Initiative details
Since the earliest days of the automobile, aquaplaning – when a vehicle loses grip due to a layer of water between the tires and the road – has remained one of the few critical safety challenges still unresolved by today’s technologies. It continues to cause thousands of fatalities annually, and it’s estimated that around 20% of road accidents occur in low-grip conditions, often linked to rain or standing water.
Despite decades of development in passive and active safety systems, no solution currently exists to restore grip once aquaplaning begins. This makes it a persistent threat for all drivers, and a major obstacle to the safe deployment of autonomous vehicles.
The Aquaplaning Intelligent Solution (AIS) by Easyrain addresses this safety gap by actively restoring tire-road contact in real time: the system sprays high-pressure water in front of the front tires to break the water layer causing aquaplaning. AIS is the first system designed specifically to prevent aquaplaning, offering a new layer of safety where existing technologies fall short. While its benefits are immediate for today’s road users, AIS also contributes to the essential safety required to enable autonomous driving in all weather conditions.
Despite decades of development in passive and active safety systems, no solution currently exists to restore grip once aquaplaning begins. This makes it a persistent threat for all drivers, and a major obstacle to the safe deployment of autonomous vehicles.
The Aquaplaning Intelligent Solution (AIS) by Easyrain addresses this safety gap by actively restoring tire-road contact in real time: the system sprays high-pressure water in front of the front tires to break the water layer causing aquaplaning. AIS is the first system designed specifically to prevent aquaplaning, offering a new layer of safety where existing technologies fall short. While its benefits are immediate for today’s road users, AIS also contributes to the essential safety required to enable autonomous driving in all weather conditions.
Initiative date
Who was/is your target audience?
Car drivers
Topic
Improve vehicles and infrastructure
Organisation details
Easyrain
Enterprise
Italy
Turin
Contact name
Paolo Alberto Fina
Telephone number
+393287773546
paolo.fina@easyrain.it
Website link
Project activities
If you work together with external partners, list the most important partners and briefly describe their role.
Easyrain has collaborated with several strategic partners throughout the development of AIS:
• Marelli: provided support in the development of the AIS Proto-B by supplying the pump, injectors, and the ECU that hosts the control software.
• Hydac: supplied the aluminum accumulators, which are among the key components of the system.
• Bosch: Provided key support in the co-development of hydraulic components and control interfaces.
• Italdesign: Assisted in the integration of AIS Proto-A1 and Proto-A2 into test vehicles
• University of Turin / Politecnico di Milano: Contributed through research collaboration and academic validation of the AIS concept.
• Marelli: provided support in the development of the AIS Proto-B by supplying the pump, injectors, and the ECU that hosts the control software.
• Hydac: supplied the aluminum accumulators, which are among the key components of the system.
• Bosch: Provided key support in the co-development of hydraulic components and control interfaces.
• Italdesign: Assisted in the integration of AIS Proto-A1 and Proto-A2 into test vehicles
• University of Turin / Politecnico di Milano: Contributed through research collaboration and academic validation of the AIS concept.
Please describe the project activities you carried/are carrying out and the time period over which these were implemented.
The development of the Aquaplaning Intelligent Solution (AIS) began in 2013 with university research in collaboration with the University of Milan, focused on understanding fluid dynamics and evaluating the effectiveness of water and air jets in preventing aquaplaning. From 2015 to 2018, Easyrain built and successfully tested the first prototype (450 kg) on the Pirelli test track.
From 2018 to 2022, two iterations of functional prototypes were developed (AIS Proto-A1 and Proto-A2), tested on an Audi A6. Weight was progressively reduced from 45 kg to 18 kg, and system integration was validated in a proof-of-concept with an OEM. Since 2017 Easyrain has been designing control software, conducting track testing, and validating performance through simulations in collaboration with Tier-1 suppliers.
