RoboTire plans to automate tire replacement
RoboTire first appeared in the media in February 2020, shortly before most of the world came to a standstill due to the coronavirus pandemic. For the Detroit-based startup, founded by former Spark Robotics CEO Victor Darolfi, everything was still at an early stage at that time. Today, the startup promises to revolutionize the tire industry.
The company has clearly shown good strategic interest over the past year and a half, as more and more industries seek to take advantage of automation. In October 2021, RoboTire announced it had raised $7.5 million in funding, mainly from Reinalt-Thomas Corporation, the parent company of the major tire retail brands Discount Tire and America's Tire.
At Reinalt-Thomas Corporation, they wondered why robots are used to install tires in factories but not deployed in the service sector. Automotive Ventures, Detroit Venture Partners and 640 Oxford Ventures also joined the investment. RoboTire says the funding will go toward expanding its operations in Detroit.
“This is a turning point for RoboTire, which points the way toward further transformation of vehicle maintenance. Our goal is to revolutionize how tires are replaced, and partnering with Discount Tire, a legendary leader in the automotive and tire industry, will make our innovative technology more accessible to consumers who need both speed and service in their daily lives. We are immensely proud of this support from our investors and know that this is only the first turn on the long road to our company's success”
According to the startup's estimates, the underlying technology can replace a set of tires in less than 15 minutes. Apparently, Discount Tire will be one of the first companies to adopt the automated technology.
“Discount Tire is pleased to support RoboTire in developing new and innovative technologies that improve customer service. As customer expectations for the ability to "buy and book online" and for our ability to reduce wait times continue to grow, we will keep pursuing automation and improvements that deliver an attractive, simple and safe experience for all our customers”
RoboTire's patented system uses robots to replace tires in a fraction of the time it takes human operators, cutting work that can take hours down to 15 minutes. Bringing this production-grade automation into traditional auto shops changes the classic financial and operational considerations that fleet operators and automotive service providers use for tire and wheel service.
RoboTire was founded in 2018 and holds numerous patents for its automotive systems.
“We see RoboTire as a transformative force, not only for the tire industry but also for developing smarter automotive technologies and providing future talent for skilled technicians, whom our industry must do a better job of recruiting, training and retaining. We are excited to expand our operations and team in Detroit and Michigan, the heart of American automotive engineering, with the support of our new partners”
The company says: "For fleets and automotive repair service providers, RoboTire has significantly simplified vehicle maintenance. We use advanced robotics and artificial intelligence technologies to automate the tire replacement process, freeing mechanics, technicians and engineers to focus on additional technical services and repairs."
Advantages of the next-generation tire replacement system:
- Efficiency. More work can be done with fewer employees in less time. RoboTire means higher efficiency. Regardless of headcount, as employees come and go, the system turns one of the simplest yet most labor-intensive jobs in the industry into an automated process.
- Smart technology. RoboTire provides perfect tools for the job, helping complete tasks faster and more safely. For any automotive business that includes tire replacement in its services, the system will save time and money. The company refined the technology over years of practical research involving automotive technicians and robotics experts. RoboTire uses sophisticated artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to intelligently adapt to the requirements of each vehicle on the road, ensuring smooth and fast tire replacement with minimal human intervention.
- Safety. Almost any auto shop is noisy and crowded. RoboTire is specifically designed to fully meet the dynamic requirements of the automotive industry. The company's smart technology operates safely and efficiently in the background. Thanks to intelligent sensors, robots can safely work alongside people in close proximity. RoboTire understands human movements and adapts to every environment in which it operates.
