OTR Launches TreadIQ to Transform Off-Road Tire Design

OTR Engineered Solutions has launched its innovative AI platform, TreadIQ, which aims to significantly accelerate the design process for off-the-road tires. Traditionally, creating custom tire designs could take several months, but TreadIQ enables engineers to complete this process in just one day. This advancement marks a significant shift in how tire concepts are developed for original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) and distributors.

Utilizing decades of expertise in off-the-road tire engineering, OTR’s TreadIQ platform allows for the rapid design of custom tire tread patterns. By inputting customer preferences for tread style and performance, engineers can generate functional 3D tire concepts instantly. This efficiency not only streamlines the customization process but also enhances collaboration between OTR and its clients across various sectors, including construction, mining, agriculture, and forestry.

Revolutionizing Tire Customization

Patrick Sexton, global vice president of engineering and innovation at OTR, emphasized the platform’s uniqueness, stating, “TreadIQ is truly the first of its kind in the off-the-road tire and track market. We’ve eliminated the back-and-forth design churn, and now a process that used to take months can be done in a day. It’s a total game changer.”

Beyond generating 3D models, TreadIQ provides detailed analyses that allow both OTR engineers and customers to assess various tread patterns. The tool evaluates critical performance factors such as traction, ride quality, and handling. This functionality helps customers choose designs that meet both aesthetic and performance requirements. Notably, clients can visualize their proprietary branding on tire models in real time, further personalizing their selections.

Sexton added, “In today’s world, AI is a term that can spark both excitement and apprehension. Our vision is one that empowers both our engineers and our customers. We’re not replacing human creativity with computer modeling; we’re enhancing and expanding what it can achieve, and in turn, what we can produce as a company.”

Global Collaboration and Prototyping

To facilitate this new design approach, OTR offers in-person workshops for OEMs and distributors interested in utilizing TreadIQ. Leveraging its global network, OTR can send engineers to meet clients onsite anywhere in the world, allowing for immediate collaboration on tire design. If onsite meetings are not feasible, online workshops are also available.

Once a tire design concept is finalized, OTR engineers can create full-sized 3D-printed prototypes. This rapid prototyping enables confirmation testing and helps accelerate the transition to full production.

For those seeking more information about TreadIQ and its capabilities, details are available at www.otrwheel.com/treadiq. This pioneering platform positions OTR Engineered Solutions at the forefront of tire design innovation, responding to the evolving needs of clients in diverse industries.