to some interesting insights. The connotations on the subject seem inexhaustive, which reminds of the different reflections from the different facets of a well-polished red ruby or a blue sapphire, some precious stones for which my country Sri Lanka has been famous from the ancient times.

Right from the dawn of life on earth, mobility has been a key driver for progress and survival, not only for humans but for all living beings. The ability to move has significantly changed the course of history and the evolution. Mobility is deeply embedded in every life form, from the lowest, starting from viruses and bacteria, to the highest form of life, presumably the humans. Even the stationary plants depend on mobility for their sustenance and propagation, as we learned in our lessons of Botany a very long time ago. Pollination and the distribution of seeds by wind, water and animals enable plants to colonise new locations. And through intricate vascular systems within the plants, water and nutrients are transported, which demonstrates the importance of internal mobility for their growth.

The inherent capacity of animals to move has offered them a definite advantage by enabling them to search for food, mates and seek safety. Animal migrations such as birds flying to warmer climates during winter, salmon returning to their spawning grounds and the breathtaking migration of wilder beast in East Africa, which I have personally witnessed in Kenya, shows the critical role served by mobility for their survival – an evolutionary trend transmitted to the early humans for their survival. Epic migrations of the humans have led to the spreading of humanity across the continents and establishment of the ancient civilisations in the Indus Valley and Mesopotamia etc. Thus, it can be seen that mobility has played an intrinsic role on life on earth, fostering diversity and adaptation.

From another perspective, mobility on earth is not confined to life forms only but is influenced by extraterrestrial or celestial phenomena such as gravitational forces and the influence of cosmic bodies such as the solar system. It is known that the early human communities depended on the patterns of the tides for fishing, and the travellers and traders relied on the movements and the positions of the stars for their navigational purposes, demonstrating how the cosmic bodies influenced the early earth’s mobility dynamics. The need for mobility has been intricately linked with human civilisation, impacting political, social, economic and cultural dynamics. Ancient epics like the Mahabharata and the Ramayan have vivid descriptions of horse-driven chariots, which, emphasises the importance of wheels in mobility. The wheels apparently made of wood and iron rims can be considered as the forerunners of the modern-day tyres.

Mobility has always helped in shaping civilisations, politically by enabling the expansion of empires and socially and culturally by the exchange of ideologies, traditions and goods. For instance, the Silk Road was not just a trade route but played the role of a cultural bridge between the East and the West. Economically, it enabled the gradual emergence of the foundation for the global trade systems by enabling transportation of goods over long distances.

And coming to the relatively modern times, the impact of the Newtonian Laws of Motion on practically every aspect of human mobility and mechanisation including the locomotion and the development of the internal combustion engine and eventually the automotives is widely accepted.

Man’s never-ending quest for making life more comfortable and the role of mobility and transportation has served as a key driver in many areas such as political, economic, social and cultural aspects. The increased efforts in producing synthetic rubber to develop a substitute for natural rubber (NR), which was in short supply during World War 2, for catering to the demand for tyres to be used for military purposes is a good example. Even in the ancient times, mobility has played a vital and critical role in warfare, where in addition to the infantry, horses, elephants and horse-driven chariots have been used to develop a comparative edge, as depicted in the great Indian epics.

The subject of tyre technology has always been a realm of mystique intrigue to us the students from the non-tyre sector during our study days in the late sixties. Pneumatic tyre was introduced to us as the most complicated and composite rubber product developed in the rubber industry during those days, a fact which I think still holds true despite the later developments in aerospace and bio-medical applications etc. The Ceylon Tyre Corporation, which was set up with Russian assistance, was the only pneumatic tyre manufacturing company available in Sri Lanka during those times, and this provided us facilities for learning about the practical aspects of tyre technology. It was a used plant relocated from Russia, and some of the newly selected staff were given an initial training and familiarisation in Russia. What was impressive and puzzling to us the non-tyre people was the vastness of the scope of processing and operations, and it was no secret that I skipped answering the questions on tyre technology in examinations.

