AutoSock is working with leading research institutes to carry out measurements and testing of prototypes, with the aim of better understanding the combination of friction and winter conditions.

Extensive research has brought AutoSock through a series of stages - from the first simple sock with a short lifespan beneficial only for specific conditions, to a robust sock suitable for most conditions.

Subsequent tests had a focus on the following aims:

• Improve ice friction without compromising the snow friction properties.
• Make use of 'state of the art' knowledge about ski base sliding friction theory and ski base structures.
• Exploit ways to objectively and scientifically describe the surface texture of different AutoSock prototypes in order to increase understanding about the prevailing friction.

The frictional surface of an AutoSock combines the following sets of characteristics:

• A surface pattern with a sufficiently high degree of coarseness to make the total contact area exposed to dry friction as large as possible under dry, wet, hard and soft snow or icy conditions.
• A combination of surface pattern, strength and elasticity that make the contact points sufficiently sticky under snow or icy conditions.