Sumitomo Rubber Industries Ltd. (TYO:5110) has developed a new tire sensing technology able to detect road conditions and tire load. Sensing Core, as the company calls the technology, analyzes the wheel speed signals that are generated by the rotation of the tires. Sumitomo Rubber has already made extensive progress on its Deflation Warning System (DWS) technology, which analyzes wheel speed signals from the...
Innovation
Sumitomo Riko Develops New, Low-Cost Version of Refleshine Window Film
Sumitomo Riko Co. Ltd. (TYO:5191) has launched Refleshine TW36, a film for heat shielding and insulation that also makes windows stronger. The product marks an advance in materials development. Sumitomo Riko restructured the film to reduce costs while retaining all the advantages. The new Refleshine film maintains protection against glass breakage, heat shielding and insulation, a more pleasant indoor environment...
Bridgestone Develops Airless Bicycle Tire
Bridgestone Corp. (TYO:5108) said that it has developed jointly with Bridgestone Cycle Co. Ltd. a next-generation bicycle tire that does not need to be inflated with air. The companies will work on feasibility studies with a look to making the new tire commercially available by 2019. The development is part of the company’s Air Free Concept, a technology that eliminates...
Showa Rubber Joins Forces With Mongolian University on Products Targeting Agriculture Industry, Air Pollution
Showa Rubber Co. Ltd. and Mongolian University of Life Sciences (MULS) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to test Showa Rubber’s products in the agriculture–livestock industry and those that can reduce air pollution in Mongolia’s capital, Ulaanbaatar. The two organizations will collaborate also on the development of new products and product uses. At 12,000 students, MULS is a large-scale...
Bridgestone to Feature University Solar Car at Shanghai Motor Show
Bridgestone Corp. (TYO:5108) will be showcasing a car at Auto Shanghai 2017 made by the Kogakuin Solar Team, a group of students from Kogakuin University. The Kogakuin Solar Team will have its vehicle exhibited throughout the 17th International Automobile Industry Exhibition, running April 19–28. From initial design to final production, the vehicle to go on display was made entirely by...
Sumitomo Riko Launches Bedsore Prevention Mattress
Sumitomo Riko Co. Ltd. (TYO:5191) has launched its SR Active Mattress, a rubber mattress aimed at preventing bedsores. The product automatically redistributes body contact pressure based on the user’s physique and sleeping position. Smart rubber (SR) sensors made with Sumitomo Riko’s proprietary conductive rubber allow the product to measure contact pressure with the user’s body. This information is used in...