Sumitomo Rubber Industries has decided to deploy Rockwell Automation's manufacturing execution system (MES) platform at its largest domestic factory in Shirakawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.

The factory will begin operations using the new platform in the second half of 2025.

This move comes as part of the company’s efforts to promote the use of digital technology in tyre production, aiming to enhance and streamline factory operations globally.

Kenji Saito, Executive Officer, General Manager of Manufacturing HQ, Tyre Business HQ Sumitomo Rubber Industries, said, “We believe that leveraging Rockwell Automation’s expertise and flexibility, and our strong partnership with PTC to the maximum will enable us to standardise manufacturing management and enhance operational efficiency globally, driving our growth. To implement DX management as set out in our management vision, we intend to deploy the MES system beginning with the domestic factory and other manufacturing sites thereafter. We will continue to collaborate with Rockwell Automation, a global leader in manufacturing, and embrace new challenges with a forward-looking approach, making full use of AI.”

James Glasson, Vice President, Global Industry Auto, Tire and Advanced Mobility, Rockwell Automation, said, “This initiative will enhance operating efficiency, minimise manufacturing risks, reduce implementation costs and significantly accelerate speed to market.”

In recent years, the manufacturing industry has faced numerous challenges, including rapid changes in the business environment and labour shortages due to Japan’s declining working-age population. To address these challenges, Sumitomo Rubber Industries has been working with PTC since 2019 to adopt PTC’s IoT platform and develop applications to integrate data across production lines and manufacturing sites.

This system has been rolled out at nine of the company’s 11 tyre manufacturing sites, including all four factories in Japan.

The deployment of the Rockwell Automation MES platform will accelerate data organisation and enable the accumulation and sharing of valuable data such as quality and production forecasts across the company. By linking the collected and managed data with the enterprise resource planning (ERP) system, corporate management can gain a comprehensive view of manufacturing operations worldwide.

The Shirakawa Factory will begin operating the MES platform in the second half of 2025. After verifying its effectiveness by the end of 2026, Sumitomo Rubber Industries aims to standardise and roll out the platform to its factories in Japan and overseas.

Brembo, a global leader in braking systems, and Michelin, a leading tyre manufacturer, have signed a global agreement to collaborate on the development of advanced braking technologies.

The partnership leverages Brembo’s expertise in braking systems, vehicle modelling, and artificial intelligence and Michelin’s leadership in tyre modelling and algorithm development.

The innovation relies on the continuous exchange of real-time data between Michelin’s connected solutions software, which provides tyre grip data, and Brembo’s innovative SENSIFY braking system. This data enables engineers to fine-tune the braking system with exceptional precision, enhancing SENSIFY’s performance.

Michelin’s tyre-connected solutions utilise the company’s expertise in tyre physics modelling and simulation. Through live vehicle data analysis, Michelin has developed software that provides real-time information on tyre wear (Michelin SmartWear), load (Michelin SmartLoad) and grip (Michelin SmartGrip). This software is compatible with all tyre brands.

Serge Lafon, President of the Business Line Automotive Original Equipment at Michelin, commented: “We are thrilled to join forces with a brand like Brembo, a leader in its field. Our shared passion for innovation and excellence allows us to take a new step forward in enhancing user safety. Allowing customers to keep their tires in use as long as possible with total peace of mind is a core objective of Michelin, thus protecting their purchasing power and the environment. Today, Michelin is a “data-driven company” where simulation and software development are essential tools in the real-time monitoring of tyres. Together, Michelin and Brembo are building a unique solution for the vehicles of the future, developed today by the car makers.”

“At Brembo, we believe in the power of technology and artificial intelligence,” said Daniele Schillaci, CEO of Brembo. “In fact, we are increasingly becoming a company combining software capabilities with our expertise in the corner of the vehicle, mastering callipers, discs and friction materials with unique know-how. SENSIFY represents the new standard in braking that will target a zero-accident vision. This partnership with Michelin illustrates the power of collaboration and innovation in the automotive industry.”

Brembo’s SENSIFY sets a new benchmark for braking systems, designed for integration into any modern vehicle. It combines Brembo’s braking components with a digital brain that utilises AI, algorithms, and sensors to independently control each wheel.

Initial virtual and on-track tests have demonstrated promising results. In the first phase, Michelin’s tyre models and algorithms were integrated with Brembo’s intelligent braking models in a virtual environment. In the second phase, physical tests were conducted at Michelin’s Research Center, confirming the simulation results.

