CenTiRe Announces New Research Project: Wireless Flexible Piezo-Polymer Sensors for Smart Tires

CenTiRe is pleased to announce the funding of a new two-year research project beginning in August 2026: Wireless Flexible Piezo-Polymer Sensors for Smart Tires, led by Dr. Zhenhua Tian of the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech.

As the tire industry continues its evolution toward connected, intelligent, and autonomous mobility, the ability to measure tire behavior in real time has become increasingly important. Tires are the only point of contact between a vehicle and the road, yet obtaining accurate information about tire deformation, vibration, loading conditions, and road interactions remains a significant challenge.

This project aims to develop a new generation of lightweight, flexible, and wireless sensors that can be embedded directly within a tire. Unlike traditional wired sensors, these innovative piezo-polymer sensors are designed to conform to the tire structure while continuously collecting valuable data without requiring physical connections. The technology combines advanced sensing materials with wireless power and data transmission capabilities, enabling real-time monitoring of tire behavior during operation.

Over the course of the project, the research team will optimize the sensor materials, develop wireless data acquisition systems, validate sensor durability, and conduct both laboratory and on-road testing. The sensors will be evaluated under a wide range of conditions, including paved roads as well as challenging off-road environments such as gravel, mud, and snow.

The successful development of this technology could provide tire manufacturers with new tools for tire design, modeling, validation, and performance optimization. Looking further ahead, the project could help enable future smart tire systems capable of providing continuous feedback on tire condition, road surface characteristics, and vehicle dynamics. Such capabilities have the potential to improve safety, enhance vehicle performance, and support the growing adoption of connected and autonomous vehicle technologies.

This project exemplifies CenTiRe's commitment to advancing innovative tire technologies that address future industry needs through collaborative research between academia and industry.

Interested in helping shape the future of tire technology? CenTiRe's global consortium of tire manufacturers, suppliers, testing organizations, and technology companies collaboratively identifies research priorities and gains early access to cutting-edge university research. Industry members participate directly in project selection, research guidance, and technology transfer activities while helping develop the next generation of tire industry talent.

To learn more about CenTiRe membership opportunities and current research activities, contact us or visit our website. at www.centire.org.