Goodyear equips delivery robots with airless tires

Goodyear is testing its airless tires on delivery robots. When will they go on sale?

Our cars have changed a lot over the years. Today, for example, we are seeing the emergence of electric vehicles, autonomous or not, microcars and delivery robots. The landscape will change a lot. And besides the very type of vehicles, innovations are being made in all aspects, in all technologies. Including tires. Goodyear, for example, developed airless tires some time ago. Here they are at work today.

Goodyear is testing its airless tires on delivery robots

The tires on our vehicles have also undergone significant changes. Some of these today can automatically re-inflate when punctured, giving drivers the ability to safely change a wheel without damaging the car and/or causing an accident in the worst case.

That being said, it would be more efficient if the tires did without air at all, right? Goodyear has been exploring this path for years, and the tire specialist is currently testing such tires on a fleet of delivery robots. These tires are used by Starship Technologies robots. The company said it wants to find a solution to extend the life of its robots and reduce maintenance operations.

When will they go on sale?

And it makes sense, in the long run, especially since delivery robots are designed and engineered to be autonomous. Having tires that never deflate is a good way to ensure you work more efficiently for longer periods of time, as well as reduce the chance of them getting stuck in the middle of work.

Goodyear isn’t the only tire manufacturer developing airless tyres. Several years ago, Michelin had already developed airless tires with the help of General Motors. Last I heard, their marketing was scheduled for 2024.