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Realising ‘IoT Tyres’ means installing various sensors inside of a tyre in order to collect and transmit information from the tyres to the vehicle, where this information can then be used in various applications. As these sensors require batteries or other sources of energy to operate, we believe that it makes perfect sense to power these devices using the energy produced naturally by the rotation of a tyre: Kazuhisa Fushihara, Manager, Planning & Administration Dept.,  Research & Development HQ, Sumitomo Rubber Industries

Cutting edge technology researches are on overdrive to enhance the performance of a tyre that can fit into the future definition of mobility, which revolves around sustainability. Tyre as a totally autonomous entity even while being the most vital element in a vehicle is among the ultimate goals of designers and technologists – tyres that can operate on its own, depending less on the mother vehicle, ensuring safety to the user and adding high level of value to strengthen the vehicle’s performance.

Surface friction and rolling resistance have always been the focus of tyre makers. A high amount of heat and energy are being generated during a tyre’s roll on the surface. Making use of this to sustain its function has been a major aim of technologists. Sumitomo Rubber Industries’ (SRI) “Energy Harvester” answers to this effort in a big way.       

In mid 2019, Sumitomo, through joint research undertaken with Professor Hiroshi Tani of Kansai University, developed this new technology to generate electric power from the rotation of a tyre. This is accomplished by installing a power generating device (Energy Harvester) inside of a tyre to convert static electricity occurring within a tyre into clean energy. This new device takes advantage of a type of static electricity called “frictional charging” to generate electric power efficiently each time a tyre's footprint deforms as a tyre rotates. Sumitomo, the     parent company of Falken Tyres, believes that this technology holds great potential for practical applications as a power source without needing batteries for various automotive digital tools, including in TPMS (Tyre Pressure Monitoring System) and other automotive devices.

The research was selected by the Japan Science and Technology Agency, national research and development agency, as a Type FS Seed Project under A-STEP (Adaptable and Seamless Technology Transfer Program through Target-Driven R&D). Sumitomo Rubber Industries will now advance this research with support from the Japan Science and Technology Agency.

 Sumitomo has been engaged in a wide range of joint research studies with various universities, including Kansai University and Gunma University Center of Research among others, on sustainability projects.

Regarding the project on “The Development of Intelligent Tyres Using Friction-Charged Sensors,” Kazuhisa Fushihara, Manager, Planning & Administration Dept.,

Research & Development HQ, Sumitomo Rubber Industries, told Tyre Trends: “We are afraid that we are unable to comment on the scope of this joint research project, or other areas of joint research with Kansai University, due to the existence of a non-disclosure agreement. However, we can say that, with backing from the Japan Science and Technology Agency (JST), we are actively engaged in research and development that envisions future tyres that fully incorporate IoT technology.

‘In-house’ energy source

On Energy Harvester Technology, Fushihara said that “Kansai University carried out the basic research and development for the underlying technology before engaging in joint research and development with our company toward realising applications for this technology in tyres.

Developing energy sources within tyres/vehicles goes a long way in ensuring sustainability in product manufacturing. The degree of energy saved is directly proportional to the reduction of energy used from external sources, including fossil-based sources.  

Fushihara said: Realising “IoT Tyres” means installing various sensors inside of a tyre in order to collect and transmit information from the tyres to the vehicle, where this information can then be used in various applications. As these sensors require batteries or other sources of energy to operate, we believe that it makes perfect sense to power these devices using the energy produced naturally by the rotation of a tyre.”

Maintaining right pressure in tyre plays a major role in its performance. “We believe that tyre pressure monitoring systems are an enormously beneficial technology, which is why the EU, China and many other countries around the world have followed the lead of the United States in making TPMS a regulatory requirement. Maintaining appropriate tyre pressure is extremely important in terms of both safety and the environment and, with an eye toward the future of automated vehicles, we believe that it is safe to say that TPMS will only become more and more important in the coming years,” Fushihara observed.

He added: “In the future, we hope to add even more value to these kinds of systems by augmenting their functionality so that they are able to detect not only tyre pressure, but also conditions at the point of contact between tyre and road as well as tyre load and other operational factors.”

Sensing Core

“The Sensing Core Technology that we are currently developing is yet another example of the Sumitomo Rubber Group’s efforts to enhance the value of TPMS so that we may provide greater safety and peace of mind to the increasingly automated mobility society of the future.”

The Sensing Core, a new tyre sensing technology, can detect road conditions, tyre load and other information by analysing the wheel speed signals that are generated by the rotation of the tyres.

SRI has already perfected its proprietary DWS (Deflation Warning System) technology, which analyses wheel speed signals from the rotation of tyres to detect and notify the driver of decreases in tyre air pressure. The DWS technology has been adopted by many automobile manufacturers and can now be found as a factory standard feature in countless vehicles throughout the world, the company website said (information and image courtesy: srigroup.co.jp).

