A San Francisco-based startup called PitPro Automation has installed its first automatic tire-changing system at a tire shop in Calgary, Alberta. The system, which was first unveiled last year, can replace all four tires on a vehicle in less than 15 minutes. The technology is now in use at a Kal Tire location, one of the largest independent tire service chains in Canada. PitPro’s robotic system is designed to fit into existing garage bays and includes two large robots, about the size of an oven, that use sensors and robotic arms to locate and loosen the nuts that secure car wheels. The robots then store the nuts, remove the wheels, and replace them with new or rotated tires. PitPro’s founder and CEO, Jeremy Conrad, explained that the company is currently focusing on tire-changing systems due to a significant labor shortage in the industry. He noted that tire changes are in high demand, especially in Canada, where people regularly switch between summer and winter tires. Conrad also mentioned that tire shops often struggle to keep workers, with some employees leaving for better opportunities at nearby restaurants. The system is designed to fit into current maintenance areas, allowing mechanics to use the same space for other tasks, making it more likely that shops will adopt the technology. Conrad said PitPro has primarily discussed deploying its tire-changing robots with commercial fleets, such as those used by delivery companies. The startup also has Ted Cannis, a former executive at Ford Pro, as an adviser. However, the company is also looking into partnerships with tire chains because of their standardized layouts, which could allow for broader use of the system. Transitioning from a prototype to real-world use has not been without challenges, such as exposure to dust, debris, and weather due to open bay doors in garages. During an interview, Conrad shared a photo from the Calgary installation that showed the robots covered in dandelion seeds. He said that such conditions would not interfere with the system’s performance. The success of this first deployment may pave the way for wider adoption of PitPro’s technology in tire shops across Canada and beyond.