Bridgestone Corporation and Komatsu Ltd have launched a proof of concept (PoC) for a collaborative initiative aimed at providing new solution services to mining customers. The new program works through the real-time exchange and analysis of tyre data from Bridgestone’s advanced tyre monitoring system for mining vehicles, Bridgestone iTrack, and vehicle data from Komatsu’s large mining equipment monitoring system, Komtrax Plus.
Komatsu stated: “By utilising this data, we aim to improve fuel efficiency and extend tyre life of mining trucks.” Both companies plan to start offering services that could not be achieved individually, based on the results of this PoC. This PoC is being carried out using Komatsu’s mining trucks at a site operated by a mutual customer of Bridgestone and Komatsu.
Bridgestone collects data such as tyre temperature, tyre pressure, vehicle location information and speed through Bridgestone iTrack and analyses this information. This not only allows them to monitor the tyre’s operating environment but also helps in offering mining customers solutions that contribute to the optimisation of operations.
Komatsu, through Komtrax Plus monitors the health and operational status of the mining trucks enabling early detection of anomalies, reducing repair costs, and improving productivity to support customers. By combining the expertise of both Bridgestone and Komatsu, the companies aim to provide mining customers with higher value-added services and innovative solutions.
The statement said: “In mining operations, one of the critical onsite problems for customers is operational downtime and unplanned stoppages, both of which can be triggered by unexpected external tyre damages resulting failure to reach their expected tyre life. By integrating data, Bridgestone and Komatsu strive to quickly identify the causes of failures and implement appropriate emergency measures and preventive strategies to extend tyre life.”
Through the partnership, several key factors that significantly impact fuel efficiency will be analyed, including unique features of the haul road (such as slope and surface conditions), vehicle usage patterns (such as driving routes, speed, and load) and tyre specifications (pattern and material).
Bridgestone and Komatsu say they are committed to enhancing safety and productivity for customers in the mining sector, contributing to the improvement of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), while also aiming to reduce CO2 emissions through decreased fuel consumption and enhancing tyre productivity and longevity. Both companies say they will continue to accelerate the co-creation initiatives to generate new value.
Nobuyuki Tamura, Bridgestone Executive Vice President and Representative Executive Officer and Bridgestone East CEO, plus concurrently responisble for Bridgestone G-MICA (Global Mining, Industrial, Construction, and Aviation Tire Solutions Business) 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.”
Shingo Hori, Executive Officer Vice President, Mining Business Division at Komatsu: “Through this collaboration, we will be able to provide a new DANTOTSU 4 solution that combines Komatsu’s expertise in machinery with Bridgestone’s tyre expertise – something neither company could achieve alone. 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.”
