Yokohama Rubber announced today that is has begun practical testing of a tire sensor attached to the tire’s inner surface. Testing is being conducted in collaboration with Zenrin on a nationwide basis using test vehicles outfitted with sensor-attached tires.

The tests are being conducted using a tire sensor being developed by Yokohama Rubber and an in-vehicle device developed by Alps Alpine Co., Ltd., that has been attached to the test vehicles with Zenrin’s cooperation. The practical tests will confirm the durability of the sensors attached to the tires’ inner surface and the ability of a newly developed system (Tire air Pressure Remote access System = TPRS) to remotely monitor tire pressure using the in-vehicle device. In addition, Yokohama Rubber aims to realize a new value-added tire-related business that provides tire pressure information and GPS location data along with Zenrin's abundant map information.

Yokohama Rubber’s TPRS is a response to changes in the automobile industry, such as CASE*1 and MaaS*2. The current practical test of the system aims to determine its merits for vehicle maintenance staff, including labor-saving effects during tire maintenance, more precise tire management, and more efficient tire maintenance planning. The test will also consider the system’s benefits for vehicle owners, such as its contribution to safe vehicle operation and improved fuel efficiency. Using TPRS, Yokohama Rubber aims to establish a new business model that contributes to driver safety and enhances the economic efficiency of vehicle operation.

TPRS enables real-time remote monitoring of tire pressure, temperature, and vehicle location. In addition to contributing to significant labor-saving during tire maintenance, TPRS will help prevent irregularities in inspection results, detect potential accident-causing abnormalities, and improve fuel efficiency by ensuring maintenance of proper tire pressure, etc. System data is saved in a cloud server in real time.

Tagged: Tire air Pressure Remote access System

Yokohama, Zenrin begin practical testing on new tire sensor system