INTELLIGENT AUTOMATION MEETS ENGINEERING EXCELLENCE WITH TROESTER ROBOTICS

In today’s evolving industrial ecosystem, manufacturing is no longer just about physical output. Modern factories must simultaneously manage a range of challenges – from efficiency and flexibility to sustainability and quality control. Traditional automation systems often fall short, while smart, integrated and data-driven solutions are now the foundation of next-generation production strategies.

TROESTER Robotics emerged from this vision, formed in 2025 through a strategic acquisition. That year, TROESTER GmbH & Co. KG, a renowned German engineering company with over 130 years of heritage, acquired Turkey’s dynamic automation firm SC Otomasyon. This union brought together two strengths: deep engineering experience and practical implementation agility.

What resulted was more than just a new company – it became a transformative platform that doesn’t just produce automation systems but redefines the way production itself is designed and executed.

Today, TROESTER Robotics delivers durable, scalable and intelligent automation solutions across industries, with a strong focus on rubber and tyre production. These systems are built to improve precision, consistency, safety and operational sustainability.

Founded in 1892 in Hannover, Germany, TROESTER has become a global benchmark in the field of rubber, cable and plastics processing. With extrusion systems, full-scale production lines and advanced process engineering, TROESTER is known worldwide for engineering excellence and trust.

SC Otomasyon, on the other hand, earned its reputation in Turkey through flexible project execution and on-site know-how – delivering tailored automation projects in sectors such as glass, automotive and end-of-line applications. Notably, its success in rubber and tyre manufacturing drew international attention.

Through the acquisition and integration under TROESTER Robotics, this unique combination of capabilities has been elevated to serve global markets. It reflects the perfect synergy of depth and agility, tradition and innovation and global vision with local adaptability.

AUTOBOOKER: A NEW STANDARD IN TREAD HANDLING

Autobooker, developed by TROESTER Robotics, directly addresses a common bottleneck in tyre production: the handling and stacking of precut rubber treads.

Due to the nature of rubber – its sticky surface, flexibility and weight – manual operations are not only labour-intensive but also prone to inconsistencies such as misalignment and uneven stacking. This leads to increased cycle times and compromised product quality.

Autobooker was designed to solve these challenges in a compact robotic cell that automatically identifies and handles treads of various profiles and sizes while delivering repeatable and balanced stacking with minimal operator intervention. The system easily integrates into existing production lines with its compact structure and adapts to different production scenarios without the need for reprogramming. Most importantly, Autobooker ensures not just speed but precision and consistency in its operations.

Unlike traditional systems, Autobooker is not just a robot – it is a stabilising element of the production line, enabling a more consistent, reliable and efficient flow.

BEYOND MACHINES: AN INTELLIGENT AUTOMATION ECOSYSTEM

Autobooker is just one part of the broader technology ecosystem developed by TROESTER Robotics. Across various stages of tyre and rubber manufacturing, the company continues to build systems that prioritise productivity, safety and quality. One of the systems is Green Tyre Spraying Cells, which are robotic spray units that ensure uniform surface coating, reduce VOC emissions and minimise operator exposure. The Robotic Creel Loading Systems are designed to automate the placement of heavy steel and cord rolls; these systems significantly improve ergonomics and workplace safety.

Another solution, the End-of-Line Palletizing Solutions, enables fast, reliable palletising of finished tyres with minimal human involvement, increasing throughput and reducing handling errors. All TROESTER Robotics systems are equipped to communicate with MES and ERP platforms, enabling smart factory integration. This ensures the production process is not only automated but also traceable, measurable and optimised in real time.

DELIVER A VISION, NOT ONLY MACHINES

At TROESTER Robotics, automation is not just about hardware – it’s about engineering precision, industry insight, global standards and future-focused thinking. Every system installed is designed to standardise quality, minimise waste, reduce operator dependency and boost competitiveness while laying a solid foundation for digital transformation.

