Michelin unveils its 3D printed biodegradable tyre

Michelin, the renowned French tyre manufacturer, unveiled its latest tyre innovation during the International Summit on Sustainable Mobility that took place on June 13 and 15 in Montreal.

Named Michelin Visionary Concept, this fully 3D printed tyre is capable according to its manufacturer to have a life equivalent to that of the car it equips. The airless tyre has a biomimetic structure and could have its tread re-printed depending on the changing weather conditions.

Michelin offers here a design for the future of sustainable mobility. The tyre is rechargeable, biodegradable, complete with sensors dedicated to real-time monitoring.

“Because we believe mobility is essential for human development, we innovate with passion to make it safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly,” said the French manufacturer.

Photo via Jimmy Hamelin/Michelin

Rather than reloading the tyres with air, Michelin intends to implement a reprinting system of tyres on the roadside. In other words, for Michelin, it will be a “Print & Go” station where users will book appointments via a mobile application.

The Clermont-Ferrand-based company explains that the tyre removes the need for air by relying on an interior architecture capable of supporting the vehicle. In addition, tyres depend on sensors that allow drivers to monitor performance through an application.

Although the design is currently a concept, the designer and project manager VISION, Mostapha El-Oulhani, explains it “is a showcase of [their] expertise as well as a promise of the future.”
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