The first wheel printed in 3D, intelligent and biodegradable

Michelin presents a concept of tires made from recycled materials and that will connect with the driver and the vehicle

   The invention of the wheel was undoubtedly one of the events that have marked the history of humanity, and although materials and consistency have evolved since then, the concept has remained the same for thousands of years. One of the largest tire manufacturers in the world, Michelin, has decided to reinvent the wheel and for this has presented its "dream" in the mobility of the future: the tire printed in 3D, intelligent, biodegradable and connected.

During the international congress Movin'On held in Montreal (Canada), the French manufacturer has made public a project that will become a reality "in 10 or 15 years" -according to this newspaper confirmed the head of technical communication of the company, Cyrille Roget- and with which they pretend that customers can print the wheels of their vehicles in less than half an hour.

   These tires, which do not need air to support the vehicle, will be manufactured from recycled materials and will be biodegradable, in a clear commitment to the care of the environment to which the company recently committed. Also, they will be smart since they will be connected to both the driver and the vehicle, offering different options to the user depending on the terrain and the weather.

Although it is still a prototype, the objective is to have a product on the market "in the medium term" made of recycled materials that can also be recycled to minimize the impact that rubber has on the environment.

   Terry K. Gettys, executive vice president of R & D at Michelin, explained that the 'Vision' tire concept is a project in which the company has been working "for a long time" as a "very realistic" dream, and has highlighted the composition of materials of natural origin and 100% biodegradable.

Regarding the location of the 3D printers that will manufacture the wheels, the person in charge of technical communication has stated that "the ideal" is that it should be in "gas stations, shopping centers or car washes". "We know it's a dream, but also that it's achievable in the medium term," explained Roget.