Bridgestone and Komatsu have launched a proof of concept (PoC) for a collaborative initiative aimed at providing new solution services to mining customers. The PoC will be carried out using Komatsu’s mining trucks at a site operated by a mutual customer of Bridgestone and Komatsu.
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 manufacturers aim to improve fuel efficiency and extend tire life of mining trucks. 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); and tire specifications (pattern and material).
Both companies plan to start offering services that could not be achieved individually, based on the results of this PoC.
Source: Komatsu