Kal Tire's Mining Group and computer vision specialist Pitcrew AI are teaming up to provide autonomous detection of hot OTR tires, tire separations and other tire-related issues without the vehicle needing to stop.
"With any inspection anomalies automatically transmitted to TOMS, Kal Tire's proprietary Tire Operations Management System, the integration between Pitcrew and TOMS enables action and decision making that will further enhance fleet productivity and safety," according to Kal Tire officials.
Automated inspection stations monitor front and rear tires of mining trucks driving by. AI software searches thermal imaging video footage for conditions like hot spots, plus belt edge and tread separations. Findings are reported to Kal Tire's TOMS.
"The system then automates inspection work orders as part of a self-reinforcing feedback loop and then schedules tire change work, as necessary, based on damage severity."
"Autonomous inspection will be a requirement for the autonomous fleets of the future," says Tim Snell, managing director at Pitcrew AI.
"Tire pressure monitoring systems can give a strong picture of what's happening inside the tire, but so much that can indicate the potential for tire failure happens outside the tire," notes Dan Allan, senior vice president of Kal Tire's Mining Group.
"We knew if we wanted to give customers the ability to make better operational decisions - and be a part of the future of autonomous mining - we'd need to add external telematics to the mix."
