The Yokohama Rubber has developed a proprietary system that utilises AI to predict the physical properties of rubber compounds. The system is already being used to design rubber compounds for Yokohama tyres. The company is expecting the system’s ability to conduct a large number of virtual experiments will enable it to accelerate compound development, reduce development costs, and develop better performing products. The system also will make it easier for less-experienced engineers to create new compounds.

The system was developed under Yokohama’s new AI utilisation concept, HAICoLab, which was launched in October 2020. The system uses AI to predict a rubber compound’s physical properties based on the rubber compound design parameters input by an engineer. In addition, to facilitate engineers’ ability to confirm predicted results, the system includes a function that displays the certainty of predicted physical properties and one that searches for a compound composition that will achieve physical properties closest to the targeted ones. The new system enables collaborations between humans and AI that will lead to the acquisition of new knowledge. Going forward, Yokohama Rubber will expand the use of this new system for developing rubber compounds for use in tyres to a wide range of the company’s other products, including hoses and conveyor belts.

HAICoLab is an acronym for “Humans and AI ColLaborate” for digital innovation. It also has the meaning of a laboratory for joint research by humans and AI. The new concept aims at fostering digital innovations by facilitating collaborative efforts that merge human inspiration and creativity with the enormous data processing capability of AI. Yokohama aims to acquire new knowledge by creating and collecting data based on hypothetical conditions set by humans and then applying AI to predict, analyze and then search for the most optimal result. Yokohama Rubber has been advancing technological developments by using AI in its material and tire design and development processes. For example, in 2017 Yokohama Rubber unveiled a new rubber material development technology that applies materials informatics and a tyre design technology that applies informatics technology. Under its new HAICoLab concept, Yokohama Rubber is now using AI to develop innovative products and services as well as processes. Through this effort, Yokohama Rubber will contribute to the realisation of “Society 5.0,” a future society that will enhance people’s experiences and take advantage of innovative technologies such as AI and IoT, as advocated by the Japanese government’s Cabinet Office.

Wider range of AI utilisation

Tyre Trends spoke with Dr Eng. Masataka Koishi, Executive Fellow, Head of AI Laboratory, The Yokohama Rubber Co.,Ltd, for more details on the new development.

What led to the development of HAICoLab concept? Will this be extended to other areas of R&D?

We have been pursuing a number of AI initiatives, but they are limited to certain areas. Moving forward, our desire to use AI in a wide range of fields led us to create HAICoLab as a framework to support more widespread use of AI in the future.

In addition to serving as the foundation of our future future efforts, I think it will also help communicate Yokohama Rubber’s stance on AI utilisation.

We believe that people will play the key role in achieving digital innovation, which will be achieved by applying AI to real and virtual data that is based on hypothesis setting that is derived from human inspiration and eliminates cognitive bias. This collaboration between humans and AI is what we are calling HAICoLab.

Prior to formulating HAICoLab, we were proceeding with technological developments using AI in our material and tyre design and development processes. In 2017 we announced a rubber material development technology that applies materials informatics and a tyre design technology that uses informatics technology. We are now working on the structures, materials, and production areas that will lead to innovative processes (design development) and products.

Developments in other areas are not yet at a stage where we can make any concrete public announcements.

Please comment on the R&D team. Is Yokohama working in association with any University, Research Institute etc?

We are applying the results of research conducted with universities and research institutes in Japan and overseas in our development of materials informatics and tyre design technology using informatics as well as to HAICoLab. Meanwhile, our effort to generate virtual data through simulations and analyse that data using machine learning is being carried out on supercomputers available through Japan’s High Performance Computing Infrastructure (HPCI) as well as our own supercomputers.

How is Yokohama proceeding to adopt AI in other areas of tyre development?

Similar to our effort with compounds, we are now making preparations for the use of AI when considering tyre design specifications. However, we are not yet at the stage where we can say anything more specific.

While developing new concepts, is Yokohama focusing on new innovations in the automotive sector? Kindly comment in detail

We believe that the tyres of the future will need to respond to the trends towards the application of CASE and IoT technologies in automobiles. Accordingly, we are developing new technologies that will accommodate CASE. For example, as previously announced at a press conference at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show held in 2019, in the CASE domain of connectivity we are conducting joint research and development with Alps Alpine with a view to creating a solution business that will supplement our existing tire air pressure detection sensor with the ability to detect tread wear and road-surface conditions and then use digital tools to process and manage the acquired data.

In addition, this February we announced our SensorTire Technology Vision, a medium- and long-term vision for developing new technologies for passenger car tyre sensors. By implementing this Vision, we aim to support people’s mobility and contribute to the safe and secure operation of motor vehicles while addressing the changes in mobility demand by providing data obtained from SensorTires (IoT tyres) fitted with sensing functions to drivers and businesses providing various automobile-related services.

Looking further into the future, we plan to connect this data collected by our SensorTires with map data and road traffic related information (traffic jams, weather conditions, etc.) to provide value-added information, such as proposals for safe driving routes, that will contribute to the safe operation of autonomous-drive vehicles as well as the operations of companies engaged in MaaS-related businesses. By anticipating the various changed being brought about by electrification of the automobile and quickly and appropriately expanding our product lineup, we hope to secure a dominant position in the evolving tire market. (TT)

The N Vision intelligent tyre from Maxxis has strengthened its resolve for innovation and sustainability by winning the gold A’ (A-Prime) Design award. The tyre was recognised in the Vehicle Parts, Auto Accessories and Care Products design category.

