Robot Mechanic Automates the Tire Changing Experience

A robot that can change four tires in less time than a human technician is coming to commercialization.

RoboTire, a Detroit-based robotics and automation company, installed its robotic tire-changing system at a Detroit Garage this month, in what the company said is its first retail deployment.

The system uses AI and machine vision to identify and navigate around the wheels of a car, guiding robot arms to change its tires. The system also identifies the type and size of the tire to select the correct replacement by having a library of tire makes and models pre-loaded into its system.

A human worker is still needed to facilitate the process, but the company is working to make it an entirely autonomous system. 

RoboTire said its system is “designed to be a platform for automotive maintenance,” and the company has plans for additional platform features.

"Our cutting-edge technology has earned recognition within the automotive and robotics industries," said Victor Darolfi, RoboTire’s CEO. "We're excited to bring Detroit drivers a new way to get their tires changed."

RoboTire's system launch in Michigan follows its operational expansion in Arizona, Pennsylvania and Texas, with additional launches in the U.S. and Canada expected in the coming weeks.