Nexen Tire Develops Prediction System to Reduce Tire Noise Using AI and Big Data

NEXEN TIRE, a leading global tire manufacturer, announced today that it has developed an Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data-driven methodology that can help reduce tire noise. The big data research for Noise, Vibration, and Harshness (NVH) was jointly conducted with Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group and Inha University in Korea.

Since 2018, Nexen Tire conducted the joint research with long-standing partner Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group to increase customer satisfaction and improve the environment by reducing noise levels. More importantly, the research is set to make an impact that can help reduce research and development (R&D) time period and costs.

AI technology and big data are becoming an integral part of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the future of mobility, and the fast-changing automotive industry. Researchers from THE NEXEN univerCITY together with Hyundai-Kia and Inha University were able to make use of vast amounts of data as well as deep learning algorithms based on tire patterns and noise design factors to create an AI system that both optimizes the product and improves on the Pass-by Noise of automobiles and tires. Based on these results, Nexen Tire was able to create new designs for tires by using its own image processing technology.

Due to worldwide regulations the increasing trend on noise reduction for electric vehicles, Nexen Tire set up an anechoic chamber containing dozens of microphone sensors  to measure noise, analyze pass-by noise (PBN), and detect causes of noise from vehicle powertrain. In addition, Nexen Tire created Korea’s first 4-drum research equipment facility and is currently conducting tests with actual vehicles. The results of the braking test performance on snow, hydroplaning, and wet surfaces were successful with the technology that includes AI and Big Data; internal and external noise generated by cars can be reduced to 1 dB (decibel) and 3 dB (decibel), respectively.

Nexen Tire is already at the forefront of technological advancements, having previously developed a system that predicts aerodynamic reduction to improve fuel efficiency. Now, coupled with this new noise reduction prediction system, the company is stepping up efforts to apply these technologies to Original Equipment (OE) in new premium automobiles as well as Replacement Equipment (RE). Therefore, Nexen Tire and Hyundai-Kia are hoping to see possible ways to utilize the technology on the upcoming models of its vehicles. Nexen Tire is also looking to incorporate and expand its technology to worldwide car manufacturers.

Nexen Tire will continue to invest in research and development and other forms of joint research such as enhancing NVH performance of autonomous vehicles by using advanced technologies like AI and big data in readiness for the Fourth Industrial Revolution.