Robot Changes Tires in 30 Minutes, Eases Worker Shortage

Changing tires is about to get faster, safer, and a whole lot less backbreaking.

Automated Tire Inc. just unveiled SmartBay, a robotic platform that automates tire changes and cuts service time in half. The system uses computer vision and robotics to change tires while the wheels stay attached to the vehicle, eliminating the most labor-intensive part of the job.

The company emerged from stealth mode in Woburn, Massachusetts with a clear mission. CEO Andy Chalofsky, whose family has been in the tire business for four generations, saw an industry stuck in the past while the vehicles it services became increasingly high-tech.

The timing couldn't be better. The National Automotive Dealers Association reports the industry needs at least 37,000 new technicians every year as experienced workers retire and fewer young people join the field. Shop owners face constant understaffing, expensive retraining, and frustrated customers waiting hours for service.

SmartBay tackles this problem head-on. One technician can now manage three bays simultaneously, replacing 24 tires in the time it used to take to replace four. The system works on two tires at once, approaching from underneath while operators handle tire removal and positioning.

The platform also addresses safety concerns. Tire technician jobs are injury-prone and physically demanding, making them hard to fill. By automating the heavy lifting and repetitive motions, SmartBay transforms dangerous manual work into a high-tech process.

Electric vehicles add urgency to the solution. EVs wear through tires up to 30 percent faster than traditional cars, creating more service opportunities but also more demand for an already scarce workforce.

The Ripple Effect

SmartBay does more than just change tires faster. The system continuously collects data throughout the service process, generating real-time insights and customer reports through its BrakeWise feature. This means better brake inspections, more consistent service quality, and detailed records that help customers understand their vehicle's condition.

The platform fits into existing service bay spaces, so shops don't need expensive renovations to adopt the technology. Chalofsky designed this first generation to be semi-automated and practical, with plans for full automation in future versions once the system proves itself in real-world conditions.

Unlike a similar startup that failed in 2022, Automated Tire built SmartBay from industry expertise rather than developing technology first and finding uses later. The measurable return on investment and practical design give shop owners a tool that solves immediate problems while leaving room to grow.

Modern cars deserve modern service bays, and now they're finally getting them.