Sumitomo Rubber Industries is advancing vehicle safety and performance through its SENSING CORE technology, which has been rigorously validated under the extreme demands of motorsport. This sensorless system was tested extensively on Falken Tyre’s Porsche 911 GT3 R throughout the challenging 2025 Nürburgring Endurance Series. By leveraging the tyre itself as a sensor, the technology provides continuous real-time analysis of critical data points including tyre wear, road surface conditions, load and pressure, all without needing additional physical hardware. A key safety feature is its ability to detect loose wheel nuts, thereby helping to prevent dangerous incidents on the track.

The practical benefits were clearly demonstrated during the race season. On several occasions, the system provided the team with crucial early warnings about tyre pressure loss, information that was delivered faster than by conventional sensors. This advanced notice allowed the team to proactively adjust its strategy, bringing the cars in for earlier pit stops to avoid potential damage and maintain competitive performance. The consistent reliability of SENSING CORE, even on the notoriously difficult Nordschleife circuit, confirms its robustness.

Having proven its value in a high-stakes racing environment, this technology paves the way for broader applications. Sumitomo Rubber Industries aims to leverage these insights to enhance safety, efficiency and sustainability for future mobility solutions, including the development of autonomous vehicle fleets.

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As urban areas around the world grow increasingly louder, traffic noise has emerged as a critical environmental and public health challenge. Recognised by health authorities as a major risk factor, this pervasive issue extends from European cities to megacities across Asia and Latin America. Continental is addressing this problem by pioneering tyre technologies that significantly reduce rolling noise, thereby contributing to quieter urban environments and enhanced in-vehicle comfort.

The transition to electric mobility has brought tyre noise into sharper focus. With the near-silent operation of electric motors replacing traditional engine sounds, the acoustic contribution from tyres becomes far more prominent, even at moderate city driving speeds. In response, Continental engineers have developed specialised solutions that target noise generation without compromising the safety, durability or performance of the tyre.

One such innovation is the Silent Pattern tread design, featured on models like the EcoContact 7. This technology disrupts the conventional, uniform arrangement of tread blocks that typically creates a rhythmic humming sound on pavement. By intelligently varying the spacing and angles of these blocks, the pattern breaks up this acoustic consistency. Furthermore, it is tuned to cancel out specific sound frequencies, akin to the principle behind noise-cancelling headphones. This results in a measurable reduction of traffic noise at speeds around 50 kmph, where rolling noise is most perceptible to pedestrians and residents.

For reducing noise inside the vehicle cabin, Continental employs its ContiSilent technology. This involves lining the inside of the tyre with a lightweight polyurethane foam that absorbs vibrations caused by the tyre’s contact with the road. By dampening these air vibrations, the technology can cut perceived in-cabin rolling noise by up to nine decibels – a reduction the human ear experiences as nearly halving the volume. This substantial increase in acoustic comfort is integrated into various product lines, including high-performance summer tyres, without affecting driving dynamics or efficiency.

The company’s commitment to low-noise mobility spans multiple vehicle segments. From the Conti Urban NXT for city buses to passenger car tyres like the EcoContact 6 Q and van tyres such as the VanContact A/S Eco, these products are designed to meet stringent noise standards. Consumers can readily identify these quieter options through regulatory labels, like the EU tyre label, which provides clear decibel ratings for external rolling noise. Through these continuous advancements in tread design and sound-dampening materials, Continental is systematically working to diminish the acoustic footprint of road traffic.

According to Achillefs Tsotras, head of Continental’s Tyre-Vehicle Interaction department, “Noise, especially traffic noise from cars, buses and delivery vehicles, is a major burden for people and the environment. With tyre technologies like ContiSilent and innovative tread designs, we are actively reducing rolling noise without compromising safety. This makes every ride noticeably quieter, benefiting drivers, pedestrians, residents and the environment alike.”

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SemiCab, a subsidiary of Algorhythm Holdings, has secured a significant expansion to its existing Master Services Agreement with Apollo Tyres Ltd., a prominent global tyre manufacturer. Apollo Tyres, which serves major international markets and reports annual sales exceeding USD 5 billion, ranks among the world’s top 10 tyre producers. This enhanced partnership, building upon a commercial pilot initiated in September 2024, will see SemiCab manage freight transportation across 20 high-density corridors in India while increasing shipment frequency throughout a broader service region.

