Yokohama Rubber rolls out RFID technology for conveyor belts

Hiratsuka, Japan – Yokohama Rubber Co. (YRC) has developed an RFID-based sensing technology that remotely monitors the operation of conveyor belts and detects abnormalities in real time.

In an 18 Dec statement, YRC said it had carried out “extensive field trials” between February 2022 and December 2024 to confirm the technology’s capabilities.

The new system integrates an RFID tag with Yokohama Rubber conveyor belts, enabling detection of any changes in the belt’s wear, damage, temperature and other conditions.

The information is then transmitted directly to a Yokohama data centre where it is monitored in real time.

YRC expects to use the technology as part of the a “comprehensive solutions service” for conveyor belts, using the data captured by the sensors.

The service, expected to be launched by the end of 2027, will enable operators to optimise the management of their operations, through consulting the data, and preventing damage or fire risks.

Furthermore, the service package includes analysis offered by specialists at Yokohama Rubber who study the data and propose measures to enhance management of conveyor belt systems.

The group has applied for 13 patents related to the sensing technology and its operating system.

YRC has signalled plans to ‘solidify’ its share in Japan’s conveyor belting market as part of its Yokohama Transformation 2026 (YX2026) medium-term management plan.

Conveyor belts are one the core products within Yokohama’s non-tire ‘multiple business’ segment.