Between 2023 and 2024, the project entered its industrialisation phase (the AIS name has been therefore changed to AIS Proto-B), focusing on reducing system weight to 2,7 kg, and integrating AIS control software with vehicle ECUs; the Proto-B system is currently installed in two vehicles developed in collaboration with two different carmakers. AIS has also attracted strong interest from Chinese Tier 1 suppliers and emerging players in the Chinese automotive industry. A commercial launch is planned for 2027.
From 2018 to 2022, two iterations of functional prototypes were developed (AIS Proto-A1 and Proto-A2), tested on an Audi A6. Weight was progressively reduced from 45 kg to 18 kg, and system integration was validated in a proof-of-concept with an OEM. Since 2017 Easyrain has been designing control software, conducting track testing, and validating performance through simulations in collaboration with Tier-1 suppliers.
Between 2023 and 2024, the project entered its industrialisation phase (the AIS name has been therefore changed to AIS Proto-B), focusing on reducing system weight to 2,7 kg, and integrating AIS control software with vehicle ECUs; the Proto-B system is currently installed in two vehicles developed in collaboration with two different carmakers. AIS has also attracted strong interest from Chinese Tier 1 suppliers and emerging players in the Chinese automotive industry. A commercial launch is planned for 2027.
In terms of implementation, what worked well and what challenges did you need to overcome?
AIS has proven to be highly effective in reducing aquaplaning risks. Track tests showed a +225% increase in lateral grip during cornering and a 20% reduction in braking distance on aquaplaning. One of the key successes was demonstrating this performance in real driving conditions without any driver intervention. OEMs appreciated its potential to integrate seamlessly with existing ADAS systems, and its cost-efficiency compared to passive alternatives such as premium tires or improved road infrastructure.
The initial versions of AIS were bulky and heavy, which limited their applicability. Over time, the system was refined and reduced from 450 kg to just 2.7 kg in its lightest form. It now consists of only three components and is modular and configurable, allowing easier adaptation to OEM requirements.
However, key challenges remain. Ensuring compatibility across different vehicle platforms requires extensive redesign. Meeting functional safety standards (ISO 26262) involved close coordination with certification bodies and multiple validation cycles. OEMs still perceive integration as complex, though recent interest from Chinese manufacturers suggests growing confidence and could accelerate industrialisation.
Another challenge was optimising water usage. To minimise environmental impact and avoid false activations, Easyrain developed a predictive control strategy that triggers AIS only when aquaplaning is imminent.
The initial versions of AIS were bulky and heavy, which limited their applicability. Over time, the system was refined and reduced from 450 kg to just 2.7 kg in its lightest form. It now consists of only three components and is modular and configurable, allowing easier adaptation to OEM requirements.
However, key challenges remain. Ensuring compatibility across different vehicle platforms requires extensive redesign. Meeting functional safety standards (ISO 26262) involved close coordination with certification bodies and multiple validation cycles. OEMs still perceive integration as complex, though recent interest from Chinese manufacturers suggests growing confidence and could accelerate industrialisation.
Another challenge was optimising water usage. To minimise environmental impact and avoid false activations, Easyrain developed a predictive control strategy that triggers AIS only when aquaplaning is imminent.
Evaluation
Please summarise how you have evaluated the initiative’s impact (e.g. social media reach, survey, feedback forms, statistics).
The impact of AIS has been primarily evaluated through industrial validation and direct engagement with automotive OEMs. Three manufacturers—one European, one East Asian, and one Chinese—have independently financed proof-of-concept (PoC) projects to assess AIS performance under real-world conditions. These PoCs included on-track testing, integration feasibility assessments, and measurable performance data.
Key indicators included braking distance reduction, lateral grip improvement, system responsiveness, and energy efficiency. All three partners confirmed AIS’s ability to restore grip effectively without compromising vehicle dynamics or requiring changes to the chassis platform. In some cases, benchmarking was conducted against passive solutions, with AIS demonstrating superior results and easier implementation.
Key indicators included braking distance reduction, lateral grip improvement, system responsiveness, and energy efficiency. All three partners confirmed AIS’s ability to restore grip effectively without compromising vehicle dynamics or requiring changes to the chassis platform. In some cases, benchmarking was conducted against passive solutions, with AIS demonstrating superior results and easier implementation.