The expansion is projected to contribute up to USD 2.5 million in yearly revenue for SemiCab. The company delivers these managed services through its AI-driven Collaborative Transportation Platform, a cloud-based system engineered to lower logistics expenses, boost delivery precision and minimise empty truck miles. This technology offers complete live tracking and enhances network visibility without disrupting existing business processes. It seamlessly integrates with current transportation management software to automate tasks like ordering and invoicing and employs platform bots to gather data and handle routine operations. The system actively identifies and facilitates real-time collaboration between shippers and carriers to optimise efficiency.

Ajesh Kapoor, CEO of SemiCab Holdings, LLC, commented, “We are pleased to be a partner to such a prestigious multi-national company like Apollo Tyres, which is a globally recognised leader in the tyre industry. This new expansion of our existing relationship opens the door to immense growth opportunities for us. By leveraging our AI-powered platform, we are highly confident in our ability to drive significant cost efficiencies and delivery strong performance improvements for Apollo across much of India. This partnership represents a major step forward in our mission to revolutionise freight logistics in India, and we are excited about the growth it can drive for both of our businesses.”

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Dunlop will present its proprietary SENSING CORE technology at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2026 in Las Vegas coming January. The prominent global trade event, scheduled for 6–9 January 2026, will serve as the platform for Dunlop to highlight the system's role in advancing safety for future autonomous mobility.

Central to the booth will be a display focused on evolving SENSING CORE into a broader technology platform. This exhibit will detail collaborative technical verifications with T2 Inc., a firm developing hub-to-hub autonomous trucking services. It will also feature integrated fleet service demonstrations combining the sensing technology with AI solutions from Viaduct, Inc., a US-based company acquired by Sumitomo Rubber in August 2025. The company plans to leverage this acquisition from 2026 to efficiently expand predictive maintenance services for fleet operators globally, including in Japan and European markets.

Further exhibit segments will immerse visitors in six future mobility scenarios, spanning logistics, public transportation and infrastructure. The company positions SENSING CORE as a foundational technology for safer autonomous driving, capable of gathering critical data on tyre and road surface conditions. This information is intended not only for direct vehicle control but also for cloud-based integration with broader societal data streams. Ongoing development efforts are aimed at supporting the realisation of a safer and more advanced mobility experience for all.

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India’s mounting tyre waste problem has found a determined challenger in Home Zone Rubber Solutions, a young but ambitious company from Vapi, Gujarat. Founded just four years ago by stainless-steel-industry veteran Jitendra Agarwal, the recycler has quickly scaled to processing more than half a million scrap tyres annually with plans to double capacity through an upcoming IPO. Armed with cutting-edge Danish Eldan technology and a vision that blends environmental responsibility with industrial innovation, Agarwal is positioning Home Zone not just as a recycler but as a pioneer of India’s circular economy in rubber.

Home Zone Rubber Solutions, headquartered in Vapi, Gujarat, is rapidly establishing itself as one of India’s foremost tyre recycling companies. Established just four years ago by Managing Director Jitendra Agarwal, the company’s roots trace back to a legacy in stainless steel manufacturing. However, post-pandemic, Agarwal saw an opportunity to pivot towards environmental sustainability through tyre recycling owing to its immense potential but significant challenges.

Speaking exclusively to Tyre Trends, Agarwal said, “Our family has always been in the stainless steel business, but I have long been passionate about environmental issues and recycling. When the opportunity presented itself after lockdown, we grabbed it with both hands.”

Today, Home Zone processes around 5,000 tonnes of scrap tyres every month, which translates to over half a million tyres annually. Agarwal shared that with an upcoming initial public offering, the company plans to double this capacity, targeting recycling of up to 10 million scrap tyres annually.

“This is a huge achievement because tyres are among the most hazardous wastes worldwide. They can take 150 to 200 years to decompose if left unchecked. They pollute landfills and oceans alike, so taking millions of tyres off the roads and recycling them is vital to protecting our environment,” Agarwal explained.

INNOVATIVE METHODOLOGY

At the heart of Home Zone’s process is a sophisticated tyre recycling line sourced from Denmark, known as Eldan. This machinery stands out as one of the most advanced globally, capable of reclaiming 99.9 percent crumb rubber granules from shredded tyres, claimed the executive.

