IoT Ecosystem Development for Next-Generation Smart Tires

• Project: IoT ecosystem for intelligent tire monitoring
• Duration: 5 years, ongoing
• Technologies: hardware, firmware, PCB Design, BLE, iOS, Android, Cloud Computing, Azure, .Net, Angular
• Target audience: automotive industry, tire manufacturers, car drivers

Tire Stickers has been innovating branding solutions for the automotive community since 2007. The company’s revolutionary products and partnerships with tire companies and motorsports teams have transformed tire branding on the motor-racing and consumer markets.

Challenge

Velvetech was chosen as an IoT development company to design and develop the hardware, firmware, and software components and implement cloud integrations for the world’s first intelligent tire solution — Cerebrum.

With plenty of experience in IoT product development, e.g., a cold chain monitoring system or a workforce safety tool, Velvetech knew that the key to success was the right balance between hardware and software pieces of the product.

On top of that, designing hardware that would stand all the load generated by a spinning wheel seemed to be poised on the edge of the possible. Thus, requiring a sophisticated approach.

Another issue to tackle was implementing such wireless technologies that would support data transfer despite the shielding provided by the metal car body.

Process

Primarily, Tire Stickers came to Velvetech with a rough mockup for an iPhone app and trusted the Velvetech IoT product development team to guide the whole process — select and design the unique solution from hardware to software. As a result, we help the client come up with a product that ensures monitoring and balancing tire efficiency and durability.

Though the solution was groundbreaking, the client wanted to further push the innovation. With this aim, Tire Stickers reached out to us again, requesting the development of a full-scale IoT ecosystem. This time, Velvetech designed and built a fully integrated and scalable solution, which includes:

• Intelligent sensors
• Reliable data terminals
• A number of patented algorithms
• Robust and scalable cloud architecture
• Advanced integrations with fleet and inventory management systems
• High-performance IoT data pipelines
• Flexible open APIs

Smart Sensors

Hardware is the core of any IoT project since it collects and transfers all the data, and so selecting the right chips is nearly half the battle.

The IoT product development team was responsible for preparing the specifications for hardware manufacturers and helping Tire Stickers shortlist and then pick the best hardware vendor.

Velvetech’s engineers found the most cost- and energy-efficient hardware components — accelerometer, source, temperature, and air pressure sensors that could work in harsh conditions.

Eventually, our team combined them into a single smart sensor and then programmed the firmware for it.

Additionally, we elaborated on a number of patented algorithms that enable precise tread wear calculation, vehicle load estimation, tire alignment, positioning, and more.

Trying to build an IoT product that would consume the least power, Velvetech made an effort to find the optimal BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) chips.

IoT Mobile Apps

Unlike sensors that are mounted to tires, the mobile app is the most customer-facing part of Cerebrum. Based on the data coming from the sensors and sophisticated mathematical algorithms, the iOS app lets the driver see the state of each tire in real time:

• Pressure
• Temperature
• Tread wear
• And more

Besides, the IoT app quantifies the cost of inefficient tire conditions and excess CO2 emissions and represents it visually on the screen. Thus, reducing carbon footprints and elevating sustainable fleet management approaches.

Another notification option is that drivers may review their past rides and get recommendations for tire pressure adjustments to extend the life cycle of their tires.

The IoT app syncs collected data with the cloud, so it’s always safe and available to the driver, even if the phone is offline. And app notifications about low pressure, leaks, or blowouts make the Cerebrum app an indispensable driver companion.

Another mobile application we couldn’t leave the Tire Stickers team without was the one to support administrative tasks. Velvetech designed an app that helps the client effectively manage their IoT product — configure the settings, conduct various tests, and keep an eye on its general performance.

After a period of active use, the iOS app proved to be highly effective in enhancing tire longevity, fuel consumption, and overall driving safety. With this in mind, our client sought to make the solution accessible to an even wider audience.

So, Tire Stickers addressed our company again, this time requesting Android app development. As a result of another fruitful partnership, we helped our client launch their product in the Google marketplace as well.

Take a look at the core Differences Between iOS and Android App Development

Cloud App

To complement mobile apps, the Velvetech IoT product development team also built a cloud-based web application. The app allows Tire Stickers’ admins to review driver details and perform basic operations like reassigning sensors to a new owner, etc.

The development team used Angular Material templates — Google’s adaptation of Material Design for web applications — to speed up the development process. And Tire Stickers’ management gets to work with a modern web app that does not require training.

Innovative Integrations

While the app functions smoothly and efficiently, there’s always room for improvement. In the frame of our ongoing support to the client, we kept putting common efforts into exploring the edges of the possible. In particular, we focused on combining modern hardware technologies with advanced data analytics, using machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Thanks to these innovations, the app now can:

• Identify tread wear patterns with greater accuracy
• Predict maintenance requirements prior to breakdowns
• Use insights and automated alerts to improve fleet management

Additionally, Velvetech enabled seamless connection with external services through flexible API integration. This ensured smooth data exchange and enhanced connectivity across different platforms.

The advancements of Cerebrum have gone even further. We helped expand third-party telematics and TPMS integrations. Thus, improving compatibility with OEMs and fleet management systems.

Outcome

Tire Stickers made quite a splash at the Specialty Equipment Market Association 2019 in Las Vegas, with Cerebrum tire sensors winning the award as one of the most innovative and cutting-edge automotive aftermarket products for 2020.

But this was just the beginning. At the SEMA show in 2021, the company was also announced as one of the finalists for the Gen-III Innovator of the Year award.

In 2024, Tire Stickers shined at SEMA again, this time winning the New Product Award for Cerebrum’s enhancements.

After years of proven success, Cerebrum now operates as a distinct entity — Cerebrum Sensor Technologies — separate from Tire Stickers. Specifically, it offers advanced intelligent tire monitoring solutions.

Unlike traditional TPMS, Cerebrum smart sensors act as the complete tire “brain”, providing a range of tire analytics viewable at a glance through the app and backed up to the server. Drivers can use this tire analytics to improve vehicle performance, fuel consumption, excess emissions, and even overall vehicle safety.

What’s Next

Cerebrum was a true paradigm shift in intelligent tire solutions. We have already come a long way, yet the best is still ahead.

In the near future, this IoT product will provide even more tire analytics to support not only regular consumers but also professional auto racing drivers and enthusiasts.

Currently, our company conducts ongoing research and development activities aimed to enhance sensors with more advanced hardware and wireless data transfer technologies. Velvetech and Tire Stickers keep pushing the boundaries of Cerebrum’s capabilities and helping users maximize its potential.