VMI presents AI smart tyre building options

Smart solutions optimise tyre building and address challenges the industry is facing. New advanced vision systems, self-learning artificial intelligence algorithms and self-adjusting processes contribute to improved flexibility, higher accuracy and consistency. VMI is embracing such concepts and has now introduced the first smart options on the VMI MAXX tyre building machine. These aid the detection of foreign objects, provide intelligent process control and minimise wastage.

Foreign object detection

This in-line, high speed detection system utilises an array of cameras to detect foreign objects in tread material. A superfast AI algorithm analyses images in real-time to ensure extremely high levels of accuracy and to minimise the number of false-positive alarms, resulting in optimised levels of productivity, lower scrap rates and optimised usage of energy and raw materials.

Intelligent process control

Sophisticated VMI machines utilise active control methods to regulate the process of positioning and splicing tyre components. The trend to thinner gauge components that are produced from sustainable materials brings new challenges in tyre production. VMI has therefore developed a contactless method of measuring components, which in combination with AI based real-time splice adjustment algorithms result in new levels of process control.

Smart Run Empty (SRE)

In order to improve machine utilisation in line with the smaller batch sizes that increasingly complex tyre factories work with, VMI has developed SRE, a suite of smart software solutions designed to deliver ‘smart run empty’. The system coordinates each production run with the materials input in a tyre building machine and ensures that materials are fully utilised, with no wastage. It also enables a more efficient changeover of cassettes as the machine moves from one SKU to another.