Automated Tire Unveils SmartBay Robot, Targeting 45-Minute 4-Tire Service

5 articles · Updated · Fox News · May 12

Boston-based Automated Tire said its new SmartBay platform can change, balance and inspect tires with minimal human oversight, aiming to complete a four-tire visit in 45 minutes and eventually 30.
The patented system keeps the wheel on the vehicle while using AI, computer vision and machine learning to adapt in real time to different models, wheel setups and dirty shop conditions.
ATI says one technician can oversee up to three SmartBay bays, lifting throughput to about 24 tires an hour versus roughly four tires in 75 minutes today while reducing heavy lifting and strain injuries.
The company is pitching SmartBay to dealerships, tire shops and fleets facing technician shortages and rising demand from EVs, whose extra weight and instant torque can wear tires out faster.
ATI argues the technology will augment rather than replace workers by shifting them from repetitive tire handling toward oversight, diagnostics and other higher-skill repair work.

With robots now changing tires on the car, can the auto industry finally solve its chronic technician shortage?

Will AI tire-changing robots help small garages thrive, or will they only benefit the big dealership chains?

When a robot can fix your car, who is liable if its AI makes a critical mistake on the road?