Based on the technical knowhow that SRI cultivated in the development of DWS, the Sensing Core is the next evolution in DWS technology, an advancement that eliminates the need for an additional, dedicated sensors by instead utilising cutting-edge software to detect tyre pressure directly from existing wheel speed signals, thereby reducing the cost of installation and eliminating the need for maintenance.

As the only part of a vehicle that comes into direct contact with the road, tyres must support a vehicle’s entire weight. The Sensing Core technology uses a proprietary algorithm to detect various types of information based on what we know about each specific tyre so that this information can be shared with the driver and with the vehicle itself. This advanced algorithm incorporates and takes full advantage of SRI’s extensive knowledge of various tyre properties, which the company gained through over 100 years of experience in tyre development.

ENDS

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AI mobile data capture company Anyline has released the latest version of TireBuddy, a smartphone-based system for automotive tyre inspections. Version 1.8 introduces fully automated sidewall capture that removes human variability from data collection. The tool has already helped service teams achieve faster, more uniform inspections over the past year, leading to increased tyre sales and stronger customer trust.

The automated mechanism uses on-device guidance that evaluates each image against four criteria: full sidewall detection, sharpness, proper distance and angle and overall clarity. This real-time feedback minimises redo scans by guiding technicians to capture optimal images immediately. The system addresses common challenges in busy service bays where accuracy often suffers due to varying experience levels.

Standardisation of inspection quality is a primary benefit, as consistent results are achieved regardless of who holds the phone. This removes dependency on technician skill or training duration. New or seasonal staff can perform scans confidently from day one without extensive instruction. The automated capture now serves as the standard protocol for all inspections across locations and shifts.

Additional features include tyre mismatch alerts that flag size discrepancies, automated email reports to back-office systems and a redesigned results screen consolidating sidewall information and tread measurements. With hundreds of thousands of annual inspections, this update reinforces TireBuddy's role in modernising tyre service operations.

Lukas Kinigadner, CRO, Anyline, said, “A shop is only as consistent as its least experienced inspector. Automated sidewall capture gets every scan to the same standard, so teams can stop treating inspection quality as a variable.”

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Epson, a global leader in SCARA robot manufacturing, has unveiled its next-generation industrial robotics portfolio at Automation Expo Mumbai 2026. The newly introduced lineup features the high-end CX-A Series 6-axis robots, the LS-C Series SCARA robots, the RC+ 8.0 programming software and the advanced SafeSense safety technology, all designed to address diverse manufacturing applications such as pick-and-place, precision assembly, parts transfer and material handling.

The new offerings significantly expand Epson’s existing industrial robotics family, which already includes the 6-axis C-Series and SCARA T-Series and LS-Series models with payloads ranging from 3 to 20 kilogrammes. With the addition of the CX-A and LS-C Series, manufacturers across various sectors can achieve heightened productivity, flexibility and operational efficiency. The CX-A Series is engineered for complex tasks with a payload capacity of up to seven kilogrammes and a reach of 900 millimetres, available in IP67, cleanroom and ESD variants, while the LS-C Series provides a compact SCARA platform with a 50-kilogramme payload, a 1,000-millimetre reach and cycle times as fast as 0.298 seconds.

Complementing the hardware, the RC+ 8.0 software offers an integrated environment for programming, simulation and system management, facilitating faster automation deployment with support for Visual Studio and C++ development. Additional efficiency features include enhanced diagnostics, OPC UA, GUI builder and safety functions, alongside co-creation tools like Library Builder and RC+ Extension. Meanwhile, the SafeSense technology promotes safer human-robot collaboration by incorporating Safety Limited Speed and Safety Limited Position functions, which can potentially reduce the need for extensive safety fencing and thereby increase operational flexibility.

With over four decades of industrial robotics expertise and more than 200,000 robotic arms deployed globally, Epson continues to drive operational excellence for businesses. Attendees at Automation Expo Mumbai 2026 have the opportunity to view live demonstrations of these solutions and consult with Epson specialists about transforming their manufacturing operations.

Siva Kumar, Sr General Manager – Sales and Marketing, Epson India, said, "India is rapidly emerging as a global manufacturing hub, and automation will play a pivotal role in shaping its future. With our new industrial robot lineup and RC+ 8.0 platform, Epson is delivering the speed, precision and intelligence manufacturers need to compete in an increasingly dynamic marketplace. We remain committed to enabling businesses to accelerate automation adoption and build smarter, more agile and globally competitive manufacturing operations."

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A consortium of Fraunhofer institutes has reached a key milestone in the Technology Platform for Tire Abrasion and the Identification of its Emissions in Road Traffic (TERIS) project, moving closer to establishing standardised laboratory methods for generating, analysing and predicting tyre wear.