For TROESTER, every solution is a chapter in its customer’s production story. The company says, “We’re not just writing that story for today – we’re building it for the factories of the future.”

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Nexen Tire America recognises that with energy and fuel costs continuing to challenge drivers, many are seeking ways to maximise efficiency beyond simply altering their driving routines. While adjusting habits like reducing speed is common, the company points to several overlooked factors that can significantly affect a vehicle’s energy consumption and overall cost per mile.

A critical yet often underestimated element is the role of tyres. Rolling resistance, which is the energy needed to keep tyres moving, directly impacts fuel economy and electric vehicle range. Choosing tyres specifically engineered to minimise this resistance, such as Nexen’s N’Priz S Grand Touring All-Season, can yield noticeable improvements. However, even the best tyres require consistent care; underinflation and misalignment create excess drag that forces the vehicle to work harder, quietly eroding efficiency over time.

External vehicle modifications also play a significant part. Accessories like roof racks and cargo carriers disrupt aerodynamic flow, and even open windows at highway speeds can create more drag than using air conditioning. Driving habits themselves deserve a strategic rethink as well. Opting for a slightly longer route with fewer stops can prove more efficient than a short, start-and-stop journey. Smoother acceleration, gradual braking and coasting to a stop help conserve momentum, which is especially beneficial for regenerative braking systems in electric vehicles.

For electric vehicle owners, additional steps can further extend range. Preconditioning the cabin while the car remains plugged in reduces the strain that climate control places on the battery during travel. Combined with a conscious effort to ease off the accelerator early to maximise energy recovery through regenerative braking, these practices allow drivers to go further on every charge, complementing the efficiency gains from proper tyre selection and mindful driving.

Aaron Neumann, Head of the Nexen Tire America Tech Center, said, “There are several opportunities to improve efficiency that aren’t immediately visible to drivers. From tyre design and maintenance to subtle driving habits, these factors work together to influence how much energy a vehicle uses. By paying attention to the details, drivers can take meaningful steps toward reducing costs and getting more out of every mile.”

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Hankook Tire has claimed the top position in the latest Auto Bild manufacturer ranking, securing a dominant presence across key tyre categories. The brand’s ascent was driven by a double test win for its newly launched Ventus evo, which propelled Hankook to share first place in the summer tyre segment. In the all-season category, the company delivered a consistently strong performance, earning third place overall thanks to the Kinergy model series, which accumulated four top placements across various evaluations.

The Ventus evo made an impressive entry into the current tyre season by clinching victory in two separate Auto Bild summer tyre tests, a feat that positioned Hankook as the only manufacturer alongside one other to achieve a double win in the summer tyre manufacturer standings. This debut underscored the tyre’s seamless fit within the premium segment, with the results highlighting its capabilities across critical criteria such as wet braking and dry handling.

In the all-season arena, the Kinergy series demonstrated remarkable consistency across four distinct tests, securing Hankook’s third-place finish in the manufacturer ranking. The model line proved its reliability by delivering strong results across all relevant performance areas, including winter characteristics, further cementing Hankook’s reputation as a dependable leader in that segment.

The Auto Bild manufacturer ranking aggregates results from all tyre tests conducted during the season, assigning points based on a structured system. A test win earns six points, followed by five for an exemplary rating, three for good, two for satisfactory and one for recommended with reservations. Additional bonuses apply, with one extra point for Eco Champion recognition and two for a Green Tyre designation. Across the 2025/2026 season, a total of 67 summer tyres and 61 all-season tyres were evaluated under this framework.

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Brisbane-based NTD has strengthened its leadership position in Australia and New Zealand by finalising four exclusive multi-year supply agreements with major global tyre manufacturers. These deals solidify the company’s standing within a regional wholesale and retail sector valued at over USD 11 billion, ensuring long-term collaboration with key suppliers across a diverse array of tyre segments. The agreements with Radar Tyres, Giti/GT Radial, Cooper Tires and Mickey Thompson Tires cover passenger vehicles, SUVs, 4-wheel drives, electric vehicles, light trucks, commercial fleets and specialised applications in agriculture and mining, reinforcing NTD’s ability to serve a broad customer base.