The term ‘technology’, often used to have a connotation of elatedness, and some distancing or isolation from the norm, even in the modern times of mass communications. I feel that specialisation in the rapidly expanding disciplines, especially related to ICT, has further caused the deepening of this apparent chasm. The widely accepted view in the industry or in running a country is that technology is the panacea for solving our current problems and for achieving development. This latter view, of course, is open for a further deliberation at a later occasion.

Technology is very often regarded as an invention of the modern day, emerging mainly during the industrial revolutions of the 18th and 19th centuries and accelerating during the recent periods of Industry 3.0 and 4.0. While there is no doubt that these eras brought remarkable advancements in technology, the concept of technology can be considered to have been intrinsic to the human evolution. In very basic terms, technology is about finding methods to perform tasks and accomplish outcomes more efficiently, making the processes easier, faster, safer and cheaper. We are very familiar with how the early humans developed stone tools and fire-starting techniques, which may have marked the dawn of technological thinking, and hence the name given to them ‘Homo sapiens’.

Among the most significant technological breakthroughs, the invention of the wheel stands out as the cornerstone of mobility. The wheel was invented in the 4th millennium BC in the lower Mesopotamia (modern day Iraq) during what historians identify as the Bronze Age by the Sumerians, and by this time, humans have already mastered the domestication of animals and plants and were living within social hierarchies.

As the various human societies evolved technologically based on their specific socio-political, economic and cultural backgrounds, so were their mobility needs, and sometimes it becomes incomprehensible to decide which came first, technology or mobility, where we are faced with the ‘hen and the egg’ scenario.

The earliest wheels were made of wood and later reinforced with metal rims for stability and durability. I can still vividly remember our school days when we used to travel in oxen-driven ‘buggy carts’.

Charles Goodyear’s discovery of vulcanisation in 1844 had a profound effect on the manufacture of rubber products and would certainly have been contributory to the development of the first pneumatic tyre by Dunlop in 1888, which was first used on bicycles. Pneumatic tyres paved way for tyres to become more flexible, resilient and durable – the ideal prescription for modern transport systems. In the 20th century, pneumatic tyres became the standard, offering improved performance, comfort, safety and reliability. Tyres evolved further with the subsequent advances in the automotive technology, and today’s tyres are designed and engineered with new developments such as runflat technology, eco-friendly materials, smart sensors that monitor tyre performance in real-time, self-sealing tyres, non-pneumatics and advanced tyres for EVs and autonomous driving.

The development of tyre technology and emerging needs of societies for improving mobility needs are synergistic as changes and advancements of one area very often seem to drive the progress of the other. It is also an inevitable trend that the prioritisation of sustainability, a movement that has emerged over the past four decades, is rapidly influencing all the areas of tyre technology and the mobility requirements.

Societal needs are instrumental in inspiring technological advancements, and tyre innovations in turn are empowering societies to strive for sustainable and efficient mobility, and both seem to work hand in hand to face the challenges of a rapidly changing world.

From the rudimentary wooden wheels of ancient chariots to the high-tech tyres of today, the journey of tyre technology mirrors humanity’s relentless quest for progress. As we continue to explore new frontiers in mobility, the humble tyre remains a testament to the enduring relationship between technology and human innovation. Understanding the historical significance of tyres and their technological evolution enables us to gain deeper appreciation for the intricate ways mobility has shaped our world, politically, socially, economically and culturally. It is not just a narrative or episode of technological advancement but also a chronicle of human ingenuity and mankind’s timeless desire to move forward.

The author is a Management Counsellor from Sri Lanka.

Why the need for this transition?

Tyre testing is an ongoing process critical to ensuring the quality, reliability and performance of tyres throughout their lifecycle – from design to end of life. As tyres are developed to meet ever-evolving customer and consumer needs, traditional validation methods are no longer sufficient. To stay competitive, there’s a growing need to predict tyre performance at the earliest stages of development, before physical testing begins. By leveraging advanced analytics and simulations, manufacturers can identify performance patterns, minimise risks and accelerate the development process.

