Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming industries worldwide, and the tyre sector is no exception. While the concept of AI has been around since the 1950s, its adoption in tyre manufacturing and distribution is still relatively new. However, major manufacturers and suppliers are already leveraging AI to improve tyre design, optimise production processes, enhance logistics, and even refine customer service.
Leading tyre companies, including Bridgestone, Apollo Tyres, Pirelli, Hankook, and Nexen, are integrating AI-driven technologies into their operations to create smarter, more efficient, and sustainable tyres. These advancements not only improve product quality but also enhance supply chain management and customer experience.
This article is based on a feature originally published by Modern Tire Dealer, authored by Mike Manges, Editor. You can read the original piece here.
Tyre manufacturers are increasingly turning to AI to improve various aspects of production.
Bridgestone Americas has been using AI for several years to enhance tyre and material design. According to Hans Dorfi, Senior Vice President of Product Development at Bridgestone Americas, AI accelerates engineering processes and aids in discovering new compounds. AI’s predictive capabilities help engineers create better-performing tyres in a shorter timeframe.
Apollo Tyres, which manufactures and sells Vredestein and Apollo brand tyres, is using AI to optimise production scheduling, workflow efficiency, and machine parameters. Hizmy Hassen, Chief Digital Officer at Apollo Tyres, explains that AI ensures production lines run smoothly, reducing stoppages and increasing overall output without additional costs.
Moreover, AI algorithms automatically adjust machine parameters during the compound mixing process, a crucial step in tyre manufacturing. This results in higher efficiency, improved quality, and fewer production disruptions.
AI is also playing a crucial role in tyre testing, simulation, and demand forecasting, making tyres safer and more adaptable to various conditions.
Pirelli has incorporated AI-driven algorithms in its tyre development process, enabling virtual simulations to test tyre safety and performance. According to Pier Paolo Tamma, Senior Vice President and Chief Digital Officer at Pirelli & Cie SpA, Pirelli’s static virtual simulator in Milan helps the company reduce the need for physical prototypes, which also benefits the environment.
Hankook Tire America is utilising AI across all stages of tyre design, manufacturing, and deployment. Robert Wheeler, Vice President of Tire Engineering Technology at Hankook, highlights the company’s Virtual Tire Model technology, which uses big data analysis and AI to optimise tyre designs for the U.S. market.
Hankook’s Technodome facility in Daejeon, South Korea, leads AI research, with additional contributions from the company’s Akron, Ohio-based technology centre.
Nexen Tire America integrates AI into tyre development, testing, and manufacturing. The company has a database of 190,000 tyre specifications linked to real test data, which AI analyses to predict performance outcomes. AI is also used for shearography and X-ray imaging, helping Nexen detect anomalies in tyres before they reach consumers.
Tyre manufacturers and distributors are also using AI to enhance logistics, inventory management, and demand forecasting.
Apollo Tyres leverages AI to predict sales demand by analysing weather patterns, exchange rates, and economic factors. This approach allows the company to optimise inventory availability while maintaining lower working capital costs.
Tire International Group (TGI) is integrating AI into inventory management, warehouse operations, and vehicle tracking. According to Tony Gonzalez, CEO of TGI, AI helps forecast stock levels, improve warehouse efficiency, and actively monitor delivery vehicles.
Maxxis International-USA is exploring AI for optimising distribution channels and logistics. Chris Jenkins, Programs and Marketing Manager at Maxxis, believes AI-driven analytics can improve supply chain efficiency, reduce waste, and ensure consistent tyre quality.
Manufacturers agree that AI will play an even greater role in tyre production and distribution in the coming years.
As AI technology advances, the tyre industry will continue to push its boundaries, improving everything from manufacturing efficiency to real-time road safety monitoring.
AI is no longer just a futuristic concept for the tyre industry—it’s already here, transforming how tyres are designed, tested, and delivered to consumers. From automated quality control and virtual simulations to real-time market forecasting, AI is helping manufacturers streamline operations and improve tyre performance.
As tyre companies continue to integrate AI across their production, logistics, and customer service functions, the future looks bright for both manufacturers and end-users. The industry is only beginning to scratch the surface of AI’s capabilities, and its potential appears limitless.
This article is based on a feature originally published by Modern Tire Dealer, authored by Mike Manges, Editor. You can read the original piece here.
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