UK-based sensor technology company Transense Technologies has signed a joint collaboration agreement with the tyre manufacturer. As a result, Bridgestone will offer iTrack exclusively as a mining tyre-monitoring system for tyres 57in (145cm) and above.

Earlier this year, Transense announced that it had received an order from a new customer for 50 iTrack II units for installation in mines in North America; the customer was a subsidiary of Bridgestone.

Now the two companies have entered into an 18-month agreement, with the option to extend, to boost adoption of the iTrack II system and its future generations.

Moreover, Bridgestone will be providing financial support through an interest-free loan of US$750,000 to enable the Transense's Translogik division to support the growth that is anticipated from this relationship.

Transense, in turn, will not contract with any other tyre manufacturer for the provision of the iTrack system (for tyres 57in and above) for the term of the agreement.