Portable LiDAR Tire Diagnostics System: Improving Safety and Reducing Downtime

Tire failures are a leading cause of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) breakdowns and accidents, yet current inspection methods are manual, time-consuming, and prone to human error. This project proposes a handheld LiDAR-based tire inspection system to provide fast, accurate, and data-driven tire condition assessments for drivers, fleet operators, and safety inspectors. Leveraging low-cost, commercially available LiDAR-enabled devices, our system will allow drivers to capture high-resolution 3D scans of a tire’s tread and sidewall. Advanced algorithms will automatically detect low tread depth, uneven wear patterns, structural damage, and mismatched dual tires, providing clear, actionable insights. Scan results will be linked to individual tire IDs and vehicle records, enabling spatio-temporal tracking of wear over time. A cloud-based framework will be established for future fleet-wide data management and compliance reporting. This innovation aligns with the DoT’s strategic safety goals by reducing tire-related failures, improving regulatory compliance, and enhancing CMV operational efficiency. Phase I will develop and validate a proof-of-concept handheld scanner, setting the foundation for a scalable, industry-ready solution in Phase II and beyond.