The robot started changing tires in Canada

San Francisco-based startup PitPro Automation has announced that its robotic system has begun performing tire replacements at a Kal Tire service center in Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

According to PitPro founder and CEO Jeremy Conrad, tire changing is a "grueling" job, and tire service shops face a serious shortage of workers, who often quit after just a few months. The new system is designed to be easily installed in a standard service bay.

The system uses two robots, each about the size of an oven, equipped with sensors and robotic arms. In the first step, sensors identify the position of all wheels on the vehicle, after which the robotic arms remove the lug nuts, replace the wheel, and the process is repeated for all four wheels. The company claims that a full set of tires can be changed in under 15 minutes.

Conrad notes that PitPro plans to eventually automate other vehicle maintenance processes, and that the tire industry offers "significant opportunities" for such technologies. The robotic tire changers are primarily intended for large automotive service chains rather than small independent shops, as larger networks typically have standardized layouts. Additionally, mechanics can use bays equipped with the robotic system for other types of work, which should increase its appeal to potential customers.

The PitPro CEO also mentioned that deploying the technology in real-world conditions presents certain challenges. Service centers typically operate with open bays, exposing the robots to dust, debris, and weather, which had to be accounted for to ensure reliable sensor performance. "We've studied this issue, and it won't be a problem. Although... I never thought we'd have to deal with entire clouds of dandelion seeds," he said.

Photo: PitPro Automation