Michelin opens joint tire research lab with €4.5 million investment over four years
Michelin opened I-TireLab with French academic partners, backed by about €4.5 million over four years. Research will focus on estimating tire wear and grip, improving manufacturing processes and developing flexible composites.
1. Research lab opens
Michelin inaugurated I-TireLab with French academic partners, with about €4.5 million in investment over four years. Research will use existing vehicle sensors to estimate tire wear and grip in real time, and develop simulation and control tools to maintain consistent rubber quality while reducing raw material waste and energy consumption.
2. Planned applications
The research could enhance Michelin Touch Intelligence, a tire digital twin introduced in May 2026 that estimates tire conditions without additional sensors. Flexible-composite research could also improve Wisamo, Michelin’s automated inflatable wingsail designed to reduce ships’ fuel consumption; its first sail is in delivery.
