AI robot swaps and balances your tires without taking the wheels off

Automated Tire, Inc., a Boston startup, unveiled SmartBay, an AI-driven robotic system that changes tires and balances wheels without removing them from the vehicle. Using computer vision and a self-learning “physical AI” layer, the platform adapts to different models and conditions, promises faster turnaround, and claims to balance the entire wheel-end assembly for a smoother ride. The company pitches SmartBay as a solution to technician shortages and rising EV tire wear, saying one operator can supervise up to three bays and process roughly 24 tires an hour. ATI targets a 45-minute door-to-door change for four tires, with potential to reach 30 minutes as the system learns. The approach could shift shop labor toward oversight and higher-value diagnostics, while raising questions about upfront costs, maintenance, and real-world reliability in high-volume service environments.

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