TOKYO—Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. (YRC) has begun field-testing a remote tire pressure monitoring system it's developing in partnership with Japanese electronics components company Alps Alpine Co. Ltd.
The practical tests are designed to confirm the durability of the sensors attached to the tires' inner surface and the ability of a newly developed system—Tire air Pressure Remote access System, or TPRS—to monitor tire pressure remotely using the in-vehicle device.
In addition, Yokohama Rubber has begun working with Zenrin Co. Ltd., a leading Japanese map publisher, to establish a value-added tire-related business that provides tire pressure information and GPS location data along with Zenrin's extensive map information.
Yokohama Rubber said its development of TPRS is a response to changes in the automobile industry, such as CASE (Connected, Autonomous, Shared & Electric) and MaaS (Mobility as a Service).
The testing under way aims to determine the system's merits for vehicle maintenance staff, including labor-saving effects during tire maintenance, more precise tire management and more efficient tire maintenance planning, YRC said.
The test will also consider the system's benefits for vehicle owners, such as its contribution to safe vehicle operation and improved fuel efficiency. Using TPRS, Yokohama Rubber said it aims to establish a business model that contributes to driver safety and enhances the economic efficiency of vehicle operation.
TPRS enables real-time remote monitoring of tire pressure, temperature and vehicle location.
YRC has been working with Alps Alpine since 2019 on researching tire sensors for passenger vehicles.