Indian Rubber Manufacturers Research Association (IRMRA), the premier research body supporting the rubber industry with testing, training, and innovative solutions, has added another feather to its cap.

The not-for-profit agency was recently recognised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) for Excellence in Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Waste Management by Research & Academic Institutes. The institute was presented with the Award of Merit at CII 4R Awards 2024.

IRMRA was established in 1958, as a small-scale R&D Institute, is now globally recognised Centre of Excellence serving tyre and non-tyre sectors in the country.

The award was received by Dr. Rajkumar Kasilingam, Director, IRMRI along with Dr. Debdipta Basu and Dr. Tiwari, in the presence of Bhupender Yadav, Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India.

“We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the core committee of CII for recognition of our institute! Indeed it is great motivation for our team to continue to work on such important areas of research on circular economy and sustainability in the rubber and allied Industry! Thanks to DST for sponsoring such project to IRMRI and its research and industry partners which is truly facilitating such wonderful work! As a PI of this waste management project of significant interest in the society, I feel honoured to offer my guidance to the team and I thank the team IRMRI and Manipal University, Jaipur (Academic Research partner for this project), and Shri Balaji Engineering, Jaipur and Oriental Rubber products, Pune for providing the industry support while carrying out such outstanding research at IRMRI,” said Dr. Rajkumar.

A statement issued by CII stated, “Your dedication, innovation, and commitment to Circular Economy have set a new benchmark in our industry. It was truly inspiring to witness your success at 9th edition of International Conference on Waste to Worth Technologies organised by CII on 30 November 2024. Your accomplishments highlight your individual talents and underscore the collective progress we are making towards a more sustainable and responsible future. The initiatives you have spearheaded are a testament to the positive impact we can achieve when we prioritize the principles of Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Repair.”

Omni United Pte. appointed Stéphane Clepkens as Test Manager, hiring a veteran tyre expert to oversee the Singapore-based manufacturer's testing operations and performance analysis.

Clepkens, who has more than 25 years of tyre testing experience, previously held senior positions at Continental AG and Nokian Tyres Plc. The company said he will manage relationships with independent testing organisations while conducting hands-on analysis as a professional handling driver.

"We are thrilled to welcome Stéphane to the Omni United team. His extensive experience and hands-on expertise will be vital in our mission to make premium, high-quality products affordable to all. Stéphane's appointment reinforces our commitment to innovation, quality, and delivering exceptional value to our customers worldwide," said GS Sareen, president and CEO of Omni United.

The hire brings specialised expertise to Omni United's testing programme, including extensive experience at Germany's Nürburgring-Nordschleife racing circuit. Clepkens has worked as a freelance tester with multiple automotive and tyre manufacturers.

The appointment strengthens Omni United's technical capabilities as the company competes with larger global tyre manufacturers in performance and testing validation.

"I am thrilled to join Omni United and am committed to ensuring Radar Tyres are rigorously tested to outperform premium brands while remaining affordable. This opportunity allows me to collaborate with a dynamic team that shares my passion for innovation and excellence in tyre technology," said Clepkens.

Steelastic Co. appointed Hemant Agrawal as Business Development Manager for Asia Pacific to expand its tyre manufacturing equipment business in the region.

Agrawal joins from Yokohama India, where he served as senior project manager until June 2024. He brings 18 years of experience in the tyre industry, including roles at Bridgestone and JK Tyre & Industries, the company said in a statement.

The appointment comes as tyre manufacturers in the Asia Pacific increasingly focus on automation and manufacturing innovation to meet growing regional demand.

Steelastic, which specialises in tyre component manufacturing equipment, is looking to strengthen its presence in key markets like India and Southeast Asia.

South Korean start-up is transforming tyre safety by delivering real-time data insights that go beyond traditional TPMS, monitoring tyre pressure, temperature, wear and alignment. Targeted at fleet operators and manufacturers, BANF’s system improves vehicle safety, reduces costs and supports sustainability. With global partnerships including Volvo and Hyundai, BANF is also exploring market opportunities in India.

When it comes to vehicle safety and fuel efficiency, the role of tyres has often been underrated. Modern vehicles have undergone significant advancements over the decades, evolving from basic mechanical structures to sophisticated mechatronic and digital systems. However, for most, tyres remain largely unchanged – seemingly confined to the traditional black, rubber look without much technological upgrade.

The Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), introduced in 1986 within high-end luxury cars, has yet to achieve global standardisation. Apart from a few countries where it is mandated, TPMS remains a novelty even in modern vehicles.

BANF (Begin a New Future), a South Korean start-up focusing on software and hardware technology to fully digitalise tyre information, is determined to change this. In an exclusive conversation with Tyre Trends, Ron Yoogun Lee, VP of Global Business Development at BANF, explains the company’s purpose:

“BANF was founded to address this critical need by integrating smart sensor technology and data analytics into tyre management. Our mission is to elevate vehicle safety, enhance tyre performance and reduce environmental impact through the digitalisation of tyre data. By providing real-time insights into tyre conditions, BANF empowers fleet operators, manufacturers and drivers to optimise maintenance, lower costs and promote sustainability. This drives us to tackle industry challenges with transformative solutions, pioneering a safer and more connected future for mobility.”

Expanding beyond basic TPMS capabilities

Lee explains that one of the primary limitations of current TPMS is its restricted data scope. Traditional TPMS sensors monitor tyre pressure at low frequencies, transmitting data every few minutes but focusing solely on air pressure.

BANF’s technology, however, gathers a wider range of tyre data, including pressure, temperature, tread wear, wheel alignment and even lug nut stability. This approach goes well beyond air pressure monitoring, providing insights that make tyres ‘smarter.’

Using machine learning, BANF’s system analyses the data to offer valuable insights to drivers and fleet operators regarding not only tyre health but also cargo load measurements and road surface conditions. The data is reportedly up to 90 percent accurate.

Lee details the core of BANF’s solution, which is built on two main components:

Tyre-Mounted Sensor (iSensor): A 3-axis accelerometer-based sensor attached (glued) inside the tyre’s inner liner, the only point of contact between the vehicle and the road.

Smart Profiler (Transmitter): Mounted on the mud flap or wheel arch and connected to the vehicle’s battery, this device wirelessly powers the sensor using magnetic resonance, gathering data on the tyre's internal and external conditions.

“Unlike standard TPMS, our system collects and analyses a comprehensive range of data points, offering real-time insights into tyre health and performance. This includes not only pressure but also factors such as temperature, tread wear and load, providing a more complete picture of the tyre’s condition,” he says.

BANF considers its unique selling point to be its advanced digitalisation and data analytics capabilities. The system empowers fleet managers, manufacturers and drivers to make proactive, data-driven decisions to enhance safety, optimise tyre performance and reduce maintenance costs. This comprehensive approach to tyre monitoring addresses the limitations of traditional TPMS, meeting the rising demand for safer, smarter and more efficient mobility solutions.

Continuous power and data collection

BANF’s technology enables continuous power supply to high-speed rotating tyres using resonant wireless power transmission. This allows the internal sensors to continuously collect data while driving, capturing 3-axis (X, Y, Z) accelerometer data to support advanced algorithm development. Additionally, BANF leverages mathematical modelling expertise to ensure high efficiency and minimal error in resonant wireless power environments.

Despite TPMS technology existing for over four decades, it still lacks widespread adoption. Why is that? Is it due to cost, awareness or maturity of the technology? Lee attributes the slow adoption of basic TPMS to limited consumer awareness and the system’s restricted functionality.

While TPMS provides basic air pressure information, it does not address other crucial aspects of tyre health, such as temperature, tread wear and load. This limited capability diminishes its perceived value, especially among consumers and manufacturers seeking comprehensive solutions.

“However, with the inevitable rise of electric vehicles (EVs) and autonomous vehicles (AVs), the demands on tyres are increasing. EVs, with their heavier batteries and higher torque, place additional stress on tyres, while AVs, designed for continuous operation, further amplify this strain. Traditional tyre monitoring methods, such as visual inspection, are inadequate for autonomous vehicles. As these trends reshape the automotive landscape, the need for advanced tyre monitoring systems that go beyond basic TPMS is growing. This shift will likely increase consumer awareness and drive the adoption of more comprehensive tyre monitoring solutions,” explains Lee.

While BANF may still be relatively unknown, the Korean start-up is already collaborating with major players like CampX by Volvo Group, Hyundai Motor Group, DHL and more than 20 other global organisations.

