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RoboTire: The New Technology Revolutionizing Tire-Changing
The Michigan-based company, RoboTire, has introduced a new machine that has revolutionized the process of tire-changing. The machine uses two six-axis arms equipped with AI and cameras that can scan the wheel of a car, noting the location and bolt pattern. The arms possess the capability to do heavy lifting, similar to the ones used on assembly lines by automakers.
The AI-powered machine has the ability to change a set of four wheels in just 23 minutes, which is twice as fast as a human under standard operating conditions. Although not as fast as what you might expect at a Formula 1 pit-stop, it is still an impressive feat for the RoboTire.
RoboTire’s System of Operations
The arm’s in-built torque wrench will unbolt each lug nut individually, and the arm will then remove the wheel, replacing it with either a new wheel or freshly changed tire. Currently, human supervision is necessary for the process, and a technician is still required to take the dismounted wheel to a tire-changing machine. However, the information gathered by the cameras is automatically relayed to the tire-changing machine, saving time on the information-gathering process.
The machine is constantly learning and can easily figure out different sizes of wheels and bolt patterns. Even if the wheels are covered in mud or snow, the machine can still work, provided the edge of the lug nuts is visible. Four stores with RoboTire machines are currently in operation, and they are connected, which allows the robots to get faster as they “train” on different wheels and sizes.
The Future of RoboTire
Although the advantages of the machine are visible, such as lifting a heavy wheel off and on a car, the eventual goal for the RoboTire system is a fully-autonomous solution. The company downplays the risk of impacting jobs on its website, suggesting that the system will make work safer for technicians. However, it remains to be seen what the future has in store for the world of tire-changing.
Pricing for the machine has not been made public yet, but RoboTire expects most operators to see payback within a year, taking into account increased productivity and reduced labor costs. Its owner, Rich Shainline, claims that their RoboTire robot has helped the company address the ongoing labor shortage.
Conclusion
RoboTire has introduced a brand-new technology that has revolutionized the world of tire-changing. Though it may seem like a threat to jobs, the company downplays the risk, suggesting that the system will make work safer for technicians. Its unique features, such as AI and learning capacity, make it an impressive addition to the world of tire-changing. The goal for RoboTire system is a fully-autonomous solution that can work without human supervision.
FAQ
Q. Is RoboTire autonomous?
A. Although the company’s eventual goal is to make the system fully autonomous, for now, human supervision is necessary in the tire-changing process.
Q. How long can RoboTire change a set of four wheels?
A. RoboTire takes about 23 minutes to change a set of four wheels.
Q. Does RoboTire save time in the tire-changing process?
A. Yes, the information gathered by the cameras is automatically relayed to the tire-changing machine, saving time on the information-gathering process.
Q. How many RoboTire machines are currently in operation?
A. There are four stores with RoboTire machines currently in operation, and they share information to increase efficiency.
Q. Can RoboTire work on wheels covered in mud or snow?
A. Yes, RoboTire can work perfectly on wheels covered in mud or snow, provided that the edge of the lug nuts is visible.
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