What has been the effect of the activities?
The AIS has had a multi-dimensional impact, both technically and strategically. From a performance standpoint, it demonstrated a substantial reduction in aquaplaning risk, with validated gains in lateral grip (+225%) and reduced braking distances (–20%) under wet conditions. These results, confirmed through both internal and third-party testing, mark a significant advancement over existing passive safety measures.
Industrial engagement has been another major outcome. The successful execution of three OEM-funded proof-of-concept projects has accelerated discussions around integration strategies, functional safety compliance, and long-term deployment plans. AIS is now recognised as a relevant solution by multiple global manufacturers, with the potential to become a component of next-generation safety architectures.
In parallel, the initiative has helped raise awareness of aquaplaning as a preventable risk and introduced a new category of active safety systems. A couple of OEMs have begun re-evaluating wet-road dynamics in light of AIS, and new R&D efforts in grip restoration technologies have been initiated. The project has also opened early dialogues with regulators and safety agencies regarding future legislative frameworks that may formally recognise active aquaplaning prevention.
Overall, AIS has validated a novel technology, influenced industry priorities, and positioned aquaplaning prevention as a central theme in the evolution of road safety.
Industrial engagement has been another major outcome. The successful execution of three OEM-funded proof-of-concept projects has accelerated discussions around integration strategies, functional safety compliance, and long-term deployment plans. AIS is now recognised as a relevant solution by multiple global manufacturers, with the potential to become a component of next-generation safety architectures.
In parallel, the initiative has helped raise awareness of aquaplaning as a preventable risk and introduced a new category of active safety systems. A couple of OEMs have begun re-evaluating wet-road dynamics in light of AIS, and new R&D efforts in grip restoration technologies have been initiated. The project has also opened early dialogues with regulators and safety agencies regarding future legislative frameworks that may formally recognise active aquaplaning prevention.
Overall, AIS has validated a novel technology, influenced industry priorities, and positioned aquaplaning prevention as a central theme in the evolution of road safety.
Please briefly explain why your initiative is a good example of improving road safety.
AIS represents a breakthrough in road safety because it addresses a historically unsolved cause of accidents not by mitigating its effects, but by actively preventing its occurrence. Unlike traditional measures that rely on passive risk reduction (e.g. tire quality, road surface improvements), AIS restores tire-road contact in real time, eliminating the primary trigger for loss of control.
By targeting the physical phenomenon at its source, AIS has the potential to reduce to zero the number of accidents caused by aquaplaning, which today remain a leading contributor to fatalities in wet conditions. This makes it not just an improvement, but a paradigm shift: from reactive to preventive road safety.
AIS sets a new benchmark for what active safety technology can achieve—transforming a long-accepted road hazard into a fully preventable one.
By targeting the physical phenomenon at its source, AIS has the potential to reduce to zero the number of accidents caused by aquaplaning, which today remain a leading contributor to fatalities in wet conditions. This makes it not just an improvement, but a paradigm shift: from reactive to preventive road safety.
AIS sets a new benchmark for what active safety technology can achieve—transforming a long-accepted road hazard into a fully preventable one.
How have you shared information about your project and its results?
Easyrain has promoted AIS through key international events and institutional communication. The system was presented at CES 2023 and 2024, as well as at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2024, gaining strong interest from OEMs, media, and safety stakeholders.
In addition, Easyrain regularly shares updates through press releases, videos, and social media. AIS has been featured in major automotive publications, reaching over 1 million views across digital platforms. These efforts helped raise awareness of aquaplaning as a preventable risk and positioned AIS as an innovative safety technology.
In addition, Easyrain regularly shares updates through press releases, videos, and social media. AIS has been featured in major automotive publications, reaching over 1 million views across digital platforms. These efforts helped raise awareness of aquaplaning as a preventable risk and positioned AIS as an innovative safety technology.
Supporting materials
