Fixed-site tyre-condition monitoring using optical and thermal sensing at depot or fleet access points.
Overview
TyreGates examines whether tyre-related condition signals can be captured using fixed infrastructure as vehicles pass through a depot gate or other controlled location. The completed TRIG phase designed and assembled an early sensing platform using low-cost optical and thermal components.
Objective
To reduce technical uncertainty around infrastructure-based tyre monitoring and determine the conditions under which tyre-related signals can be captured repeatably without permanent hardware on each vehicle.
Work undertaken
The project used staged hardware integration, controlled optical and thermal capture, changes in camera position and geometry, and repeated observations under different vehicle and environmental conditions. The work did not seek to validate every tyre defect or replace manual and statutory inspection.
Outputs and findings
Outputs included a working feasibility platform, structured observations and data, identified calibration and environmental constraints, documented operational assumptions and a staged plan for controlled trials. The work showed that tyre-related signals can be observed in a drive-through setting, but stability and interpretation depend on vehicle operating state, environmental conditions, calibration behaviour and system configuration.
Contribution to Hodos Media
The TRIG project established the initial technical evidence for TyreGates. The continuing development line includes the feasibility platform, data, methods and associated intellectual property.
Funding acknowledgement
This project was supported by the Department for Transport through the Transport Research Innovation Grant programme.