Innovation

Creating and innovating to improve together

Partnerships to reduce the environmental footprint

For Brembo, innovation aims to ensure not only increasingly cutting-edge products able to anticipate and meet the new needs typical of the automotive industry, but also allows for increasing improvement in their environmental performance of its products, through:

► the design of products involving the use of low-impact materials and protections;
► the reduction of GHG emissions thanks to the use of lights alloys allowing to limit braking systems weight;
► the reduction of particulates during braking and harmful for human health, thanks to the use of technical materials and solutions;
► the development of smart products such as mechatronic components;
► the implementation of structured Life Cycle Assessments, both on process and material level.

In a perspective of open-innovation, and to improve the effectiveness of research in these areas, the Group encourages collaboration, through networks and shared work projects, with other players in the automotive sector: Research Centres and Universities both at Italian level (including the Milan Polytechnic, the University of Padua, the University of Trento, the Mario Negri Pharmacological Research Institute) and at international level (where Brembo collaborates with the Lund University and continues to partner with the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm).

Brembo subscribes to various coordinating organisations that promote industrial research in the automobile field, including AIRI (Italian Association for Industrial Research), ATA (Technical Automobile Association), Automotive SPIN Italia, CAAR (Automotive Cluster of Aragon Region), CLEPA (European Association of Automotive Suppliers) and the Lombardy Mobility Cluster.

In 2022, Brembo took part in 6 European projects, two of which fall within the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) financing:

nPETS: (nano Particle Emissions from the Transport Sector): this project, which is expected to end in June 2024, 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 project nPETS aims to study the life of the sub 100nm emissions from their creation to their potential effects on 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 finally how new public policies can reduce emissions and related impacts.

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

MODALES (MOdify Drivers’ behaviour to Adapt for Lower EmissionS): this project, which ended in August 2022, 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 important projects such as 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 them.

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

EVC1000: launched in January 2019 and completed in January 2022, 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/

LIFE RE-BREATH: launched in August 2022, this project will continue until August 2025, as part of the control and technical countermeasures for particulate emissions (PM) of public transport vehicles. In recent years, there has been a greater awareness of pollutant emissions from braking systems and specific countermeasures are currently being developed for cars, but not an equal attention was given to the public transport area. In this scenario, the RE-BREATH project has 4 objectives:

1. to demonstrate and measure the reduction of PM10 emissions, related to the braking system of buses, at stops;
2. to support national authorities in the estimation of non-exhaust emissions to be calculated in the EMEP/EEA emission inventory, according to Directive (EU) 2016/2284;
3. to demonstrate the decrease in the brake wear rate, and the consequent increase in the life of the braking system compared to the traditional system;
4. to model a concentration map for pollutants emitted by brake wear and a map of the exposure risk to pedestrian health, in order to support the design of a "green intervention" along bus routes in Bergamo and the formulation of Guidelines for local administrations.

In practice, two fleets of 10 buses each will be implemented in two European cities, Bergamo and Bratislava, located in regions where the EEA has declared the highest concentrations of PM (2.5 and 10).

For further information: https://www.brembo.com/en/company/news/re-breath

VERA: project aimed at developing and optimising innovative tailpipe retrofit solutions for particle (sub-23nm) and NOx emissions from petrol and natural gas road vehicles that travel high mileages within the city, such as taxis, delivery vans, buses. NH3 emissions will also be studied, but taking into account the particular considerations that this type of pollutant requires. The system’s adaptability will be assured by a central development methodology for all retrofit systems, which will allow quick and accurate optimisation according to the requirements of each application, while the cost will be minimised thanks to innovative coatings and compact packaging. The impacts on the environment and health will be analysed, while the possible incentive and regulatory schemes for retrofitting will be considered in the cost-benefit analysis scenarios.

WATCHMAN: project aimed at developing a hub of skills and experimentation in the field of Artificial Intelligence applications and artificial vision techniques for the industry and thus overseeing all production processes using the data collected in the field to improve productivity and product quality. In fact, the main objective of the project is the development of new solutions and models for data collection and analysis to support decisions to be taken in real time. To achieve this goal, a new methodology with a modular approach will be created for the design of highly reconfigurable artificial vision systems, through the introduction of the latest technological innovations in the field of vision systems, artificial intelligence, data management and collaborative robotics. The results of this research will be tested in an industrial environment, so that modern neural networks can be effectively trained for the localisation, segmentation and classification of defects to be detected. In addition, ergonomic issues in the use of collaborative robots to create human-robot interactions in the shared factory workspace will be explored.

