Important Innovations Collection

Airless Tires Source:  Bridgestone World First from Bridgestone It's been a long time coming but Bridgestone has created airless tires.  They're going to debut them on a fleet of bikes at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.  The airless tires are a world first and took years to develop.  Among the hurdles that Bridgestone had to overcome for the tires:  distributing the vehicle weight on the tires evenly, consistently transmitting loads and finding a means to prevent debris from trapping inside the tires. Recycled Materials The tires are made of recycled, high strength thermoplastic resin spokes. The non-pneumatic, airless tires won't puncture, won't go flat and don't need refills.  You also don't need spare tires.  Bridgestone also says it reduces CO2 emissions from vehicles. Keep on Trucking The company is developing airless tires for the passenger vehicle market and they say that's sparking a great deal of interest.  Initially, they plan on ...

Teaming with AI Startup to Accelerate R&D Source:  Toyota Robot Home Support Robots Toyota has big plans for service robots for your home.  To accelerate R&D, Toyota is joining forces on research with Tokyo based Preferred Networks, which specializes in AI.  Japan's largest automaker wants the robots to be capable of learning "in a typical living environment". Robots in Homes and Hospitals Toyota and Preferred Networks have been collaborating on driverless vehicles since 2014.  In the dramatically changing automotive environment, Toyota has been pushing forward with new technologies such as electric and autonomous cars.  The company views robots as a big part of the future.  Not only does Toyota want to put robots in your home but also in hospitals. Home Support Robots The arrangement with Preferred Networks is a three year deal that includes sharing of intellectual property.  The focus is on Toyota's most promising robotic syste...