N Vision, which was created for the autonomous vehicles that are expected to be commercially available in 2030, makes use of information from several sensors to forecast tyre condition, vehicle load, speed and road conditions. By modifying the spokes' stretch and bending in response to such circumstances, it gives the tread area the best possible pre-compression or pre-tension. In the end, this lowers the cost of travel per mile. In order to maximise sustainability, N Vision was built using recycled materials made from fishing nets, tyres and PET bottles, as well as bio-based components made from rice husks and sunflower seeds. Tyre scrapping is decreased by its environmentally friendly design and materials, which also give customers an inexpensive, renewable travel choice.

A jury composed of 316 top designers, scholars and prominent members of the press selected the winners of the international A' Design Award competition, which recognises excellence in design in a wide range of fields, including transportation, hospitality, furniture, beauty and much more.

The Victra Sport 6 and HP6 tyres from Maxxis have won the Red Dot Product Design Award for 2025 in the Vehicle Accessories category.

The Maxxis Premitra HP6 features improved rolling resistance, effective braking, a smooth ride, improved mileage for longer travel and accurate handling in wet situations. Designed for sport and luxury automobiles, the Maxxis Victra Sport 6 is an ultra-high-performance tyre that works well with electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles. It offers outstanding handling and performs quite well at sporty, faster driving. Both the tyres are available in Europe.

Red Dot Award winners are selected by a panel of 40 worldwide professionals who test, analyse and assess each entry in one of the biggest design contests in the world. The categories for awards include Design Concept, Brand Communication and Product Design. Winners will receive the Red Dot trophies during a banquet in Essen, Germany, on 8 July.

Continental's SportContact 7 tyre has emerged the test winner in this year's Auto Bild sportscar summer tyre test (issue 6/25) with an overall grade of 1.2 (exemplary).

Seven tyre models in the sizes VA 245/35 R 20 and HA 295/30 R 20 from European, Asian and American manufacturers were tested by the editors. The Lotus Emira served as the test car. The SportContact 7 scored top marks in wet handling, cornering, braking and aquaplaning. It had a 43.7-metre braking distance from 100 kmph on wet asphalt, which put it four metres ahead of the second-place tyre and eleven meters ahead of the last-place tyre. It clinched an intermediate score of 1- for the wet tests, which puts it far ahead of its rivals in the test field. After 31.2 metres at 100 kmph in the dry testing, the tyre came to a complete stop. Overall, the tyre received an intermediate 1- throughout the five dry categories.

The SportContact 7 is specifically made for high-performance sports cars that may be powered by electricity or conventional power. Several automakers have authorised it, and it comes in sizes ranging from 18 to 24 inches. Continental concentrated on achieving excellence in every performance criterion throughout development in order to maximise driving enjoyment and safety.

Andreas Schlenke, tyre expert at Continental, said, "The SportContact 7 took first place in the AUTO BILD sportscar test in both wet and dry conditions. This once again proves its leading position in the sports and UHP tyre segment.”

The final verdict from the tyre testers read: "Conti's sport tyre sets the standard for braking on dry and wet roads and offers a big plus in driving safety. Stable, well-balanced handling on dry roads.”

The U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association (USTMA) has welcomed the bipartisan passage of H.J.Res. 61, a resolution that improves environmental stewardship and lessens financial constraints on tyre manufacturing plants.

The resolution, co-sponsored by more than 20 representatives from 14 states and introduced by Representative Morgan Griffith (R-Va.), repeals the EPA's 29 November 2024 updated rule on Rubber Tire Manufacturing National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants (NESHAP). With nine co-sponsors, Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.) spearheaded the campaign in the Senate with S.J.Res. 24. Before the House vote, USTMA sent in a letter of support for the measure. 

According to the EPA's own evaluation in 2020, the current guideline offers a sufficient margin of safety to safeguard human health and avert a negative environmental impact. On 29 November 2024, however, the EPA released an updated final NESHAP rule that added emission restrictions for total hydrocarbons (THC) and filterable particulate matter to the current NESHAP regulation, in defiance of the agency's own judgment. Because of this, tyre factories must build and run a large number of control devices called regenerative thermal oxidisers, which require a large amount of natural gas to burn impurities. In an effort to lower insignificant HAPs, these new control devices raise carbon emissions while placing a heavy financial burden on tyre manufacturing facilities with no clear emissions reduction target.  

The EPA's objective to protect America's clean air is shared by USTMA member companies. In order to reduce the negative impacts on the American tyre manufacturing business, the environment and the American economy, the USTMA supports Congressional action to overturn this final rule, even as it continues to collaborate with the EPA, the association stated.

Anne Forristall Luke, President and CEO, USTMA, said, “Tyre manufacturers have long understood and complied with the existing NESHAP standards to reduce hazardous air pollutant (HAPs) emissions from tyre manufacturing. However, the agency’s revised final NESHAP rule creates an adverse environmental impact, while imposing significant financial burdens on tyre manufacturing facilities and providing negligible, if any, benefits. The industry appreciates the Congressional leadership and bipartisan efforts in getting this resolution passed.”