Michelin’s SmartWear system joins the AI race in tire tech, aiming to replace legacy monitoring tools and improve vehicle safety amid data privacy concerns
It’s not just cars themselves that are getting smarter, but tires are too. At next month’s 2026 Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Michelin will debut a new line of tires that don’t just roll, they think. Using artificial intelligence, these smart tires can monitor their own wear and provide real-time feedback on their condition.
Also: AI-Driven Robots Are Now Changing Tires in the US Twice as Fast as Humans
The new system, developed in partnership with technology firm Sonatus, is able to analyze vehicle signals like braking intensity, vehicle load, cornering forces, and other dynamic conditions to provide accurate insights into the health of a vehicle’s tires.
Known as SmartLoad and SmartWear, the system could eventually replace conventional tire monitoring tech. Michelin estimates the change could lead to cost savings of $1.68 billion globally by 2030.
Where Does the Data Actually Go?
According to Michelin, the system works seamlessly with the Sonatus Collector artificial intelligence and can be configured across different vehicle types with minimal effort. Importantly, all tire data is stored within the vehicle itself rather than being uploaded to the cloud, a decision that’s likely to appeal to automakers and consumers alike concerned about 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 SmartWear and SmartLoad are the first building blocks of a full portfolio that will enable the OEMs to have Tire Digital Twin in their vehicles.”
Retro Ford Bronco Demo Meets Modern Tech
To illustrate how the system works in practice, Michelin and Sonatus will demonstrate the technology at CES using a 1970 Ford Bronco fitted with the smart tire system. Attendees will be able to view tire health information in real time via Michelin’s MyTires app.
Cyber Tire Faces U.S. Scrutiny
Of course, Michelin isn’t the only tire manufacturer leaning heavily on technologies. Pirelli introduced its own Cyber Tire platform back in 2021, which gathers far more driving data than traditional tire pressure monitoring systems. It’s even capable of detecting road surface conditions, including heavy rain.
Read: US Threatens Action Over Pirelli Tech Hidden In Your Car’s Tires
However, that same technology has also landed Pirelli in hot water in the US over national security concerns. Chinese firm Sinochem holds a 37 percent stake in Pirelli, placing the company under increased watch as the U.S. moves to restrict Chinese involvement in connected vehicle systems.
New federal rules will ban certain software starting with the 2027 model year, with hardware restrictions following in 2030. Unless exemptions are granted, vehicles equipped with Cyber Tire tech could soon face limits in the U.S. market.
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Brad Anderson’s lifelong affair and fascination with cars started young. Before even graduating high school,… Read full bio

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