Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • European Rubber Journal
  • Plastics News
  • Tire Business
Subscribe
  • Login
  • Register
  • Subscribe
  • News
    • Automotive
    • Tire
    • Non-Tire
    • Suppliers
    • ITEC
    • Silicone
    • Online Exclusive
    • Latex
    • Technical Notebooks
    • Executive Action
    • Government/Legal
    • Opinion
    • Rubber Division IEC
    • Blogs
    • Sustainability
    • Products
    • Wacky World of Rubber
  • War in Ukraine
  • Custom
    • Sponsored Content
    • White Papers
  • Resources
    • Directory
    • Classifieds & Mold Mart
  • Data
  • Events
    • RN Events
    • RN Livestreams/Webinars
    • Industry Events
    • Past Events
    • Rubber News M&A Live
    • 2022 Hose & Belt Manufacturers Conference
    • 2022 International Silicone Conference
    • 2022 International Tire Exhibition & Conference (ITEC)
    • 2022 Women Breaking the Mold
  • Advertise
  • DIGITAL EDITION
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. News
January 07, 2021 04:13 PM

Bridgestone unveils AI-based NR tree disease detection technology

Tire Business Report
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print

    TOKYO—In a bid to help reduce the disease risks facing natural rubber cultivation, Bridgestone Corp. has developed a technology that uses artificial intelligence image analysis to diagnose and detect disease in Para rubber trees.

    The initiative, which incorporates foliage-based rubber tree disease diagnosis technology, is a joint project with Information Services International-Dentsu Ltd. (iSiD), which is providing drone-based aerial photography and AI image analysis.

    Through trials using the technology, the company has succeeded in developing one that can distinguish between healthy trees and trees with white root disease (WRD) with about 90 percent accuracy. This approach enables the diagnosis and treatment of trees with WRD at early stages, Bridgestone said, before the disease impacts rubber yield, and thereby contributes to improved productivity at rubber farms.

    Natural rubber derived from Para rubber trees is a critically important raw material used in the manufacturing of tires.

    WRD is a disease that affects the roots of Para rubber trees, which is difficult to diagnose and causes trees to rot if left untreated. WRD can therefore impact natural rubber harvest yields.

    According to Bridgestone, there currently is no effective means of combating this disease. Prior diagnostic methods entailed calling on the tacit knowledge of Bridgestone farm experts to make judgments based on comprehensive evaluations of the foliage and observing factors, such as leaf color and leaf development, of affected trees.

    Trees suspected of being infected by WRD were dug up and roots were inspected. Thus, the accuracy of the diagnosis was dependent on the skills of each individual team member.

    Bridgestone

    The development of this technology, Bridgestone said, is part of a larger initiative to address such environmental issues by diversifying and expanding its sources of natural rubber.

    By 2050, the company said, the global population is projected to reach 9.6 billion while the number of automobiles owned will exceed 2.4 billion. Accordingly, the amount of materials needed for tire production is expected to increase.

    At the same time, there is a push to decouple economic growth from environmental impacts, as indicated in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. NR used to produce tires grows primarily in Southeast Asia, where the depletion of tropical rainforests to accommodate the growing of NR and other cultivation has drawn considerable attention.

    Letter
    to the
    Editor

    Rubber News wants to hear from its readers. If you want to express your opinion on a story or issue, email your letter to Editor Bruce Meyer at [email protected].

    Most Popular
    1
    Danfoss Power Solutions, former Eaton Hydraulics see success a year after purchase
    2
    Trelleborg sails into 'known waters' with Minnesota Rubber, Plastics acquisition
    3
    Inventory, microchips impacting 2022 auto sales, EV rollouts
    4
    Former Sibur CEO: Sanctions stunt global SR industry
    5
    Hexpol Silicones nearly triples space with move to Akron facility
    SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    Get our newsletters

    Staying current is easy with Rubber News delivered straight to your inbox, free of charge.

    Subscribe Today

    Subscribe to Rubber News to get the best coverage and leading insights in the industry.

    SUBSCRIBE
    Connect with Us
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    MISSION

    To serve companies in the global rubber product industry by delivering news, industry insights, opinions and technical information.

    Contact Us

    2291 Riverfront Pkwy, Suite 1000
    Cuyahoga Falls,
    OH 44221

    Customer Service:
    877-320-1726

    Resources
    • About Us
    • Digital Edition
    • Staff
    • Advertise
    • Order Reprints
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    • Terms of Service
    • Careers
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Partner Sites
    • Tire Business
    • European Rubber Journal
    • Plastics News
    • Plastics News China
    • Urethanes Technology
    • Automotive News
    • Crain Brands
    Copyright © 1996-2022. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • News
      • Automotive
      • Tire
      • Non-Tire
      • Suppliers
      • ITEC
      • Silicone
      • Online Exclusive
      • Latex
      • Technical Notebooks
      • Executive Action
      • Government/Legal
      • Opinion
      • Rubber Division IEC
      • Blogs
        • Products
        • Wacky World of Rubber
      • Sustainability
    • War in Ukraine
    • Custom
      • Sponsored Content
      • White Papers
    • Resources
      • Directory
      • Classifieds & Mold Mart
    • Data
    • Events
      • RN Events
        • 2022 Hose & Belt Manufacturers Conference
        • 2022 International Silicone Conference
        • 2022 International Tire Exhibition & Conference (ITEC)
        • 2022 Women Breaking the Mold
      • RN Livestreams/Webinars
      • Industry Events
      • Past Events
      • Rubber News M&A Live
    • Advertise
    • DIGITAL EDITION