Nexen Tire is pushing the boundaries of tyre technology by integrating cutting-edge innovations like eXplainable AI (XAI) and 3D printing into its tyre development processes. These advancements are not only streamlining production but also paving the way for enhanced collaborations with global automakers.
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Nexen Tire has made significant strides in incorporating XAI technology into its design and development processes. Unlike traditional AI, which can be something of a "black box," XAI offers transparency by not only generating answers to given test values but also explaining the reasoning behind these results. This interpretative capability is critical for optimising tyre designs, allowing engineers to understand the ‘why’ behind the data and make informed decisions faster.
The application of XAI has enabled Nexen to create Virtual Tyre Models, allowing comprehensive performance assessments in a virtual environment. This digital approach is a game-changer for the company, drastically reducing the time required to draw up optimal design plans to just one day—a fraction of the time typically needed. By speeding up this phase of development, Nexen is poised to deliver better products to market more swiftly, enhancing its competitive edge.
While details on Nexen’s specific use of 3D printing for tyre mould production were not highlighted, it is clear the company is leveraging advanced manufacturing technologies across the board. Nexen has introduced a High Dynamic Driving Simulator, a VR-based tool that places it at the forefront of domestic tyre development. This simulator enables the virtual testing of tyres under a variety of conditions, allowing for real-time adjustments and optimisations without the need for physical prototypes.
These technologies are integral to Nexen’s strategy to keep pace with the rapid changes in the mobility industry, where efficiency and adaptability are key. By embracing VR and AI technologies, Nexen is not only improving its R&D capabilities but also positioning itself to better meet the demands of the global automotive market.
Nexen Tire’s adoption of these innovative technologies is also aimed at reinforcing its collaborations with automakers worldwide. The introduction of the High Dynamic Driving Simulator, for instance, is expected to streamline the vehicle development process for original equipment (OE) tyres. By enabling faster and more accurate virtual testing, Nexen can help automakers reduce both development time and costs—an attractive proposition in today’s fast-paced automotive industry.
The ability to predict and optimise tyre performance early in the development process also means that Nexen can better meet the evolving needs of global automakers, particularly as the industry shifts towards electric and autonomous vehicles. This foresight will not only strengthen existing partnerships but also open doors to new collaborations.
The benefits of Nexen’s technological advancements extend beyond mere efficiency. The shift towards virtual testing and development significantly reduces the need for real-world vehicle testing, cutting down on fossil fuel consumption and carbon emissions typically associated with prototype production. This aligns with Nexen’s broader vision of opening a sustainable future through technological innovation.
Moreover, the ability to develop tyres for new concept vehicles quickly and accurately ensures that Nexen remains at the forefront of the industry, ready to meet the demands of the next generation of vehicles.
Through its integration of XAI and 3D printing, Nexen Tire is positioning itself as a forward-thinking leader in the tyre industry. These technologies not only enhance the company’s ability to produce high-quality tyres more efficiently but also strengthen its relationships with global automakers. As the automotive landscape continues to evolve, Nexen is well-equipped to lead the way, driving the future of tyre development with innovation and sustainability at its core.
