New Bridgestone sensor technology gathering data at low speed

Tokyo – Bridgestone Corp. has unveiled a new technology capable of estimating a wheel axle load and tire wear condition using newly developed sensors.

Attached inside tires, the Smart Strain Sensors measure the change in strain that occurs when a tire makes contact with the road while in motion, explained Bridgestone 18 Dec. 

Stating that the technology was “the first of its kind in the world”, Bridgestone said the sensors can gather tire wear and load information, even at low speeds.

Incorporating “next-generation” Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, the sensor can track tire pressure and temperature as well as dynamic changes in strain that occur when a tire is in use. 

A proprietary algorithm is applied to convert data gathered by the Smart Strain Sensor into tire load and wear information, which is then collected and sent to the cloud, the Japanese tire maker added.

Bridgestone's previously released sensing technology is based on accelerometer sensors, which require a certain amount of speed to acquire data. 

The new sensor technology, however, measures strain, which is independent to speed, the tire maker added. 

This enables the sensor to acquire “highly reliable data even at low speeds”, Bridgestone added. 

“This is an important differentiator, as autonomous vehicles are expected to be operated at low speeds for enhanced safety,” the company statement noted. 

Another key feature of the technology, according to Bridgestone is that the proprietary algorithm contributes to “substantial improvements” in the battery lifespan of the sensor, which is important for practical implementation.