Michlen's SmartWear and SmartLoad aimed to improve safety, reduce costs and keep vehicle data on board.

Tires were increasingly joining the digital transformation of vehicles, and Michelin had positioned itself at the forefront with the launch of its new artificial intelligence-driven tire technology. At the 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Michelin was set to debut its SmartWear and SmartLoad systems, signalling a potential shift away from conventional tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS).

Developed in partnership with technology firm Sonatus, the system used artificial intelligence to analyse real-time vehicle signals such as braking intensity, cornering forces, load distribution and driving conditions. By interpreting this data, the tires were able to monitor their own wear and provide predictive insights into tire health, safety and performance.

Drive smarter: Michelin's connected tires explained. | Video by Michelin.

Michelin said the technology could eventually replace legacy tire monitoring tools, with estimated global cost savings of up to USD 1.68 billion by 2030 through extended tire life, reduced maintenance and improved safety outcomes.

A key feature of the system was its approach to data management. According to Michelin, all tire data generated by SmartWear and SmartLoad was stored within the vehicle itself rather than transmitted to the cloud. The system integrated with the Sonatus Collector AI platform and could be configured across different vehicle types with limited adaptation, addressing growing concerns around data security and privacy.

“Michelin SmartLoad and SmartWear showcase how our expertise in tire physics and modelling turns complex data into clear, predictive insights,” said Ali Rezgui, Vice President of Michelin Tire Digital Twin. “These solutions help automakers and fleets extend tire life, improve safety, reduce costs and support sustainable mobility.”

Michelin described SmartWear and SmartLoad as the first elements of a broader portfolio designed to enable a full “Tyre Digital Twin” within vehicles, allowing original equipment manufacturers to better integrate tire intelligence into vehicle systems.

To demonstrate the technology, Michelin and Sonatus planned a live showcase at CES using a 1970 Ford Bronco retrofitted with the smart tire system. Visitors would be able to view real-time tire health data through Michelin's MyTires application, highlighting how the technology could be applied even to older vehicles.

Michelin's announcement came amid growing scrutiny of connected tire technologies. Pirelli, which introduced its Cyber Tire platform in 2021, had drawn attention for its ability to collect extensive driving and road condition data, including detecting wet or hazardous surfaces. However, the technology had also faced regulatory challenges in the United States due to national security concerns, linked to Chinese firm Sinochem's 37 per cent stake in Pirelli.

New U.S. federal rules were set to restrict certain connected vehicle software from the 2027 model year, with hardware restrictions following in 2030, potentially limiting the deployment of some advanced tire technologies unless exemptions were granted.

Against this backdrop, Michelin's decision to keep tire data stored locally within the vehicle appeared to be a strategic move, balancing innovation with regulatory compliance, privacy concerns and growing expectations around digital safety in mobility.

Read the full artcile at Car Scoops.