NEXEN TIRE Utilizes Virtual Reality and Artificial Intelligence in R&D
- The introduction of Ansible Motion’s High Dynamic Driving Simulator
- Cost savings and contribution to environmental protection by using VR·AI for tire R&D
SEOUL, South Korea, July 22, 2024 – NEXEN TIRE, a leading global tire manufacturer, announced that it is actively utilizing cutting-edge technology in tire R&D to cope with the rapid changes in the mobility industry. The company is developing innovative tires using VR (Virtual Reality) technology to evaluate virtual tire performance and AI (Artificial Intelligence) to predict performance, thereby enhancing the efficiency of its R&D efforts.
On July 4, NEXEN TIRE introduced its ‘High Dynamic Driving Simulator,’ a VR-based equipment for tire development, making it the first in the domestic tire industry. The tire maker has partnered with the British equipment supplier ‘Ansible Motion’ for this initiative. The driving simulator is expected to bolster collaboration with automakers, helping to shorten vehicle development times and reduce costs through accelerated virtual development.
VR tire development involves evaluating products using virtual tires with mathematically simulated performance, thereby eliminating the need for initial physical prototypes. The Driving Simulator creates an environment that simulates real-world conditions without the use of actual vehicles, allowing drivers to assess virtual tire performance. This cutting edge equipment can accurately predict tire performance through real-time simulations, incorporating precise tire modeling techniques to real-world product design and performance evaluations.
With the introduction of the Driving Simulator, NEXEN TIRE plans to predict and optimize the performance required for OE (Original Equipment) tires in advance, reducing time and costs while boosting its market competitiveness. VR development reduces costs associated with raw materials, vehicles, and space rentals while also shortening the testing period and processing time from prototype to finished product.
Even prior to the introduction of the driving simulator, NEXEN TIRE had integrated both VR and AI technologies into its tire development processes. In 2022, the company established an ‘AI Performance Prediction System’ that uses machine learning to predict key tire performance metrics at the concept stage. This system enables tire developers to quickly and accurately forecast essential performance characteristics such as fuel efficiency, noise, handling, and grip, leveraging extensive test data accumulated over time.
NEXEN TIRE plans to further expand its application of AI technology. The company is developing a system that utilizes XAI (eXplainable AI) technology, which not only generates answers to given test values but also explains and interprets results and processes to provide optimal design solutions.
The successful implementation of VR tire development processes and AI technology improves competitive tire technology while also contributing to NEXEN TIRE’s ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management practices. Reduced reliance on real-world vehicle testing decreases fossil fuel consumption and significantly reduces carbon emissions associated with prototype production.
“We are committed to dedicating our R&D efforts to developing tires that are suitable for new concept vehicles in a timely manner,” said a NEXEN TIRE representative. “The product development process incorporating VR, AI, and other technologies aligns with our vision of opening a sustainable future with tomorrow’s technology.”