The key to this shift is data and cutting-edge virtual software. With vast amounts of information now available – from sensors, testing, test tracks and consumer feedback – analytics and machine learning offer powerful tools for making data-driven predictions and optimising performance. This ability to forecast and validate tyre performance early not only speeds up time-to-market but also reduces errors, ensuring first-time-right products.

However, technology alone isn’t enough. To fully capitalise on these advances, investment in human capital is essential. Empowering teams with the skills to harness emerging technologies and encouraging a culture of continuous learning is vital for driving innovation and maintaining a competitive edge.

In essence, this transition is necessary to remain agile in an increasingly complex market, with reduction in developmental cycle time and ensure that both products and teams are primed for success.

How do we do this?

The path to transformation requires striking a balance between depth and breadth of knowledge – similar to the way a banyan tree’s deep roots support its wide canopy. It’s a two-step process: first, we deepen our expertise in specific domains, then we expand our knowledge to integrate cross-disciplinary insights.

In tyre testing, this means creating specialised expertise in critical areas such as Noise, Vibration, Harshness and Handling. Achieving this requires a comprehensive study of both the broader vehicle dynamics and the finer details of tyre performance. This is done through extensive measurements on outdoor test tracks, where vehicle dynamics are observed and linked to tyre performance data from advanced indoor equipment. Tools-like Design of Experiments (DoE) and attribute sensitivity studies help optimise tyre performance by turning subjective ‘feel’ into measurable data.

This meticulous approach, focusing on both deep specialisation and data-driven insights, forms the core of predictive testing and sets the stage for more advanced, integrated testing methodologies in the future.

Why we need virtual testing or testing 4.0?

For predictive testing to sustain, specialisation of capability and specific domain expertise needs to be nurtured. However, there are limitations to it such as learning scalability, domain specific data complexity, horizontal deployment challenges, skilled manpower dependency and longer lead times. This includes the dependency on tools that are commercially available.

Hence, predictive testing needs extension with a contemporary approach of deploying newer technologies like tyre modelling and multi body dynamics, data analytics, machine learning and artificial intelligence. This is where, testing 4.0 is conceived.

When can we start virtual testing transformation?

After domain expertise is deepened, it aids expert teams to validate a tyre with a synergised cross-functional perspective. This forms the basis of widening of knowledge. This is when the boundaries of specific domains fade and merge as a collective breadth of know-how in tyre development and testing.

A step closer to virtual tyre development

Accurate tyre modelling is critical for predicting important vehicle performance factors such as stability, braking, ride comfort and durability. By capturing the complex, non-linear behaviour of tyres, engineers can better understand and predict vehicle dynamics early in the design process, ultimately shortening development timelines. While building a full vehicle simulation used to involve modelling various subsystems like the chassis, suspension, engine and tyres, research has shown that a precise tyre model is key to improving the accuracy of vehicle dynamics predictions.

The tyre is a complex, non-linear component crucial to vehicle behaviour. With the growing number of vehicle models and use cases, there is an increasing reliance on simulation over physical testing to reduce development times. Tyre modelling requires expertise in test methods, data acquisition and conversion to accurately represent tyre forces for vehicle simulations. Advanced software tools help engineers adjust tyre properties like inflation, stiffness and friction, enabling the creation of customised vvirtual tyres’ for more precise performance analysis.

Future of virtual development: Driving simulators

Driving simulators are crucial for car manufacturers, allowing up to 70-80 percent of development work to be done virtually, saving time and money by refining designs before physical prototypes are made. These simulators help enhance the driving experience and accelerate vehicle development.

For tyre manufacturers, simulators enable early testing and validation of tyre models, ensuring optimal performance before prototypes are built. They offer advantages such as reproducibility, easier data collection and the ability to simulate dangerous conditions safely, significantly reducing development time.

The horizon of possibilities

Driving simulators will be able to accurately calculates the driving dynamics of both tyres and the vehicle. It is engineered to deliver an immersive, cutting-edge driving experience, replicating the exact sensations and performance data test drivers would encounter on a high-performance test track – "pushing the boundaries of tyre testing and performance evaluation in a virtual environment.”