“Our primary target clients are fleet management companies operating commercial vehicles, particularly in the Truck and Bus Radial (TBR) segment. These clients benefit most from our advanced tyre monitoring solutions due to the significant return on investment (RoI) from optimised tyre usage, enhanced safety and reduced maintenance costs. By providing real-time insights into tyre health, we enable fleet operators to make data-driven decisions that minimise downtime and maximise efficiency. We currently produce 1,000 units monthly and are expanding our manufacturing capabilities,” shares Lee.

Plans for India and tyre safety

India, traditionally a cost-conscious market, has emerged as a major manufacturing hub and one of the fastest adopters of new technologies. In response to a question on BANF’s potential interest in India, Lee reveals:

“We are currently working with several companies in India, including major tyre manufacturers, vehicle manufacturers and last-mile fleet operators. We are supported by KISED, an arm of the Ministry of SMEs of Korea and NIPA, part of the Ministry of Science and ICT. We are actively engaging with stakeholders in the Indian innovation ecosystem and will be visiting India shortly to strengthen partnerships and explore further opportunities.”

Acknowledging India’s cost-sensitive market, Lee adds, “We are considering options for a facility setup worldwide, with India being one of our top choices.”

Road safety remains a priority for both the Indian automotive industry and the world. Despite numerous initiatives and technologies, the World Health Organisation (WHO) reports that 1.19 million lives are lost in road accidents each year. Road traffic injuries are the leading cause of death for children and young adults aged 5–29 years, with 92 percent of fatalities occurring in low- and middle-income countries.

Focus areas for tyre industry safety and efficiency

Lee identifies three key areas where the tyre industry can improve safety and efficiency:

1. Advanced Materials: Developing new tyre compounds that enhance durability and reduce rolling resistance can improve safety and energy efficiency. Lightweight, high-strength materials reduce energy loss and extend tyre life, crucial for EVs demanding lower energy consumption for longer range.

2. Intelligent Monitoring Systems: Smart sensors to monitor tyre health in real-time are increasingly essential. By tracking metrics such as pressure, temperature, tread wear and load, intelligent systems can alert drivers or fleet managers to potential issues before they escalate. This proactive approach enhances safety and fuel efficiency, as well-maintained tyres contribute to better aerodynamics and lower fuel consumption.

3. Sustainable Manufacturing: Optimising production to minimise environmental impact is crucial. Using eco-friendly materials, reducing waste and recycling tyres contributes to a more sustainable industry, aligning with global trends towards green manufacturing and supporting the energy efficiency goals of the automotive industry.

INTERVIEW: Ron Yoogun Lee

What are the upcoming key trends you see in the tyre industry?

One of the key trends in the tyre industry is the increasing emphasis on safety. As vehicles become more advanced, with a growing number of electric vehicles and autonomous vehicles entering the market, the demands placed on tyres are intensifying. EVs, for instance, have heavier loads and higher torque, which increase wear and tear on tyres, while AVs require consistent, reliable performance to operate safely around the clock. These factors are driving the need for smarter tyre solutions that go beyond traditional monitoring systems.

There is a growing demand for intelligent tyre technologies that provide real-time data on various parameters like pressure, temperature, tread wear and load. Such capabilities allow fleet operators, manufacturers and individual drivers to maintain tyre safety proactively, reduce maintenance costs and ensure optimal performance under diverse conditions. Meeting the advanced requirements of EV and AV clients is crucial, as their vehicles rely on enhanced tyre performance for safety and efficiency. As a result, the industry is moving towards digitalisation and smart sensors to address these evolving needs, marking a significant shift in tyre technology and monitoring.

What is BANF’s business plan (OE supplier), or you will also look at aftermarket opportunities?

BANF’s business plan primarily centres around building strong partnerships with Original Equipment (OE) manufacturers and OE suppliers. Our goal is to enhance tyre safety and efficiency directly at the manufacturing stage, ensuring that end customers benefit from high-quality, intelligent tyre solutions from the outset. Currently, our focus is on the commercial vehicle segment, where we see substantial demand for advanced tyre technology to improve safety, performance and operational efficiency.

That said, we also recognise the significant potential in the aftermarket sector and are actively exploring opportunities to expand into this space. The aftermarket offers us the chance to provide a wider range of products and services directly to end-users. By pursuing both OE partnerships and aftermarket avenues, we aim to deliver innovative tyre solutions that meet the evolving needs of our customers across the entire lifecycle of their vehicles.

