NIRA Wins the Automotive Software Excellence Prize at EdgeTech+ AWARD
The EdgeTech+ AWARD recognizes cutting-edge products, technologies, and solutions from outstanding exhibitors that contribute to innovation and industry advancement.
Hosted by the Embedded Systems Technology Association of Japan, this year, NIRA Dynamics has been honored with the Automotive Software Excellence Prize for its innovative solution, Tire Grip Indicator.
Driving Innovation in Japan’s Embedded Industry
Japan’s industries are undergoing a period of significant transformation, where innovation is key to sustaining economic growth and competitiveness. New technologies, products, and solutions are essential to meeting these demands. The EdgeTech+ AWARD aims to spotlight embedded systems and IoT technologies that drive this innovation, supporting the evolution of domestic industries and establishing their presence on a global scale.
The Tire Grip Indicator by NIRA Dynamics represents exactly this kind of forward-thinking innovation, offering practical and timely solutions to real-world challenges.
Award-Winning Solution: Tire Grip Indicator
The Tire Grip Indicator is an advanced software solution that estimates the road surface coefficient of friction (μ) by analyzing data from a vehicle's existing CAN-Bus system. This includes sensor inputs like wheel speed and vehicle acceleration.
Key Features
- Proactive Road Safety Monitoring: The software estimates the peak friction (μ) between tires and the road surface, even during low-input scenarios such as city driving.
- Early Slippery Surface Detection: Unlike traditional systems like traction control and ABS, which respond after a vehicle loses grip, the Tire Grip Indicator detects potential hazards early—alerting drivers to slippery road conditions before skidding occurs.
- No Additional Hardware Required: The technology operates purely as software, integrated into the vehicle’s existing ECU (Electronic Control Unit). This eliminates the need for additional sensors or hardware.
Expert Review
The judging committee praised NIRA Dynamics' Tire Grip Indicator as a timely and impactful innovation for the Software-Defined Vehicle (SDV) era. Key highlights from the review included:
- Efficiency Without Hardware: The ability to monitor tire grip and road surface conditions using existing in-vehicle networks was recognized as a cost-effective and scalable solution.
- Future-Ready Technology: The system’s compatibility with evolving regulations, such as Euro 7, which mandates tire condition monitoring, was noted as a significant advantage.
- Integration with Road Safety Services: The committee also acknowledged the solution's synergy with NIRA Dynamics’ Road Surface Alert service, which uses collected data to distribute maps highlighting slippery road conditions.
Industry Impact
By providing real-time, proactive insights into tire-road interactions, NIRA Dynamics’ Tire Grip Indicator not only enhances vehicle safety but also supports regulatory compliance and industry-wide innovation. This technology promises to play a crucial role in future mobility solutions, addressing challenges related to safety, efficiency, and sustainability.