The results of innovation

The automotive market has embarked on one of the most important revolutions in its history, which could radically alter the concept of the car and its use. This is a profound transition towards new electric drive systems, autonomous driving and integration of different vehicle systems, where the car is more and more able to carry out independent actions and provide assistance to the driver in real time. In particular, over the next few years we will witness a sharp increase in cars fitted with hybrid and electric motors in response to the new European regulations.

This is a revolution for which Brembo has been preparing for almost twenty years, due to an ever greater focus and investment spending on electric braking system and mechatronic product research and development, through the development of competences applied to systems such as Electric Parking Brake and SENSIFY™.

In all sectors of operation, each product is developed in accordance with the Group's vision and the following three guidelines: “low emission”, “high performance” and “best driving experience”.

The SENSIFY™ braking system for cars, which integrates the most advanced software based on artificial intelligence with the Company's braking components, was officially presented in the United States with a test drive in South Carolina.

Journalists and influencers were given the chance to drive the car on the test track and experience SENSIFY™ technology. Reactions and feedback have been extremely positive and many have said they would like the system in today's cars, reports Stéphane Rolland, President & CEO of BNA.

Fully in line with the company's "Turning Energy into Inspiration" vision, SENSIFY™ enhances the on-road experience and customises the brakes’ response to the driving style. In fact, the new product combines the design of the best braking components with the integration of a digital control system and sensors that manage each wheel independently.

Brembo introduced its new GREENANCEbrake pads, which will gradually replace the entire range of Brembo Aftermarket pads.

With a wide variety of compounds, from sintered to carbon-ceramic, and a big selection of part numbers, the new brake pads satisfy the specific needs presented by motorbikes of every kind: road, off-road and scooter. Brembo GREENANCE pad compounds are developed without copper and nickel and, for ceramic compounds, without antimony and asbestos. By eliminating the use of methane gas in the production process, a savings of about 176 tons per year of CO2 equivalent will be achieved once fully operational.

Deriving its name by merging the words ‘GREEN’ and ‘PERFORMANCE’, the Brembo GREENANCE pads (deriving the name by merging the words ‘GREEN’ and ‘PERFORMANCE’) , define a Brembo’s product line able to combine utmost braking and sustainability performance, anticipating future standards in terms of emissions. Brembo GREENANCE pads exhibit better resistance to heat and 15% less wear than equivalent products on the market.

On the occasion of EICMA 2022, Brembo introduced the new 19RCS CORSA CORTA RR – Race Replica, a further evolution of the radial master cylinder concept for motorbikes. The design of the new radial master cylinder has been modified to make it lighter and even more similar to the racing versions.

The new Brembo product also features the RCS (Ratio Click System) system which lets the rider select a fulcrum-to-piston distance, ensuring a change in the distribution of the braking force without altering it in terms of pure power. The adjustment system allows the rider to achieve complete feeling with their motorbike and adapt braking performance to the riding style, the motorbike, the weather and road conditions.

Brembo also presented the latest evolution in the Brembo GP4 family: the renewed GP4-MS caliper, which perfectly suits the needs of today’s motorbikes and the most demanding track enthusiasts. The GP4-MS is a brake caliper born from the racetrack for the road.

The new version combines machining from solid billet aluminium with the monobloc technology. It allows the use of materials with better mechanical characteristics and greater resistance even in extreme operation, without compromising on durability.

Designed to be highly performing, the new caliper stands out for its attractive style, with the nickel surface finishing giving it a brighter and smoother look.

Brembo introduced ENESYS - ENERGY SAVING SYSTEM® for the Aftermarket segment as well. Designed to further enhance the sustainability characteristics of a vehicle’s braking system, by reducing wear on discs and pads, the new solution provides excellent results in terms of the reduction of CO2 emissions and fuel consumption.

ENESYS - ENERGY SAVING SYSTEM® is based on a patented spring design that guarantees a much faster return of the brake pads to their initial position once the brake pedal is released. This avoids undesired and unnecessary friction between the pads and the brake discs. Without compromising the high performance standards, this technology results in a cut in CO2 emissions and energy waste thanks to a reduced wear on discs and pads.

Brembo presented the Greenance Kit Concept, a new range of combined special alloy discs and brake pads able to combine top braking performance with a lower environmental impact, while also increasing car brake disc life.

Guaranteeing the highest technical and quality standards, it ensures a much lower environmental impact with a significant reduction in emissions, with about 80% less emissions of atmospheric particulate.

The Greenance Kit Concept guarantees extended mileage and a reduction in terms of the total cost of ownership of vehicles. It ensures better durability of the brake discs, triplicating their expected lifetime compared to an equivalent aftermarket product.