The system, first revealed in 2025, consists of two oven-sized robots equipped with sensors and a robotic arm that locate, loosen, and remove lug nuts, store them, pull off each wheel, and replace it with a new or rotated tire. The robots slide into existing maintenance bays and can be used alongside other services, increasing the chance shops will try them, according to Conrad.
PitPro has long pitched its technology to commercial fleets, a focus it maintains. Former Ford Pro executive Ted Cannis serves as an adviser, providing introductions to major U.S. fleets, Conrad told TechCrunch during an interview. However, he sees tire chains such as Kal Tire — one of Canada’s largest independent tire service chains — as a major opportunity due to their standardized layouts and the high, recurring demand for tire changes, especially in Canada where winter tire swaps are a yearly ritual.
Deploying the robot in a real garage came with unexpected challenges. Tire shops often leave bay doors open, exposing the robots to dust, debris, and weather. One surprise was a coating of dandelion seeds that accumulated on the equipment. Conrad said the seeds turned out to be harmless, but the incident highlighted the messy, unpredictable reality of the shop floor.
Conrad emphasized that the industry is desperate for automation: workers in tire service often leave within months, lured by easier jobs at fast-food chains that can offer competitive pay. The robot, he says, is designed to take over the most physically punishing part of the job, potentially allowing shops to retain mechanics for higher-skilled maintenance work.