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)

Bridgestone will supply tailored-made tyres for Lamborghini’s Huracán STO, which will be launched in 2021.

Bridgestone ensured the high-performance tyre can maximise the Huracán STO’s traction, handling, control, and extreme overall performance.

Key to the tyre’s success in maximising the super sports car’s performance is the combination of pattern and cavity design. The Potenza tyres apply an asymmetric tread design for enhanced steering response and cornering stability, and an internal crown structure that distributes footprint pressure evenly when cornering.

As well as the road-focused, custom-developed Potenza fitment, Bridgestone will also be providing a track-oriented, road-homologated version of the tyre that applies “race” technologies to maximise the vehicle’s track performance, especially in dry conditions.

Steven De Bock, VP Consumer Replacement and OE at Bridgestone EMIA, said, “It’s been a pleasure for our team to work so closely with Lamborghini for the first time, and on such an exciting project. The Huracán STO is an incredible piece of engineering that deserves a custom tyre that can fulfill its full potential. I can proudly say that Bridgestone has delivered such a high-performance tyre. It has been fantastic for the team to have worked on a project that is at the forefront of technology in so many ways.”

Hankook, one of the major global tyre brands, has started testing and development operations at its new ultra modern facility in Spain.

The testing facility has been set up on the premises of the Applus+ IDIADA Group and can also cater to European premium car manufacturers that have their own demanding tyre tests. The facility is completely automated and will host a 20-member team from the Spanish testing centre, which is affiliated to the Hankook Europe Technical Centre.

Klaus Krause, Head of European Research and Development Centre, said, "With the further expansion of our testing capacities in Spain, we are reaching the next level together with our local partner Applus+ IDIADA."

He also added, "We are confident that the newly installed testing facilities in particular will significantly improve our efforts to provide the best tyre testing conditions and services to our employees and customers. In addition, we will also be able to conduct significantly more tests on site." (TT)

ASCENSO introduced a construction tyre - BLB 730- which is used for boom lift vehicles used in construction and other industries. It comes with several features that cater to the unique needs of aerial lifting equipment.

The BLB 730 tyre is available in different sizes to fit various boom lift vehicles. This range of sizes provides versatility and compatibility with different types of aerial lift work platforms.

“ASCENSO's BLB 730 tyre is a significant advancement in specialised equipment for the construction industry. It focuses on load capacity, stability, traction, and durability to improve the performance and safety of boom lift vehicles. Whether working at heights or manoeuvring on tough terrains, this tyre offers reliability and durability for efficient operations,” said the company in a statement.

The BLB 730 tyre is built to handle heavy loads and stabilise boom lift vehicles. It has solid lugs and a more extended shoulder design, which ensures good traction and prevents slipping during operation. This is important for safely carrying heavy weights at high elevations. ASCENSO has used a special rubber compound in making the BLB 730 tyre, making it durable and long-lasting, resulting in less downtime and more productivity on construction sites.

To make the tyre even better, the company has optimised its inner volume to reduce tyre fill consumption, reducing the risk of tyre punctures, minimising the need for maintenance, and keep the vehicles running smoothly.

Falken Tyre Europe is an official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 partner for the upcoming tournament, the company has announced. The tournament is taking place at nine venues in Sweden and Poland from 11-29 January, 2023. Falken Tyre claims that the partnership was organised by the sports marketing agency SPORTFIVE. SPORTFIVE is responsible for exclusive marketing and media rights for all IHF World Championships until 2031.

Falken Tyre claims that this is its second agreement with the International Handball Federation. In addition to title and logo rights (Official IHF Men's World Championship 2023 Partner), the company has also secured advertising rights, including the Falken logo in each goal and centre circle of the courts, as well as the presence of Falken branding in the official tournament social media communications and print materials. According to Falken Tyre, this is complemented by 30-second video ads that will be shown on the big screens in the nine sports halls before the start of each match and at half-time.

Sharing his views, Robert Müller von Vultejus, Chief Growth Officer at SPORTFIVE, said, “With Falken, the IHF World Handball Championships have secured a great partner who is positioned with far-reaching influence in the relevant core markets. We are delighted to have been able to bring two global partners together for one of the most exciting sporting events of next year.”

Markus Bögner, COO and President of Falken Tyre Europe GmbH, explained, “Handball isn’t just of great importance in Europe, but all over the world, which has led us to partake in this top-level tournament once again. The fact that the international tournament is taking place in countries that are among our core markets is another great reason for our involvement. We can also look back on a long partnership with our colleagues at SPORTFIVE, who always offers us excellent opportunities that are an excellent fit for the Falken brand, which stands for enthusiasm, performance and achievement.”