Bridgestone has started the first commercial operation of its AirFree airless tires after nearly twenty years of development. This technology is now being used in a fleet of autonomous vehicles intended for transporting the elderly in the city of Higashiomi, located in Japan.
This launch represents the first time that the puncture-proof tire has been used commercially outside of experimental environments. The vehicles, which resemble elongated golf carts and are electric-powered, operate on predetermined routes and at reduced speeds, a scenario considered ideal for introducing this innovation.
The initial prototype of the airless tire was presented by Bridgestone in 2008, and the third generation was revealed in 2023. Unlike traditional tires, AirFree eliminates the need for internal pressure, utilizing a structure composed of spokes made from recyclable thermoplastic resin, covered by a thin tread rubber strip. The manufacturer reports that both the rubber and the spokes can undergo recycling or retreading processes.
The hubs of these tires feature a high-visibility blue tone called 'Empowering Blue'. A significant advancement, according to the company, was achieved by developing a more flexible structure, allowing for superior load distribution without compromising passenger comfort. This progress occurred when the team chose to invest in a flexible resin instead of trying to make the material more rigid, as stated by Bridgestone engineer Masaki Ota.
The tires were tested with journalists aboard the autonomous vehicles, keeping the speed restricted to 20 km/h. During these tests, the tires demonstrated the ability to climb steep inclines and navigate roads with poor pavement. However, the Nikkei Asia website points out that the technology is still only suitable for low-speed applications, indicating that it is far from being applied in passenger cars.
Bridgestone has not yet established a timeline for the mass production of AirFree tires. The company is studying a business model that incorporates recycling services and is also developing a version of the technology for use in lunar vehicles, using a metallic structure inspired by the original concept. In the market, competitor Michelin presented its Uptis concept for passenger cars in 2019, in collaboration with GM, with an expected debut in 2024, although this has not yet happened. Michelin, however, already markets the airless Tweel tire for smaller uses, such as lawnmowers and golf carts.
