Innovation

Creating and innovating to improve together

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Partnerships to improve the environmental impact of products​


The transport sector has to tackle the challenges posed by climate change and air pollution. Through its Research and Development activity, Brembo monitors the continuous evolution of the sector, directing research into the best braking system toward solutions able to meet the challenges of the future such as electrification, autonomous driving and digitalisation

Aware of the environmental impacts generated by the production processes typical of the automotive market, Brembo is committed to strengthening the development of innovative and carbon neutral products, convinced that purchasing decisions will be increasingly driven by environmental impact, but especially by the will to consolidate the change to sustainable mobility and reduce the environmental impact of the Group’s entire value chain. 


Innovation, for Brembo, aims to ensure not only increasingly cutting-edge products able to anticipate and meet the new needs typical of the automotive industry, but also products that allow the environmental impact to be improved, through: 

• the design of products involving the use of low-impact materials and protections

• the reduction of GHG emissions thanks to the use of light alloys allowing to limit braking systems weight; 

• the reduction of particulates during braking, harmful for human health thanks to the use of technical materials and solutions; 

• the development of smart products such as mechatronic components; 

• the implementation and the development of structured Life Cycle Assessments, both on process and material level. 


In a perspective of open-innovation, the Group encourages collaboration, through networks and joint work projects, with other players in the automotive sector: Research Centres Universities both at Italian level and at international level. 

In keeping with the previous year, in 2021 Brembo took part in the following joint research projects:



nPETS: the project with the acronym nPETS - nano Particle Emissions from the Transport Sector - has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Programme in order to understand and mitigate the effects of emerging emissions of unregulated nanoparticles on public health. The story that nPETS aims to communicate is the life of the sub 100 nm emissions from its creation to its potential path to human beings and animals. The nPETS consortium aims to improve the knowledge of transport generated exhaust and non-exhaust nanoparticle emissions and their impacts on health and and finally how new public policies can reduce emissions and related impacts. 


For further information: https://www.npets-project.eu/​


 

SSM-STEEDER: SSM-STEEDER is the innovative apparatus that finally allows the market adoption of Aluminium and Magnesium up to 100% from recycle to manufacture high quality light components for a sustainable EU transport sector. The project involves the high-tech SME InnSight aiming at commercialising the innovations, with the SME Veltman and BREMBO. 


For further information: https://www.ssm-steeder.com/​​​


 

MODALES (MOdify Drivers’ behaviour to Adapt for Lower EmissionS): this project is the clearest expression of Brembo’s commitment over the past eight years in the field of non-exhaust particulate emissions produced by brake systems through European Union projects of the calibre of Rebrake, COBRA and LOWBRASYS. This project, in which Brembo takes part as a developing partner, involves analysing driver behaviour, not only as a consequence of the particulates emitted by brake use, but also with regard to tyres, exhaust systems and problems relating to maintenance and tampering. Once the behaviour that has a negative influence on overall emissions levels has been identified, a strategy will be developed to guide drivers’ behaviour to be more respectful of the environment around him. 


For further information http://modales-project.eu/​


 

ENSEMBLE: the main goal of this project is to support the adoption of a multi-brand truck platooning in Europe, by working on standardisation, universal communication projects and international legislation. Improved traffic security, productivity, fuel savings and, overall, a direct positive impact on total emissions represent the immediate benefits connected with the implementation of this initiative. These benefits will be demonstrated by guiding up to six trucks of different brands in one or more platoons in real traffic conditions across national borders during the final event. 


For further information: https://platooningensemble.eu/​


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EVC1000: the EVC1000 project seeks to further increase user awareness and acceptance of electric vehicles (EVs) by developing components and systems independent of the brand using an integrated in-wheel propulsion architecture and proposing an approach to managing EVs implemented on second-generation electric vehicles. The goal of EVC1000 is to exceed the ERTRAC efficiency targets for EV2030+, demonstrating a range of 1,000 km with a maximum of 60-90 minutes of additional travel time thanks to faster recharging, while also reducing costs by at least 20%. This would also make it possible to achieve greater convenience and comfort in long-distance trips. Brembo will contribute to achieving these goals by developing and supplying a Brake By Wire system that will include brake mixing strategies and other advanced features developed with the consortium to optimise regeneration and residual resistance, thereby increasing the vehicle’s overall efficiency and range by 10% in real working conditions. 


For further information: http://www.evc1000.eu/en/​


 

INPROVES: a project to develop and validate high performance electric motors to be used in the next generation of braking and electric propulsion systems for electric vehicles. The project meets the sustainability goals of the Group that has decided to invest in the production of electric motors with a potential significant impact on the environment, thanks to the reduction in fossil fuel consumption. The project, completed in 2021, achieved the result of having installed in Brembo plants a complete production line for the assembly of electric motors for the first time in Brembo's history.


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The results of innovation​


 


 


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