Key facts
- PitPro Automation's robotic tire-changing system has been deployed for the first time at a Kal Tire location in Calgary, Alberta.
- The system is designed to swap a set of four tires in under 15 minutes.
- PitPro founder and CEO Jeremy Conrad highlighted the labor shortage and physically demanding nature of tire changing as key motivators for the technology.
- The robots use sensors and robotic arms to locate and loosen lug nuts, remove wheels, and replace tires.
- The company is also targeting commercial fleets for robot deployment.
PitPro Automation, a San Francisco-based startup, has launched its first automated tire-changing robot system at a Kal Tire location in Calgary, Alberta. The system, first revealed last year, is designed to replace a full set of four tires in under 15 minutes. This deployment marks a significant step for the company as it seeks to address labor shortages and the physically demanding nature of tire service work.
Founder and CEO Jeremy Conrad stated that tire shops face challenges in finding and retaining staff, with employees often leaving for other opportunities. PitPro's robots are engineered to integrate into existing maintenance bays, utilizing sensors and robotic arms to handle lug nuts and swap tires. While the company continues to focus on commercial fleets, Conrad sees significant potential in retail tire chains, particularly in regions like Canada where seasonal tire changes are common.
Conrad also noted the challenges of deploying robots in environments like tire shops, which often have open bay doors exposing the machinery to dust, debris, and weather. PitPro has engineered its system to withstand these conditions and maintain sensor accuracy. An unexpected challenge encountered during the Calgary installation involved an abundance of dandelion seeds, which Conrad humorously noted the system could handle.