**London**: Bridgestone and Komatsu have launched a proof of concept to improve mining operations through real-time data sharing between Bridgestone’s tire monitoring system and Komatsu’s equipment platform, targeting enhanced efficiency, reduced downtime, and lower CO2 emissions in the industry.
Bridgestone and Komatsu have announced an innovative proof of concept (PoC) aimed at enhancing service delivery for the mining sector through a collaborative initiative. This program focuses on the real-time exchange and analysis of critical data, involving Bridgestone’s tire monitoring system, “Bridgestone iTrack,” and Komatsu’s large mining equipment monitoring platform, “Komtrax Plus.”
Launched to improve operational efficiency in extreme mining environments, Bridgestone iTrack is designed specifically for monitoring tire air pressure, temperature, location, and vehicle speed, providing a comprehensive overview of surface conditions and vehicle status. Complementarily, Komtrax Plus serves to monitor the health and operational conditions of Komatsu’s large machinery, allowing for immediate data acquisition on various performance metrics.
The implementation of this PoC will take place at a mining site operated by a mutual client of both companies, utilising Komatsu’s mining trucks to facilitate the initiative. The integration of data from both systems aims to achieve several vital objectives, including enhancing fuel efficiency and extending the lifecycle of mining tires.
Both companies have identified that one of the major challenges faced by their mining customers is operational downtime caused by unexpected tire damages and the consequent disruption in reaching anticipated tire life. By facilitating the exchange of critical performance data, Bridgestone and Komatsu will work towards rapid identification of failure causes and the establishment of suitable preventive measures.
The analysis will consider several key factors that significantly impact fuel efficiency, including haul road characteristics like slope and surface conditions, vehicle usage patterns, and specific tire specifications such as tread patterns and material composition. This meticulous approach is expected to foster improvements in safety and productivity within the mining operations, contributing to lower Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) by optimising equipment usage and maintenance costs.
“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,” said Nobuyuki Tamura, Executive Vice President and Representative Executive Officer at Bridgestone.
Shingo Hori, Executive Officer Vice President of Komatsu’s Mining Business Division, added, “Through this collaboration, we will be able to provide a new DANTOTSU 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. Both companies will accelerate our co-creation initiatives to generate new value and become even more valuable partners for our mining customers.”
Through this collaboration, Bridgestone and Komatsu aim to not only enhance operational productivity but also work toward reducing CO2 emissions by decreasing fuel consumption and increasing tire efficiency. The ongoing collaboration between the two companies seeks to maximise their capabilities while bolstering innovation within the mining industry.
Source: Noah Wire Services
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