Bridgestone Corporation Announces its Autonomous Lunar Tire Wins “Tire Idea of the Year” at the 2025 Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence
This prestigious award celebrates the most innovative and forward-thinking tire design concepts in the industry.
The recognition from both tire and research experts underscores Bridgestone’s creative efforts in developing tire technology that propels space mobility from its basic foundations, under unprecedented environmental conditions on Earth.
Aptly named the Autonomous Lunar Tire, this special tire from Bridgestone utilizes technology developed for their next-generation “AirFree” line, combined with a thin metal mesh structure designed to ensure the necessary flexibility and durability for lunar roving. This structure is expected to improve mobility on the lunar surface, which is covered by a fine layer of dust called “regolith,” thanks to its ability to adapt its shape while maintaining resilience against the harsh conditions of vacuum, extreme temperature fluctuations, and cosmic radiation.
Additionally, the tire is expected to have the ability to absorb impacts from rocks or other obstacles and continue its operation. This superior flexibility and durability form the foundation of Bridgestone’s journey in supporting human safety, security, and aspirations in space exploration from the very first steps.
Aligned with Bridgestone’s core philosophy of “Tires carry life,” the company aims to foster co-creative initiatives by demonstrating a spirit of conquest and pursuing excellence through the development of autonomous lunar tires, starting in 2019.
Through this project, Bridgestone targets becoming an indispensable player in the future of mobility by conquering a new “extreme” environment in human activity – the lunar surface.
By supporting space mobility with autonomous lunar tire technology, Bridgestone strives to fulfill its commitment to “Extension”: a pledge to keep moving forward and innovating so that people and the world can, too – a part of Bridgestone’s E8 Commitment.
“Bridgestone’s Lunar Tires: Honored as the ‘Tire Idea of the Year’”
Bridgestone Corporation is proud to announce that its Lunar Autonomous Vehicle Tire has been awarded the prestigious “Tire Concept of the Year” accolade at the 2025 Tire Technology International Awards for Innovation and Excellence. This recognition underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and its ability to push the boundaries of tire technology, even for extraterrestrial applications.
The Ultimate Tire Design for Lunar Rovers
Bridgestone, the renowned tire company, introduces a revolutionary concept – a ‘tire’ made entirely of steel, designed specifically for autonomous vehicles. This innovative product promises to transform the way we perceive and utilize tires, offering a glimpse into a future where cutting-edge technology meets sustainable mobility. With this groundbreaking invention, Bridgestone showcases its commitment to pushing the boundaries of what tires can achieve, ensuring a safer and more efficient driving experience for autonomous vehicles.
