Sumitomo tests out remote tyre monitoring technology

Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. (SRI) has begun concept testing for a remote solutions service that would track tyre pressure and temperature. The new service is being developed as part of a joint project between SRI and three other Japanese entities: vehicle fuel supplier company Shin-Idemitsu and its car rental subsidiary Idex Auto Japan Co.; Internet of Things specialist TripodWorks Co. and SRI tyre sales subsidiary Dunlop Tyre Kyusyu.

This round of testing involves 30 vehicles operated by Shin-Idemitsu’s vehicle leasing business and 500 vehicles operated by Idex Auto Japan as part of its vehicle rental business. The data collected by the TPMS (tyre pressure monitoring system) installed in each vehicle will be available via cloud technology and could reduce drivers’ maintenance workload and make tyres safer and more fuel efficient, the company said.

The Sumitomo Rubber Group is actively engaged in the development of tyre pressure management solutions services – SRI is allowing certain customers to view the latest measurement data and give feedback through a personalised customer website.