Murata and Michelin develop RFID module to optimise tyre management

Murata Manufacturing Co has co-developed a new generation of RFID modules with Michelin that are embedded into tyres. The robust passive RFID tags do not require external power supply and will continue to operate while being driven on for extremely high mileages. 

This simple technology delivers low cost and easy tyre traceability throughout its entire lifespan, enabling the management of inventory logistics, aftermarket maintenance, and recycling operations.

“RFID technology is a key enabler to gain efficiency and optimise tyre operations, but also to improve the customer experience while identifying tires and associating data. An embedded tag is the only way to identify tyres, from the cradle to the grave, consistently,” says Jerome Barrand, Michelin RFID program leader. “Thanks to a great collaboration with Murata, a new efficient and cost-effective solution has been developed, enabling Michelin to address a larger market. This new generation of RFID tags is already in more than four million Michelin tyres. As the technology is also available, from now on, to any other tire manufacturer, this shall foster market adoption.”

Currently, Michelin uses the RFID tags in commercial vehicles, such as lorries, busses and passenger cars. Michelin is working towards expanding this roll out to 100% of Michelin tyres from 2024. Importantly, the company anticipates that key players in the market will embrace this technology for improved tyre traceability.

“Murata will continue to improve technologies for innovative solutions and will contribute to tire management operations throughout its lifecycle and the enhancement of customer experience,” says Masamichi Ando, ​​Senior Director of RFID Business Department at Murata.

Murata has extensive experience and knowledge of RF technology and downsizing. Improving the reliability compared to existing RFID tags while minimising cost were critical factors when developing the tyre embeddable RFID tag. Designed and manufactured by Murata, the RFID module is approximately the size of a grain of rice, measuring 1x1x6 mm. By inserting it into a simple spring antenna designed and manufactured by HANA Technologies, the RFID tag achieves the simplest communication architecture, enabling it to link to the tyre ecosystem.

In addition to the supply of this RFID module, Murata will be able to offer its id-Bridge platform (RFID middleware), which processes and interprets the data transmitted from the tire embeddable RFID tag in conformance with ISO standards.