What are the other products or areas that you would look to focus on?

Looking ahead, we still believe there is a lot can come out from tyre. We are currently developing many other advanced features to be announced soon. In a sense of product portfolio, we are looking into two-wheeler, three-wheeler market and also airplane tyres.

Humaira Mushtaq’s passion for motorsport began long before many of us could even ride a bike. Growing up in the culturally rich and traditionally conservative region of Jammu & Kashmir, where women rarely took the wheel, Humaira’s love for cars set her on a path few could have imagined. But for her, racing was not just a sport – it was a calling.

A natural instinct for racing

“I grew up in a traditional Muslim family where you don’t typically see women driving, let alone racing,” says Humaira. “But from as early as I can remember, I was drawn to cars.” She remembers receiving her first toy car at the age of four, which ignited a lifelong obsession. While most girls her age were playing with dolls, Humaira was spending her days with the boys, zooming around on toy cars. Recognising his daughter’s passion, her father, a motorsport enthusiast himself, built her a custom go-kart track. “I spent hours there practicing. It just felt natural,” she recalls.

By the age of five, Humaira was competing in professional Go-Karting championships, quickly moving through the ranks to single-seaters, Formula racing, saloons, touring cars and even occasionally drifting. What started as a pastime became a lifelong pursuit.

The memory of a father’s belief

Though motorsport was not widely accepted for women in her community, Humaira's father stood firmly by her side, supporting her against societal norms. “My father was my biggest supporter. Even when people questioned my dreams, he was there, building tracks for me and taking me to races,” she shares.

Tragically, she lost her father when she was just 13, a few days before her 14th birthday. But even in his final moments, he encouraged her to continue racing. “His last words to me were, ‘Don’t stop racing. You have this rare talent that not many have. Reach out to the world and create an example’.” It was this powerful message that fuelled Humaira’s drive to prove that women can excel in motorsport, despite the odds.

Balancing education and racing dreams

Though her heart was set on motorsport, Humaira’s academic journey took an unexpected turn. “I excelled in science and English as a student,” she explains. “My mother encouraged me to pursue a medical career, and I agreed to finance the initial years of my education in exchange for getting into medical school.” Despite excelling in her studies, Humaira’s heart remained with racing. “I didn’t want to work a desk job. My passion was in motorsport, and I worked hard to balance both.”

Endurance racing: Pushing limits

Having competed in a variety of racing formats, Humaira is particularly drawn to endurance racing. “Endurance racing challenges you not just physically but mentally and emotionally too. It’s about resilience and strategy, not just speed,” she says. The long, demanding races force drivers to push their limits while balancing physical endurance with mental focus. Humaira thrives in this environment, using both physical training and mental exercises such as meditation and visualisation to prepare herself for each race.

In endurance racing, managing factors like terrain, tyre wear and race strategy is crucial. “Choosing the right tyre can be a game-changer,” she notes, emphasising the need for tailored tyre options. “Different terrains and weather conditions mean the tyre that works on one track may not work on another. It’s a science.”

A historic achievement: Representing India at the British Endurance Racing Championship

Humaira’s biggest breakthrough came when she became India’s first female representative at the British Endurance Racing Championship. “Representing India felt surreal, but it was also a huge responsibility,” she recalls. Racing for Aston Martin, Humaira not only broke barriers in a traditionally male-dominated field, but she also proved that women could compete at the highest levels of motorsport. Despite initial scepticism from some of her male teammates, Humaira earned their respect with her skill and determination on the track.

Looking ahead: The road to the future

As she looks to the future, Humaira is poised for more international racing opportunities, with upcoming races in London, Spain and Dubai. But it’s not just about racing for her – it’s about making a statement for women everywhere.

“My advice to young girls who want to pursue a career in racing is to stay focused, determined and unafraid of obstacles,” she says. “Motorsport may be a male-dominated field, but talent, dedication and self-belief are what really count. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can or cannot do – just keep pushing forward.”

Humaira Mushtaq’s journey from the streets of Jammu & Kashmir to the world’s race tracks is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance and belief. As she continues to break barriers and set new records, she remains an inspiring figure for future generations of women in motorsport.