Bridgestone and Komatsu use data to extend mining tire life
The proof of concept combines Bridgestone iTrack and Komtrax Plus mining equipment monitoring systems to exchange real-time data
Bridgestone Corporation and Komatsu Ltd. have launched a proof of concept (PoC) aimed at providing new services to mining customers. The new program works through the real-time exchange and analysis of tire data from Bridgestone's advanced tire monitoring system for mining vehicles, Bridgestone iTrack, and vehicle data from Komatsu's large mining equipment monitoring system, Komtrax Plus.
By utilizing this data, the companies aim to improve fuel efficiency and extend tire life for mining trucks.
Data analysis designed to improve mining truck tire monitoring
The PoC will use Komatsu's mining trucks at a site operated by a mutual contractor for Bridgestone and Komatsu. Bridgestone collects data, like tire temperature, tire pressure, vehicle location information, and speed, through Bridgestone iTrack and analyzes it. This process not only allows them to monitor the tire's operating environment but also helps to offer mining contractors solutions that contribute to improving 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 contractors.
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 tire damages resulting in failure to reach their expected tire life. By integrating data, Bridgestone and Komatsu strive to quickly identify the causes of failures and implement emergency measures and preventive strategies to extend tire life.
Through the partnership, several key factors that significantly impact fuel efficiency will be analyzed, including:
- Unique features of the haul road, such as slope and surface conditions
- Vehicle usage patterns, such as driving routes, speed, and load
- Tire specifications, pattern, and material
Bridgestone and Komatsu aim to reduce costs and improve efficiency
Bridgestone and Komatsu are committed to enhancing safety and productivity for contractors in the mining sector, contributing to the improvement of total cost of ownership, while also aiming to reduce CO2 emissions through decreased fuel consumption and enhancing tire productivity and longevity.
Nobuyuki Tamura, executive vice president and representative executive officer, Bridgestone East CEO shared, "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 and vice president, mining business division at Komatsu stated: "Through this collaboration, we will be able to provide a new solution that combines Komatsu's expertise in machinery with Bridgestone's tire 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."
