Japan’s Sumitomo Rubber Industries has signed an acquisition agreement with Viaduct, Inc. a US-based AI solutions startup, for a total of US$104 million. The two companies have collaborated on joint proof-of-concept projects, combining Sumitomo’s proprietary tyre sensing technology, Sensing Core, with Viaduct’s advanced AI capabilities to develop services.
This acquisition will enable Sumitomo?Rubber to roll out predictive maintenance services for fleet vehicles operated by corporations and organisations in North America starting this October.
It also marks a significant step toward accelerating global expansion, including in Japan and Europe. By notifying users of optimal parts replacement timing, the service aims to prevent vehicle breakdowns, streamline maintenance, and expand into areas such as parts ordering and work instructions, creating synergies with Sumitomo’s tyre business.
Since launching joint proof-of-concept projects in 2023 and strengthening their strategic partnership through investment in 2024, Sumitomo Rubber and Viaduct have deepened their collaboration. This acquisition is a strategic move to further accelerate business development and global growth.
The predictive maintenance service for fleet vehicles commercially launched in North America this October will help fleet operators reduce downtime and maintenance costs, while also improving on-road safety and vehicle utilisation, it adds.
Headquartered in Silicon Valley, Viaduct possesses highly versatile AI technology capable of analysing vast amounts of data from vehicles and factories using proprietary algorithms. This enables early detection and predict anomalies as well as identification of their root causes. With a track record with large cooperate clients, Viaduct is now looking to expand beyond the automotive sector into other industries.
Sumitomo Rubber sets the goal of contributing to the evolution of next-generation mobility society through software solutions centred around Sensing Core.
To manifest high levels of safety and environmental performance in response to the rise of Case and MaaS, Sumitomo Rubber aims to accelerate the progress of tyre technology and its peripheral services, upholding the Smart Tyre concept.
Sumitomo Rubber plans to grow this into a business generating over JPY10 billion in operating profit by 2030, with a focus on autonomous driving and fleet management.