Yokohama Rubber advances AI-based pressure monitoring for truck tires

Hiratsuka, Japan – Yokohama Rubber Co. (YRC) has begun practical testing of a technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to gauge air pressure of tires by tapping them.

The technology, developed for truck and bus tires, uses AI to gauge tire air pressure from the sound made by tapping – a process that previously relied on the driver's experience.

Developed in partnership with AI and data specialist Metrika, the algorithm can distinguish the sounds created by tapping the tire from a variety of environmental sounds.

The system can then determine the ‘sound interval’ and estimate the tire’s air pressure based on the detected sound and its frequency.

The partners have also developed an app which is currently being tested by an undisclosed transportation-related company.

According to YRC, the new system addresses a number of existing issues with regards to checking the pressure of truck and bus tires.

These include the high cost of ‘real-time monitoring’ as well as the potential valve failure and leakage associated with manual daily check of the tire air pressure.

As a result, YRC said, the tapping of the tire with a hammer remains the main method for checking air pressure, which is a difficult and experience-dependant process.

Using the YRC technology, “anyone” will be able to perform “a highly precise air-pressure check without the need for a special device or any special skill.”

The Japanese group expects to use the testing data to further improve the accuracy of the AI algorithm and the usability of the application.

YRC expects to include the technology in its tire management systems portfolio to strengthen its offerings to the truck & bus segment.