Sumitomo Rubber Industries has announced that its proprietary sensing technology, Sensing Core, has been adopted for the first time by a Japanese auto maker.
Isuzu Motors has selected the technology, which is designed to detect the condition of tires, vehicles and road surfaces, for its new Giga heavy-duty truck, with Sensing Core’s wheel detachment prediction detection system coming as standard in the October 2025 updated version of the vehicle.
Sensing Core technology
Sensing Core is a software technology that analyzes wheel speed data generated by tire rotation, together with CAN data (vehicle control information) transmitted through the vehicle’s control system, to detect various tire and road conditions, including tire pressure, tire wear, tire load and signs of potential wheel detachment.
The Wheel Detachment Prediction Detection System installed in the latest Giga model is designed to detect the loosening of wheel nuts while the vehicle is in motion; if an abnormality is detected, the system alerts the driver through a warning message and a buzzer. This enables wheel nut loosening to be detected even while driving, complementing conventional inspections and driver experience, and is expected to play a significant role in preventing wheel separation accidents.
Takeshi Asakura, executive officer and general manager of automotive system division at Sumitomo Rubber Industries, said, “We are delighted that Sensing Core has been adopted in Isuzu Motors‘ new Giga heavy-duty truck, contributing to enhanced vehicle safety. Moving forward, we will continue to expand its use to more models, delivering on Sumitomo Rubber’s philosophy of creating ‘a future of joy and well-being for all’ and supporting the advancement of mobility society.”
Wheel detachment prediction detection system
According to the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, there were 120-wheel separation accidents involving heavy-duty vehicles in 2024, many of which occurred after vehicles were fitted with winter tires.
The Japan Automobile Tyre Manufacturers Association (JATMA) has been strongly encouraging that basic measures should be taken during vehicle maintenance, such as proper inspections and retightening of wheel nuts, in order to prevent wheel separation accidents. Meanwhile, as it can be difficult for drivers to notice loosening of wheel nuts while driving, technology capable of detecting early warning signs has been a key development target for the industry.
The March 2024 edition of TTI carries a feature on SRI’s Sensing Core technology and explores how a new development partnership will enable its deployment beyond TPMS
In related news, Sumitomo Sensing Core provides real-time tire intelligence in Falken Porsche NLS tests
