Michelin gears up to help build "Robocar"

Roborace, the world's first race to feature electric, driverless cars, has tapped Michelin to supply the tires for the cars that will race in its first season.

"Driverless technology is coming, and we want to be at the forefront in terms of research and development," Michelin Motorsport Director Pascal Couasnon said. "Roborace now provides us with a unique opportunity to apply our expertise and know-how to the world of autonomous cars. Michelin wants to help shape the future, not just be a part of it."

Michelin has been developing the tires for the so-called "Robocars" in secret at its testing facilities. The tires must be capable of handling the unique demands of the race, but also need to be suitable for standard cars, since the company expects driverless technology to be commonplace in the near future.

"We expect our partners to be bold and to believe in a driverless future where our cities are greener, safer, quieter and smarter in ways that improve everyday lives," Roborace CEO Denis Sverdlov said. “Michelin impressed us every time we met, and they deeply understand the powerful opportunity of what road travel will become.”

Michelin is the third global partner to be named by Roborace, along with Charge and Nvidia, which will supply the racing series with power electronics and Drive PX2 technology, respectively. The first Roborace is expected to be held later this year.