Murata and Michelin co-develop RFID module to improve tyre management operations

Murata has co-developed a new generation of RFID modules with Michelin that embed into tyres. The robust passive RFID tags require no external power supply. They survive and continue to work while being driven on for extremely high mileages. This simple yet elegant 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 tyres and associating data. An embedded tag is the only way to identify tyres, from the cradle to the grave, consistently,” said Mr. Jerôme Barrand, Michelin RFID program leader. “Thanks to a great collaboration with Murata, a new performant 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 4 million Michelin tyres. As the technology is also available, from now on, to any other tyre manufacturer, this shall foster market adoption.”

“Currently, Michelin uses the RFID tags in commercial vehicles, such as lorries and busses,” says xxxxxxx, Murata. “Michelin is working towards expanding this roll out to passenger cars from 2024. Importantly, the company anticipates that other tyre manufacturers will standardise on this technology.”

Murata has long 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.

For more information about the tyre embeddable RFID tags, which are already in mass production, please visit: https://rfid.michelin.com/