Japan-based tyre company Bridgestone and mining equipment company Komatsu have initiated a proof of concept (POC) for a collaborative initiative focusing on the development of new solution services for mining customers.
This collaboration aims to integrate tyre and vehicle data to enhance fuel efficiency and extend the life of mining truck tyres.
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Operational downtime and unplanned stoppages, often due to tyre damage, are challenges in mining.
Bridgestone and Komatsu’s integrated data approach aims to swiftly pinpoint causes of failure, enabling rapid response and preventative measures to prolong tyre life.
The services, based on the POC outcomes, are expected to offer innovative solutions previously not achieved by either company alone.
The POC is being undertaken using Komatsu’s mining trucks at a site shared by Bridgestone and Komatsu customers.
Bridgestone’s iTrack tyre air pressure monitoring system gathers critical tyre data including temperature, pressure and vehicle dynamics to not only monitor but also optimise mining operations.
Meanwhile, Komatsu’s Komtrax Plus monitoring system keeps track of the mining trucks’ health and performance, facilitating early problem detection and boosting productivity.
Bridgestone East CEO, executive vice-president and representative executive officer Nobuyuki Tamura said: “We are very pleased to work with Komatsu as a partner to create new customer value in response to our customers’ challenges.
“Through the further evolution of our mining solution, ‘Smart On-site’, developed in partnership with Komatsu, we will contribute to enhancing the safety and productivity of our mining customers.”
The collaboration will examine factors affecting fuel efficiency, such as haul road features, vehicle usage patterns and tyre specifications.
Both companies intend to focus on reducing the total cost of ownership and CO₂ emissions through enhanced fuel economy and tyre performance using their co-creation efforts.
Komatsu Mining Business Division executive officer vice-president Shingo Hori said: “We are thrilled to establish this partnership with Bridgestone and engage in such collaborative efforts.
“Moving forward, both companies will accelerate our co-creation initiatives to generate new value and become even more valuable partners for our mining customers.”
