The Cyber Tyre system at the heart of this initiative features sensors embedded in the inner part of the tire tread that can withstand forces exceeding 3,500 G while collecting data on road surface roughness and asphalt irregularities.12 These sensors are powered by compact batteries designed to last the entire life of the tire and communicate with vehicle systems using Bluetooth Low Energy.2 Rather than relying on privately owned vehicles, the pilot will use a dedicated fleet supplied by Ayvens, a European vehicle rental and fleet management provider, with all collected data transmitted to cloud-based systems and made available to regional authorities through digital dashboards.12

This technology has broader implications beyond infrastructure monitoring, as Italy's government has officially designated tire sensor technology as a "national strategic asset" due to its capability to collect sensitive data about road conditions, location, and infrastructure.3 Pirelli has been expanding its digital footprint in the region since 2022 when it launched its Digital Solutions Centre in Bari, working in collaboration with local universities on digital innovation and AI applications for tire development.1 The company has also partnered with Bosch to enhance the capabilities of in-tire sensors, developing new software-based solutions and driving functions that improve vehicle safety and performance.24

The Apulia regional government's partnership with Pirelli represents a significant step toward data-driven infrastructure management. Set to launch in July 2025, this pilot combines Pirelli's Cyber Tyre technology with visual analytics from Swedish tech company Univrses to create a comprehensive road monitoring system that will map the "state of health" of Apulian roads.12 The project aims to deliver quicker and more efficient road maintenance, ultimately improving safety across the region's transportation network.3

Regional vehicles equipped with this integrated system will continuously collect and transmit data to cloud servers, where it will be processed and made available to authorities through digital dashboards.14 As Michele Emiliano, governor of Apulia, noted, "Technology can save lives. In this case, it will be useful as a thermometer of the state of health of our roads."3 This initiative strengthens Pirelli's presence in Apulia, building on the company's 2022 launch of its Digital Solutions Center in Bari, which focuses on digital innovation through collaborations with the University of Bari and Bari Polytechnic.13

Pirelli's Cyber Tyre represents a advancement in tire technology by incorporating 5G connectivity, making it the world's first tire system capable of transmitting real-time road condition data through ultra-fast networks.12 This innovative system doesn't just communicate with the vehicle it's mounted on—it extends communication to nearby vehicles and roadside infrastructure, creating a comprehensive safety ecosystem. The 5G capability enables the tires to instantly alert following vehicles about potential hazards such as aquaplaning or poor grip conditions, thanks to the network's ultra-high bandwidth and low latency.13

The practical applications of this technology were demonstrated in Turin at "The 5G Path of Vehicle-to-Everything Communication" event, where Pirelli collaborated with Ericsson, Audi, Tim, Italdesign, and KTH to showcase how a vehicle equipped with sensor-fitted Cyber Tyres could detect and transmit road hazard information to following cars.14 Beyond immediate safety benefits, the system collects and communicates data on tire model, mileage, dynamic load, tread depth, temperature, and acceleration—information that allows vehicles to automatically adjust their control systems, traction control, emergency braking, and suspension settings for optimal performance.54 This integration of tires into the wider "Internet of Things" ecosystem represents a significant step toward enhanced autonomous driving capabilities and future mobility solutions.13