Automated Tire Unveils SmartBay Robotic System for Tire Changes and Balancing

Boston-based Automated Tire, Inc. has unveiled SmartBay, an AI-powered robotic platform designed for dealerships, tire shops and service centers. The system handles tire changes, wheel balancing and vehicle inspections with minimal human intervention.

SmartBay uses physical AI, computer vision and machine learning to perform tasks in real time rather than following fixed routines. The platform adapts to each vehicle it encounters. " He said it automates routine and physically demanding work traditionally done by service technicians.

" — Andy Chalofsky (Fox News) The system is the first patented technology that changes tires without removing the wheel from the vehicle. After the car is lifted, SmartBay dismounts the tire directly from the rim while the rim stays on the car. Once the new tire is mounted, the platform performs a process called Real Force Balance.

This balances the entire wheel-end assembly, including all rotating components in the wheel well, rather than balancing only the tire and wheel.

Tire shops have faced challenges finding technicians while electric vehicles require more frequent tire service because of faster wear rates. One technician can manage up to three SmartBay-equipped bays simultaneously. The system fits inside a standard 12-foot service bay without requiring major infrastructure changes.

Initial deployments target a 45-minute door-to-door process for changing and balancing four tires. That time could decrease to 30 minutes as the system learns. A single technician running two or three units in parallel can process roughly 24 tires per hour.

This compares with about four tires in 75 minutes under current manual methods.

SmartBay handles variations across vehicle models, including differences within the same model line. It also manages vehicles arriving covered in mud, snow, road salt, brake dust or rain. The platform relies on a self-learning AI layer that adapts in real time to hundreds of data points per vehicle.

Deployed systems connect through a network so one unit can share learning with others across locations. The technology reduces physical strain on workers by eliminating the need to lift heavy wheel assemblies on and off mounting machines. It includes sensors to operate safely around people in busy service bays.

Chalofsky said the system takes over repetitive tasks where robotics can work efficiently while allowing skilled mechanics to focus on diagnostic and mechanical work requiring human expertise. He added that shops may be able to increase pay for operators handling higher throughput.

Automated Tire expects the platform to help service centers manage higher volumes with more predictable scheduling. Most drivers will likely see only the outcome of faster and more consistent tire service.