“Separating components like steel is fairly straightforward, but the fibre and rubber separation is incredibly complex. Our line is the only one currently in India with a full Eldan setup, and it delivers unparalleled efficiency and quality,” Agarwal said.

The crumb rubber generated is classified in mesh sizes in granular levels ranging from 5 up to 20 mesh currently. The company is working towards finer mesh granules going up to 40 and eventually 80 to 120 mesh, which are essential for manufacturing new tyres from recycled material. Agarwal notes that this progression is gradual given the technological challenges of grinding tyres to such fine granularity in a controlled environment.

The applications for crumb rubber extend beyond new tyres. The company’s crumb rubber is widely used in diverse sectors including sports turf grounds, anti-slip tiles, automotive components, conveyor belts, industrial footwear and infrastructure projects.

The company maintains a research and development team, including experts in robotics technology, to ensure product quality and innovation. “As we move into finished products ourselves, quality testing and consistent innovation are vital,” Agarwal stressed.

One particularly unique product is the cow mat, exported from India to dairy-producing countries worldwide. Made from crumb rubber, these mats improve cow comfort, reduce blood pressure of animals and consequently increase milk production. This innovation exemplifies how recycling can impact even agricultural practices.

MARKET WATCH

While Home Zone currently primarily serves the domestic market, exports are an important growth area. Plans include selling crumb rubber and finished mats to markets in the Middle East, Europe and China. Agarwal sees China as a significant opportunity, especially for finished rubber products rather than just raw crumb rubber.

To support this expansion, the company has identified a 25-acre land parcel near Mundra port, approximately 9.5 kilometres from the port itself. This facility aims to be a fully integrated recycling and manufacturing hub, where crumb rubber will be processed into finished products before export. The target for beginning operations is late 2026.

Furthermore, while India remains the third largest generator of scrap tyres globally, Agarwal pointed out that the supply of these tyres for recycling is fragmented and inefficient, forcing Indian recyclers to import scrap tyres from the US and Europe, often at lower costs due to government subsidies and more streamlined collection systems abroad.

To tackle this, Agarwal has launched Re-Tyre Bazar, India’s first organised scrap tyre collection network. Initially rolling out centres in states like Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Rajasthan, Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh, this initiative aims to consolidate the fragmented supply chain and enable recyclers to source Indian scrap tyres exclusively in the near future.

“If we can organise this chain effectively, we won’t need imports except as a bonus. That would validate the model and mark a major step forward for the Indian recycling industry,” Agarwal said.

Re-Tyre Bazar operates as an independent company and is intended to serve the entire Indian recycling sector, rather than being exclusive to Home Zone Rubber Solutions.

FOCUS VIEW

Agarwal highlighted that about 70 percent of Indian scrap tyres come from the truck and bus segment. “TBR scrap tyres generally lend themselves to higher quality  recycling applications, compared to passenger car tyres,” he explained. This focus area presents significant opportunity for the company as it scales production and refines crumb rubber quality.

Addressing common misconceptions about tyre quality, he stated, “Many believe that American and European tyres are superior, but it’s not true. Indians may even have a 5 to 10 percent advantage due to how tyres are used and road conditions.”

He was also candid about rumours that some importers misuse scrap tyre imports licenses, selling raw material rather than using it in production. “Such misuse is limited to a small minority, but government agencies must enforce regulations strictly to protect industry credibility,” he said.

On the regulatory front, Agarwal views government initiatives such as Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) as positive developments that place recycling obligations on tyre manufacturers. However, careful enforcement is needed. He also advocates for consumer awareness campaigns and incentives like green labelling for recycled products.

“Consumers want environmentally friendly choices. A green label on products made from recycled rubber could boost demand and support the circular economy,” Agarwal noted.

FUTURE PROSPECTS

The upcoming IPO is a major step towards funding Home Zone’s expansion. Public filings indicate the company aims to increase production capacity from around 57,000 metric tonnes annually and invest in new machinery and facilities.

“We expect the next decade to be very exciting for the industry,” Agarwal said confidently.

Reflecting on the company’s environmental mission, Agarwal concluded, “We inherited this planet from our parents and grandparents. If we cannot leave it better, let us at least leave it as we found it.”

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