This Robot Changes Tires Faster Than Mechanics Without Removing the Wheel
A robotics startup based in Boston, Automated Tire, has unveiled an artificial intelligence-powered tire-changing system capable of replacing tires faster than traditional mechanics without removing the wheel from the vehicle.
The company introduced the technology, called SmartBay, this week, describing it as a next-generation automated service platform designed to handle tire replacement, wheel balancing and vehicle inspection with minimal human involvement.
According to Automated Tire, the robotic system uses computer vision and machine learning to adapt to different vehicle types instead of relying on fixed factory-style routines.
Chief Executive Officer Andy Chalofsky said SmartBay was created to modernise vehicle servicing and reduce dependence on manual labour in automotive workshops.
One of the system’s standout features is its ability to replace tires while the wheel remains attached to the vehicle. In a demonstration video released by the company, the robot lifts the car similarly to a conventional service bay but removes and installs the tire directly from the rim without detaching the wheel.
After fitting the new tire, the system automatically balances the wheel using what the company calls “Real Force Balance” technology. Chalofsky claimed the technology balances the entire wheel-end assembly for greater accuracy.
Automated Tire said the platform could significantly reduce service time and labour costs in workshops and dealerships.
The company stated that a traditional tire replacement service carried out by human technicians typically takes around 75 minutes, while SmartBay can complete the same process in about 30 minutes.
It also claimed that a single technician supervising SmartBay could handle up to 24 tires per hour, compared to four tires in over an hour using conventional methods.
Chalofsky criticised traditional tire servicing methods as outdated, saying the new system offers a more efficient and cleaner alternative for modern automotive workshops.
Automated Tire plans to lease SmartBay to dealerships, tire shops and service centres for about $4,900 monthly, arguing that the cost is lower than employing multiple skilled technicians.
