Bridgestone has been a staple of technology events for the past few years including motor shows globally but now the company will come to CES in 2023, bringing its renewable natural rubber and tire recycling technology and digitally connected tires.
As part of the company’s commitment to increase the use of recycled and renewable materials to 40% of its resources by 2030 and a goal of 100% sustainable materials in tires by 2050, Bridgestone will highlight its guayule-based natural rubber tires.
Guayule produces natural rubber with properties equal to that derived from hevea. It is a desert shrub native to arid regions in the U.S. and Mexico and requires 40% less water than crops such as alfalfa and cotton. Bridgestone has invested more than $100 million in the development and commercialization of guayule-derived natural rubber, operating a 281-acre research farm, bio-processing pilot plant and partnerships with local farmers.
The long-term aim is to plant more than 25,000 acres of guayule before the end of the decade.
Tires in the cloud
Bridgestone’s Smart Corner vehicle technology is designed to enhance the performance, comfort and efficiency of electric and autonomous vehicles.
The technology combines Bridgestone’s tires and Airide air springs with embedded, cloud-connected sensors in both for real-time and predictive insights. This will help the tires and springs to be not just more efficient and productive but to deliver higher levels of safety.
Enlitenment
Bridgestone’s Enliten electric vehicle (EV) concept tire is constructed of new materials that are renewable and energy efficient and reduce rolling resistance to help with battery range in EVs.
The Enliten concept tires along with the Smart Corner technology will adapt to loads and enable active suspension systems to isolate noise, vibration and harshness, Bridgestone said. Both technology offerings also feature integrated sensors to collect air pressure, temperature and accelerometer data that will inform vehicle systems with real-time estimations of:
- Corner loading
- Road surface conditions
- Performance capabilities of the tire and spring
The technology will give digital awareness and action to maximize safety in EVs and autonomous vehicles.
CES 2023 takes place January 5-8 in Las Vegas.