According to NTD’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Warwick Hay, these partnerships are fundamental to the company’s growth strategy. By securing exclusivity over an extended period, the group can pursue deeper collaboration with manufacturers in areas such as product development, supply planning, and brand building. This structure not only supports commercial flexibility but also enhances supply chain reliability, ultimately ensuring that NTD’s extensive dealer network and customers benefit from consistent product availability.

Two of the newly formalised agreements involve American brands Cooper Tires and Mickey Thompson Tires, both owned by Goodyear. NTD first introduced Cooper Tires to Australia in 1989, and the brand has since become well established in the SUV and light truck segments. Meanwhile, Mickey Thompson Tires maintains a strong focus on high-performance and off-road applications, building on a legacy of innovation in tread design and safety. Representatives from Goodyear and Mickey Thompson noted that NTD’s expertise and commitment have been instrumental in driving brand growth, with the renewed agreements set to build on that momentum.

The remaining two agreements are with Singapore-based entities: Radar Tyres, owned by Omni United, and GT Radial, part of the Giti Group. Radar Tyres has gained recognition in Australia for its value-focused passenger and all-terrain offerings, alongside its distinction as the world’s first carbon-neutral tyre brand. Giti Tire supplies premium products across multiple vehicle categories and has made significant inroads into the electric vehicle segment, supplying original equipment manufacturers such as BYD, GWM and Tesla. Executives from both companies highlighted the combination of global manufacturing capability with NTD’s national distribution network as a key factor in ensuring reliable supply and strong dealer support across Australia and New Zealand.

As the largest independent tyre and wheel importer and distributor in the region, NTD serves more than 4,000 business customers through an extensive network of distribution centres and retail outlets. The company also manufactures retread tyres and provides performance management systems for commercial fleet operators. Hay noted that in a context of global uncertainty, these agreements formalise longstanding supplier relationships while reinforcing continuity of supply. He added that maintaining a broad and dependable product range is essential, particularly as demand grows for eco-friendly, smart and electric vehicle tyres across the diverse sectors the company serves.

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Falken has once again demonstrated its strength in the summer tyre segment, with the ZIEX ZE320 securing an impressive second-place finish in Autoflotte’s latest test. Scoring a total of 791 points, the tyre competed in the popular 235/55 R18 size against a strong field of rivals, reinforcing its status as a top-tier choice for discerning drivers.

Safety on wet roads proved to be a defining strength. The ZIEX ZE320 set the benchmark in longitudinal aquaplaning with the highest recorded speed, while its performance in lateral aquaplaning and critical cornering remained composed and predictable. A wet braking distance of 36.1 metres earned a solid good rating, placing it among the frontrunners. The tyre’s wet handling further impressed with precise steering response and stable road manners, instilling confidence in challenging conditions.

On dry surfaces, the Falken tyre delivered an equally compelling account of itself. It was praised for being highly agile through corners, offering precise lane stability and clear feedback that earned a rating of almost very good. The standout achievement came in dry braking, where a stopping distance of just 33.6 metres from 100 kmph was the best in the entire test, surpassing even established premium names. This result underscores the tyre’s formidable safety credentials during summer driving.

Beyond pure performance, the ZIEX ZE320 excels in efficiency and comfort. Rolling resistance was recorded at a competitive 6.7 kg/t, keeping it close to premium rivals, while interior noise levels ranked among the quietest in the group. Ride comfort emerged as a particular highlight, earning the top very good rating and leading the category. By blending exceptional aquaplaning resistance, class-leading braking, refined comfort and precise handling, Falken has delivered a well-rounded package that is especially compelling for SUV drivers who prioritise safety and reliability, all supported by a five-year guarantee.

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