Every day, Anicet Mbida makes us discover an innovation that could well change the way we consume.
This Friday, he is interested in an innovation in road and automobile safety, a puncture-proof tire made of metal but as flexible as rubber.
The innovation of the day is the realization of an old dream of the thousand terminals: the arrival of truly puncture-proof tires that you do not need to inflate.
We have been promised a puncture-proof tire for years.
Anicet Mbida has seen ten prototypes, nothing has ever been marketed.
But this time we may have found the right technology.
Since it has been operating for almost ten years on the moon and on Mars.
You should know that in space, it is so cold that rubber becomes as hard and brittle as glass.
It cannot therefore be used for the wheels of exploration rovers.
This is why NASA has developed a metal tire, in a special alloy, which has the advantage of being as elastic as rubber and as resistant as titanium.
The entire surface of the tire is made up of a mesh of threads in this new alloy.
This is very effective: the tire deforms on the stones to absorb shocks and it immediately regains its shape.
This space technology will now be used on consumer tires.
Metal tires on the pebbles of Martian soil, one can understand.
But on our roads, with the rain, the snow… it will not slip?
Yes, that's why the land tire will be covered with a thin layer of rubber with engravings to give it more grip.
If it becomes smooth, it will be sufficient to retread it.
Which will cost less than changing it.
The startup SMART Tire is developing this technology in partnership with NASA.
It will start with bicycle and scooter tires.
With the ambition to rub shoulders, in the long term, with giants like Michelin, Bridgestone or Goodyear.
It will be interesting to follow.
First models expected at the end of the year, beginning of next year.
Time to pass regulatory certifications.