A U.S. startup has developed a robot that can change car tires, aiming to improve efficiency in auto repair shops. The company, PitPro Automation, has created a system that can remove and replace all four tires on a vehicle, balance them, and adjust the alignment in just 15 minutes. This is significantly faster than a human mechanic, who typically takes three to four times longer to complete the same task. A video on PitPro’s website shows the robot in action at a professional garage, where it uses two large yellow robotic arms to unscrew tire nuts, remove the tires, and replace them with new ones. The system is designed to operate on a car placed on a lift, and it repeats the process for all four tires. The PitPro system is designed to work in environments where garage doors are often open, which can bring in dust and debris. To ensure the robot functions properly, the startup had to make sure its sensors are not affected by external particles, which could disrupt the precision of the machine. The company’s founder highlighted that tire-changing is a physically demanding task that can lead to injuries for mechanics. He cited an example where a garage had to raise employee salaries to retain staff, as nearby fast-food restaurants offered less physically taxing jobs with similar pay. Another challenge for repair shops is staffing shortages during peak times, such as winter months in Canada, when many drivers switch to winter tires. Automating the tire-changing process could help garages handle more customers during these busy periods. The system has recently been installed in a Calgary-based garage that is part of a larger chain. The chain emphasized that automation is not intended to replace mechanics but to free them up for other tasks, such as customer service or more complex repairs. However, it remains to be seen whether this technology will lead to lower service prices for consumers. The U.S. tire market is valued at around $50 billion annually, making it a significant industry. PitPro Automation’s robot represents a step toward modernizing auto repair services, potentially increasing productivity while reducing the physical burden on mechanics. As the technology is tested in real-world settings, its impact on the industry and consumer costs will become clearer.