Yokohama begins testing of technology that uses AI
Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., has begun practical testing of a technology that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to gauge air pressure from the sound made by tapping truck and bus tyres. Using AI to gauge tyre air pressure from the sound made by tapping the tyre, which previously relied on the driver's experience, will provide logistics companies with solutions to various issues, including safe vehicle operation via improved air-pressure measurement, cost reductions and greater operational efficiency through labour-saving. It will also raise fuel efficiency by appropriately managing tyre air pressure.
Daily checks of the air pressure of truck and bus tyres with pressure gauges can cause valve failure and air leakage. In addition, real-time monitoring can be costly. As a result, tapping the tyre with a hammer remains the main method for checking air pressure. However, determining whether a tyre has appropriate air pressure by simply tapping the tyre with a hammer can be difficult, even for the most experienced drivers. An easier and more accurate method for checking tyre air pressure is needed.
Responding to this need, Yokohama is working with METRIKA, Inc., to develop an AI algorithm that can distinguish the sounds created by tapping the tyre from a variety of environmental sounds, determine when and how long the sound occurred (the sound interval), and estimate the tyre’s air pressure based on the detected sound. In addition, Yokohama and METRIKA have developed a prototype of specialised application and are currently conducting practical testing at a transportation-related company.
Using this technology, drivers will be able to visually grasp the tyre’s air pressure and any need for adding pressure by recording on a smartphone app the sound made when tapping the tyre. This technology will make it possible for anyone to perform a highly precise air-pressure check without the need for a special device or any special skill.
Yokohama will use the practical testing to further improve the accuracy of the AI algorithm and the usability of the application. In addition, Yokohama plans to incorporate this new technology into its proprietary next-generation Tyre Management System (TMS), which uses the Internet of Things (IoT) to propose appropriate products and operational plans for transportation-related companies.