Michelin and Brembo join forces to innovate, boosting safety and driving comfort
-
Michelin and Brembo sign a global agreement to combine their intelligent solutions that leverage algorithms, know-how, and expertise related to brakes and tyres
-
The promising initial tests show a reduction in braking distances of up to four metres (thirteen feet)1 whatever the tyre wear level or road conditions
-
Innovation dedicated to car makers and benefiting all consumers
Michelin – a leading tyre manufacturer and innovative expert in composites – and Brembo – a global leader in the design, development, and production of braking solutions signed a global agreement to exploit the full potential of their intelligent solutions to revolutionise vehicle performance and offer drivers the highest safety and comfort standards.
For this partnership, Michelin and Brembo combined their expertise: excellence in braking systems, vehicle modeling and artificial intelligence for Brembo; leadership in tyre modeling and algorithm development for Michelin.
The innovation relies on the continuous exchange of real-time data between Michelin’s connected solutions software, which provides tyre grip data to Brembo's innovative SENSIFY® braking system. These unique tyre insights enable engineers to fine-tune the braking system with exceptional precision, further enhancing SENSIFY’s characteristics.
Michelin’s tyre connected solutions rely on the Group’s recognised expertise in tyre physics modelling and simulation used in tyre development. Thanks to their unique know-how in live vehicle data analysis, Michelin has developed a portfolio of software able to provide real-time information to the car, such as wear (Michelin SmartWear), load (Michelin SmartLoad) and grip (Michelin SmartGrip). Michelin’s software works with all tyre brands.
Brembo’s SENSIFY® sets a new benchmark for braking systems, natively developed for any modern vehicle. Its high flexibility, scalability, and adaptability make it easy to integrate into any model. SENSIFY® combines Brembo’s world-renowned braking components with a digital brain that leverages AI, algorithms and sensors to independently control each wheel. The result is one of the most advanced braking systems, designed to deliver an exceptional driving experience and enhanced safety.
The initial tests performed virtually and in the field are very promising. In the first phase, Michelin's tyre models and algorithms were integrated with Brembo's intelligent braking models and vehicle simulations in a fully virtual environment. In the second phase, physical tests were conducted on tracks at Michelin's Research Centre, where the simulation results were confirmed.
The tests demonstrated braking distance reductions that can reach up to four metres (thirteen feet)1 during ABS events, with the same tyres in various conditions. An impressive result considering that four metres is close to the average length of a car.
The braking system also showed quicker response time, minimised traction loss, improved lateral stability, and the absence of wheel locking. All these factors contribute to a smoother, more comfortable driving experience.
We are thrilled to join forces with a brand like Brembo, a leader in its field. Our shared passion for innovation and excellence allows us to take a new step forward in enhancing user safety. Allowing customers to keep their tyres in use as long as possible with total peace of mind is a core objective of Michelin, thus protecting their purchasing power as well as the environment. Today, Michelin is a “data-driven company” where simulation and software development are essential tools in the real-time monitoring of tyres. Together, Michelin and Brembo are building a unique solution for the vehicles of the future, developed today by the car makers.
At Brembo, we believe in the power of technology and artificial intelligence. In fact, we are increasingly becoming a company combining software capabilities with our expertise in the corner of the vehicle, mastering calipers, discs and friction materials with a unique know-how. SENSIFY® represents the new standard in braking that will target a zero accidents vision. This partnership with Michelin illustrates the power of collaboration and innovation in the automotive industry.
[1] Braking Tests conducted on the test tracks of the Michelin R&D center – Ladoux, France over 17 days between September 30 and October 29, 2024, with two identical vehicles except that one was equipped with the Brembo Sensify system + Michelin Solutions, the other with a standard ABS system.
Standard test protocol including multiple repetitions, conducted on dry and wet tracks (water level controlled at 0.8mm), with varied tyre conditions: new tyres and tyres with 2mm tread depth, with nominal and under-inflated pressures, Michelin Pilot Sport and Michelin Pilot Alpin tyres at different speeds: 50km/h, 90km/h, 110km/h and 130km/h. Although testing of the braking system and Michelin solutions was made using only Michelin tyres, the solutions can be applied to other tyre brands as well.