PitPro Automation deploys first commercial tire-changing robot
The San Francisco startup has installed its automated system at a Kal Tire location in Calgary, completing four-wheel tire swaps in under 15 minutes.
PitPro Automation has moved its automated tire-changing technology from pilot testing to commercial operation with the installation of its first production system at a Kal Tire store in Calgary, Alberta.
The San Francisco-based company announced the deployment on September 23, marking a milestone in bringing robotic automation to vehicle service bays. The system, which fits within a single service bay, uses two coordinated gantries to service all four wheel positions simultaneously, completing a full tire swap in under 15 minutes.
How the system works
The PitPro platform is designed for Class 3 and smaller vehicles. Once a vehicle drives onto the platform, the dual-gantry system handles the physically demanding work of tire removal and installation across all four wheels at once. The company positions the technology as a way to automate one of the most injury-prone tasks in vehicle maintenance while maintaining consistent service quality.
Jeremy Conrad, co-founder and CEO of PitPro Automation, described the installation as "a defining moment" that demonstrates the technology is ready for real-world deployment. The company publicly unveiled the system in June 2025 before moving to this first commercial installation.
Why it matters
Automating tire service addresses both a labor challenge and a safety issue in the automotive service industry. Tire changing is physically demanding work that carries significant injury risk, particularly during seasonal demand spikes. By handling the repetitive heavy lifting, robotic systems could allow technicians to focus on diagnostic work and customer service while reducing workplace injuries. For service providers, the technology promises faster throughput in the same physical footprint—a meaningful efficiency gain in an industry where bay capacity often limits revenue.
Kal Tire's perspective
Kenneth Chaun, Senior Vice President of Strategy & Innovation at Kal Tire, framed the technology as a "force multiplier" rather than a workforce replacement. He emphasized that Canadian winters create intense seasonal demand for tire services, and automation could help the company serve more customers consistently while reducing physical strain on technicians.
Kal Tire, one of Canada's largest independent tire dealers, represents a significant commercial partner for PitPro's first production deployment. The Calgary installation is the first in a planned rollout, with additional systems scheduled for installation at other customer sites this fall.
The details were first reported by Business Wire in a company announcement.
This is an original analysis by the Omega editorial team. Source reporting: Automation Watch.
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