Michelin connects to advance RFID for tires

London – Michelin has entered a partnership with Confidex, a Finnish manufacturer of 'smart tracking devices, to develop RFID technology for tires.

In an announcement 21 March, Confidex parent group Beontag claimed a tag being developed  by the partners as "a milestone for the tire industry and RFID technology.”

Made under a licensing agreement between the partners, the tag will soon be available for passenger car, van and commercial vehicle tires worldwide, added Beontag. 

Tampere-based Confidex claims to be “the world’s leading” supplier of 'contactless smart tickets, industrial RFID & NFC tags and speciality labels', as well as Bluetooth beacons.

Michelin has been a driver behind the adoption of RFID tags to replace barcode and sidewall markings in the global tire industry.

In late 2020, the tire maker said it intended to incorporate RFID chips in all its car tires within three years.

By 2024, the French tire maker also aims to connect all passenger car, light truck, heavy truck and buses via RFID technology.

Among other benefits, RFID tags are claimed to: enhance production control of tires; provide accurate inventory control throughout the supply-chain; and improve logistics.

Furthermore, RFID tags will enable verification of authenticity for tires, improve fleet operations, increase control over recycling processes.