Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) says that it has invested in US-based start-up Viaduct Inc, an AI-powered connected vehicle analytics company, to achieve total fleet management solutions. With a joint proof-of-concept with Viaduct having already started, it has further strengthened its strategic partnership with the company through this investment, and thereby accelerate the deployment of failure prediction solution services for the total vehicle, including tyres.
Viaduct, set up in 2018 that provides AI-based vehicle failure prediction solution services, combining the analytical data of tyres obtained through “Sensing Core,” SRI’s proprietary sensor-less sensing technology, will enable an assessment of the holistic vehicle condition.
The provision of this total vehicle failure prediction solution is expected to enhance on-the-road safety, increase the availability of vehicles, and reduce maintenance costs in order to tackle challenges faced by fleet operators and automobile manufacturers.
To manifest high levels of safety and environmental performance in response to the rise of Case and MaaS, it aims to accelerate the progress of tyre technology and its peripheral services, upholding the Smart Tyre Concept.
It says it will collaborate with fleet operators and automobile manufacturers through the joint proof-of-concept with Viaduct, with the view to introducing its Sensing Core technology.
SRI aims to roll out total fleet management solutions that combine maintenance, insurance, and leasing by the late 2020s.