Schematic (IMAGE) Duke University Caption This is an illustration of how the novel tread sensor works. The sensor is placed on the inside of the tire, where the tire wall and tread interferes with an electric field that arcs between two electrodes. That interference can be measured to determine the thickness of the rubber with millimeter accuracy. Credit Joseph Andrews, Duke University Usage Restrictions None License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.