Technology: Toyo develops AI-based “real-time" simulation system

Hyogo, Japan – Toyo Tire Corp. has developed a real-time simulation as well as a "snow prediction" technology using its recently upgraded AI-assisted tire development platform T-Mode.

The new technology integrates computer aided engineering (CAE) and artificial intelligence to deliver real time simulation based on machine learning, Toyo said in a statement 25 Feb.

In the conventional development process, design specs are input and a simulation is run. Here, the design specs are revised and the simulation process is performed repeatedly until the calculated performance values achieve the targeted performance. 

The new Toyo process, however, integrates various data accrued from simulations run thus far in T-Mode, helped by a centralised data management system. 

“By using this data and inputting the design specs into the system, we are able to immediately predict tire performance values through AI,” the tire maker said. 

In addition, for the establishment of this technology, Toyo Tire conducted a joint research with Osaka University, in which a hierarchical diagram was developed for transecting tire design specs and tire performance in accordance with design engineering concepts. 

Based on this research, Toyo said it managed to visualise the relationship between tire design specs and tire performance by using data science methodologies. 

This enabled machine learning based on the simulation data, consequently, leading to shorter and more precise calculations and predictions.

Also using its T-Mode platform, Toyo said it has now developed a technology to predict “with a high level of precision” the snow traction performance of a tire in real life.

In collaboration with Japanese universities, Toyo carried out measurement methods to quantify the shear resistance force from snow in the actual conditions of use.

The data acquired facilitated the testing conducted with an experimental analysis system for annular shear characteristics to measure the shear force working between tire rubber and natural snow, taking into account load and speed factors during driving and braking.

Toyo said it has visualised the deformation in block during driving and braking in various environments in which tires are used. This will help the company in the development of tread patterns in accordance with the real enviroment.

Toyo upgraded its T-Mode tire design base technologies with the combination of computer aided engineering (CAE) and artificial intelligence (AI) in July 2019.

Originally developed in 2000, the platform now enables combining data from various simulation technologies conducted by the tire maker, ‘revolutionalising’ the company’s development process.