The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company has developed and is testing a custom-engineered non-pneumatic (airless) tyre (NPT) to support Starship delivery robots.
Goodyear into New Forms of Mobility
Starship Technologies, a Goodyear Ventures portfolio company, builds and operates a network of over 1,000 last mile autonomous robots that carry and deliver packages, groceries and food directly to customers. To address Starship’s request related to tyre health and maintenance, Goodyear developed a specially engineered airless tyre designed to extend tyre life and reduce maintenance activities for Starship’s delivery fleet.
Goodyear and Starship have entered an in-field testing phase at Bowling Green State University to evaluate vehicle and tyre dependencies. Early on-vehicle tyre testing data has shown positive results with respect to treadwear, braking and vibration dampening.
Goodyear is excited to extend their unique airless tyre architectures into new forms of mobility. The micro delivery space presents a different set of needs as it relates to the tyre, and NPT technology is ideal to meet those needs to help enable a maintenance-free and long-lasting experience.
Starship Technolgies delivery robots make thousands of deliveries every day in all types of weather conditions and terrain. To make sure to keep up with the growing demand for their services, Starship Technologies need tyres that are reliable and keep their robots on the move around the clock and around the globe. The company feels great to see these new tyre offering reliability as well as cost savings as they scale their business.