Tests demonstrated braking distance reductions of up to four metres (13 feet) during Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) events, with the same tyres in various conditions. The braking system also exhibited quicker response times, minimised traction loss, improved lateral stability and eliminated wheel locking, contributing to a smoother and more comfortable driving experience.

Beontag, one of the world’s largest manufacturers of self-adhesives and smart tags such as RFID and NFC, has partnered with Michelin to advance the large-scale introduction of RFID-enabled tyres to the market.

Over the next two years and beyond, millions of new passenger car and commercial vehicle tyres will have RFID chips installed as part of the agreement. The Milan-based business claims that the UHF implanted tag, which is made up of a jointly built pod and antenna, would provide full traceability of all new tyres. Taking years of R&D and months of reliability tests to reach the desired level of quality, the linked tyres will be able to last up to one million driven kilometres, including through the typical truck tyre retreading procedure.

The purpose of the RFID chips is to allow tracking of a tyre from the point of origin at the tyre factory until recycling and disposal. Date of production, storage location, distribution history, installation and replacement/repair information and other data that may be utilised at any point in a tyre's life will all be tracked.

These tyre tags will support compliance with the upcoming ESPR (ecodesign for sustainable product) regulations, which mandate the need for digital product passports and come into effect for tyres from 2028-2030.

Al Salem Transportation & Tourism Co. (Al Salem) is reaping the benefits of Goodyear’s CheckPoint tyre monitoring technology system, which was implemented in its Dammam depot. This is a first for passenger transport companies in Saudi Arabia and builds upon the existing partnership between Al Salem Transportation & Tourism Co. (Al Salem), Goodyear and its official Saudi distributor, Al Rashed Tires.

Goodyear CheckPoint is a connected, yard-based drive-over tyre inspection system that provides fleet managers with useful information by reading vehicle data and tyre condition. Tyre pressure and tread depth examinations are time-consuming tasks that may be completed in seconds by Goodyear CheckPoint's automated system.

The system provides the ability to access data through user-friendly reports and allows Al Salem to address all their operational needs related to tyres. This decision is consistent with Al Salem's commitment to using cutting-edge technology to achieve the greatest levels of safety and efficiency, as well as the Saudi Vision 2030 aim of boosting the quality and connectedness of transportation networks.

Mustafa Alsalem, Business Development Manager, Al Salem Transportation & Tourism Co, said, "At Al Salem, our mission is to provide safe and comfortable journeys for everyone in the Kingdom. We pride ourselves on working only with industry leaders to deliver premium safety and service levels. Partnering with a leading global tyre manufacturer like Goodyear, renowned for their premium tyres and innovative digital fleet solutions, is a testament to our commitment to this mission."

Yasser Meyer, CEO, Al Rashed Tires, said, “We have a proud legacy of supporting the development of Saudi Arabia's automotive industry. Leveraging our in-depth market knowledge, we are able to localise global tyre technology, like Goodyear’s CheckPoint monitoring solutions, to empower our valued partners like Al Salem in their achievement of business goals.”

Saban Gungor, General Manager, Goodyear Middle East & Africa, said, "As a preferred fleet mobility partner, Goodyear is dedicated to delivering not only high-quality tyres but also value-added mobility solutions, like the CheckPoint tyre monitoring, to our fleet customers. We are thrilled to support Al Salem on their digitalisation journey with the adoption of this technology, setting a new benchmark for safety and operational efficiency in the Kingdom."

Vittoria, a global leader in cycling tyres and accessories, has announced opening new state-of-the-art research and development centres known as VittoriaLabs. These facilities, located in Italy and Thailand, are designed to push the boundaries of cycling technology and performance.

The VittoriaLabs will focus on developing innovative tyre and accessory solutions that enhance rider performance, safety, and sustainability. The centres will leverage advanced testing equipment and cutting-edge research methodologies to analyse and optimise product design.

“Vittoria Labs will be the engine driving our ambitions for market leadership in innovation in a future we are already shaping,” says Stijn Vriends, Chairman and CEO of Vittoria. “By combining state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor testing facilities, we can push the limits of what’s possible in cycling tyres and accessories while keeping sustainability at the core of our innovations,” adds Vanessa ten Hoff, Chief Innovation & Marketing Officer of Vittoria.

Vittoria’s investment in these facilities underscores the company’s commitment to innovation and its dedication to providing cyclists with the best possible products. By combining advanced technology with real-world testing, Vittoria aims to deliver products that meet the evolving needs of cyclists worldwide.

With the opening of the VittoriaLabs, Vittoria reinforces its position as a global leader in the cycling industry. The company’s focus on research and development, coupled with its passion for cycling, ensures that it will continue to drive innovation and set new standards in the years to come.