The project, led by the Fraunhofer Institute for Structural Durability and System Reliability LBF, together with Fraunhofer ICT, Fraunhofer IGD and Fraunhofer IWM, aims to provide the tyre industry, testing organisations and environmental agencies with reliable and practical laboratory procedures for assessing tyre abrasion emissions.

The first project milestone has been completed following a successful review by an advisory board comprising industry experts.

The consortium has developed reference methods for tyre abrasion, particle analysis, tribological modelling, artificial intelligence-based surface analysis, a laboratory test bench concept, accelerated ageing techniques and volatile organic compound (VOC) detection.

According to the consortium, combining different particle collection and measurement techniques enables more precise analysis of both airborne and deposited tyre wear particles. At the same time, tribological models have been developed to better understand the relationship between loading conditions, material properties, surface structures and particle formation, allowing real-world tyre wear processes to be replicated under laboratory conditions.

Researchers have also developed a specialised test chamber for accelerated ageing, enabling tyre samples to be exposed to controlled environmental conditions before evaluating their abrasion behaviour.

Another development is an optical detection system that uses artificial intelligence to identify and classify surface structures. The system has been validated using substitute materials and is expected to be applied to rubber samples during the next phase of the project.

The consortium has also designed a laboratory test bench that combines multiaxial loading, controlled generation of tyre wear particles, targeted particle collection and integrated optical sensors within a single testing platform.

In addition, the project combines accelerated weathering with chemical analysis of volatile organic compounds released from tyre abrasion to assess the environmental impact of tyre wear particles.

The researchers said the work will provide the foundation for faster and more practical laboratory evaluation of new rubber compounds. The resulting methods are intended to help tyre manufacturers reduce emissions, accelerate product development and support compliance with the requirements of the Euro 7 standard.

At Fraunhofer IWM, researchers focused on refining tribological wear models and friction surface concepts to simulate particle formation under controlled laboratory conditions. The institute designed a parameterisable wear test that studies friction between plate materials and model surfaces with different structures, enabling researchers to investigate the mechanisms responsible for particle generation.

Initial findings indicate that tyre wear results from multiple interacting mechanisms rather than a simple relationship between particle emissions and factors such as speed, contact force or temperature. The researchers collected and analysed particles across a wide range of sizes during the study.

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ZF has secured a significant milestone in the Indian automotive sector, receiving three major orders for its advanced test systems. The contracts, which encompass battery, tyre and e-axle testing, position the global driveline and chassis technology leader at the forefront of the nation’s drive to enhance road safety and establish more robust vehicle certification processes. This development aligns with India’s accelerating regulatory efforts to ensure that vehicle testing becomes more independent, rigorous and comprehensive, marking a critical step forward for the industry.

A key aspect of ZF's strategy involves a strong commitment to local manufacturing, with the company emphasising high levels of domestic content for its test systems in support of the ‘Make in India’ initiative. The firm’s extensive background in the field is underscored by its experience in testing over 100 million transmissions, a testament to the proven global reliability of its technology. This foundation of expertise is now being applied to address the specific safety and performance demands emerging in the Indian market.

With the rapid adoption of electric vehicles, battery safety has become a paramount concern, and ZF’s solutions cover the complete spectrum from individual cells to complete packs. These systems evaluate performance, endurance and environmental factors, including rigorous mechanical abuse testing, while adhering to a wide array of international and Indian standards. Furthermore, the company’s tyre testing capabilities are poised to play a crucial role as India prepares to enforce new mandatory regulations, including the BNVSAP and the AIS 142 TPMS Mandate. The ZF Tyre Efficiency Tester (TET.lab), recognised for its precision, offers a modular platform capable of testing everything from motorcycles to heavy commercial vehicles.

The company’s e-mobility test benches feature a high-performance drive module with a flexible, modular architecture designed to accommodate both conventional and electric drivetrains. These systems can be configured for various operations, integrating frequency converters and precision measurement technology for comprehensive testing. ZF’s deep expertise, already deployed by manufacturers and testing authorities worldwide, positions it as a key technology partner for India. As regulatory requirements tighten and the demand for quality escalates, the company is set to support the nation's ambition of building a safe and sustainable automotive ecosystem.

Akash Passey, President, ZF Group India, said, “Testing agencies are the final arbiters of vehicle safety, the bodies whose certification regulators and the public trust. Being chosen across three independent and Government agencies, for three distinct testing disciplines, is a powerful validation of ZF's accuracy, reliability and deep understanding of India's regulatory and testing landscape. ZF Group is proud to provide the technical foundation that makes world-class automotive safety infrastructure possible in India, not just for our OEM customers but also for Government and independent testing agencies.”

Thomas Trebitsch, Vice President, ZF Test Systems and Testing, said, “Over the past years, we have been focusing on the tyre industry in India and introducing our complete product portfolio to India. As the market develops rapidly towards regulations and safety, there is a strong need for robust and world-class testing technology. ZF brings its global competence and a deep understanding of the Indian auto industry to address its specific needs.”

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