Bridgestone, JSR developing gloves for para-athletes

Tokyo – Bridgestone Corp. is working with synthetic rubber manufacturer JSR Corp. to develop gloves for wheelchair athletes, according a recent announcement by JSR.

The two companies are collaborating under a ‘sport and health innovation consortium’ started to developing gloves for para-athletes in 2015.

As one of their activities, consortium participants are working on 3D technology and materials-development for such sportswear.

“Gloves for wheelchair competitions are time consuming to produce because each of the athletes handmade,” explained JSR in a 21 Nov statement.

With the use of 3D data and printing the hands, the process to reproduce the glove fitted to the body will be easier and shorter.

According to a JSR statement, Bridgestone started cooperation with the consortium in November.

The aim is to complement JSR's 3D printing and materials technology with Bridgestone's material technology to develop the gloves.