The Plastics and Rubber Institute of Sri Lanka, and the Sri Lanka Association of Manufacturers and Exporters of Rubber Products, together with the assistance of the Export Development Board, conducted a two- day virtual workshop on Advanced Technology/Smart Manufacturing For The Rubber Product Industry In Sri Lanka, in December 2020. Despite the fact that the country was just raising its head from the deleterious aftermath of the first and second waves of Covid -19, the participation was beyond all expectations, thus indicating the weightage placed in keeping abreast of modern trends and moving with times by the industry community and the professionals and I presume that this is the current trend throughout the world.

As a member of the organising committee of the event and more as a hands-on person of the technologists of the not so modern generation, I realised that I was a curious and a rather passive observer of the currently fast unfolding industry scenario. The array of topics presented by local as well as overseas experts on their respective specialties was impressive. They covered Smart Energy Monitoring, IOT Built Industry Automation, Big Data Processing and applications, Conditioned based Monitoring for Maintenance, 3D/4D Printing, Virtual Product Design and Testing, Finite Element Analysis, and Product Failure Analysis.

It made me guessing with fascination, how much the information utilisation scenario in the manufacturing industry has metamorphosed during the past few decades since the times of two great discoveries/inventions, of Charles Babbage and Arthur. C. Clarke, that paved way for the evolution of the Information and Communications revolution. Charles Babbage (1791-1871) was an extraordinarily talented scientist, mathematician, economist and engineer. He is best known today - as he was in his lifetime - for inventing two types of cogwheel calculating machines, the forerunners of the modern computers. It was Arthur C. Clarke. after the crest of World War II, from his base in Stratford-On-Avon, England, as a young officer in the Royal Air Force, who dabbled in science fiction writing, floated the idea of global communications satellites in a 1945 letter to the publication Wireless World. It will be of interest to learn that the latter made Sri Lanka his second home and contributed in no small way to the development of ICT and astronomy in our country during the sixties and seventies.

As I gathered, with my rather limited knowledge of ICT, that the common features, of the modern-day innovations are generating a vast amount of real time data on all key aspects of the value chain, and interfacing between the value adding activities. Automation and reducing the dependability on the human factor has been another significant trend. Another key driver has been the necessity for reliability, agility and robustness in delivering products and services to the customer in the ever-changing customer preferences, which are again fueled willfully through product promotion and creation of new needs through massive adverting campaigns and mass communications. Companies are increasingly embracing the innovative technologies, to enable business growth, wealth accumulation, contribution to the national economies, which has helped in achieving improved quality of life, particularly in the traditionally termed developed countries.

Right through his anthropogenic evolution, Homo Sapiens or the “thinking man” has been characterised by the use of his brain to find easier and faster ways of doing things, which was an absolutely vital advantage for his survival in the primitive hostile environment. Commencing with use of stone tools, discovery of fire, and iron, this trend has continued throughout the history of mankind. During the more recent period of the last three centuries, which culminated in the Industry 4.0, some key landmarks, which reflect the quest of the mankind to better lives, through increased and efficient resource utilisation can be identified.

Revolutions

This process began in Britain in the 18th century and from there spread to other parts of the world. Although used earlier by French writers, the term Industrial Revolution was first popularised by the English economic historian Arnold Toynbee (1852–83) to describe Britain's economic development from 1760 to 1840. The first industrial revolution came with the advent of mechanisation, steam power and water power. This was followed by second industrial revolution which revolved around mass production and assembly lines using electricity. Henry Ford’s conveyor belt system was put into motion in December 1^st of 1913 in his Detroit manufacturing plant. Fully mechanised, or partially mechanised, assembly lines allowed Ford to offer a vehicle for a working family. One of his goals was to have a car that every family could own.

The car that every family would soon come to own was the Model T. His manufacturing plants would go on to produce over 15 million Model Ts and this is due almost entirely to his assembly line. In order to achieve a production of the Model T at such a high rate, he needed to break down the process of assembling the car to make it as efficient as possible to produce, while still being financially accessible.

The third industrial revolution came with electronics, IT systems and automation, which led to the fourth industrial revolution that is associated with cyber- physical systems. Some of the principles of which were the topics of the December Workshop. Generally speaking, Industry 4.0 describes the growing trend towards automation and data exchange in technology and processes within the manufacturing industry, including:

•  The internet of things (IoT)
• The industrial internet of things (IIoT)
• Cyber-physical systems (CPS)
• Smart manufacture
•  Smart factories
• Cloud computing
• Cognitive computing
• Artificial intelligence

This automation creates a manufacturing system whereby machines in factories are augmented with wireless connectivity and sensors to monitor and visualise an entire production process and make autonomous decisions. Wireless connectivity and the augmentation of machines will be greatly advanced with the full roll out of 5G

The fourth industrial revolution also relates to digital technologies that can create virtual versions of real-world installations, processes and applications. These can then be robustly tested to make cost-effective decentralised decisions. In short, this should allow for digital transformation and  for automated and autonomous manufacturing with joined-up systems that can cooperate with each other.

Black spots

It can thus be unanimously agreed that the emerging technologies have already resulted in tremendous benefits for mankind and that they have vast future potential in changing the entire human civilisation. While appreciating and accepting the usefulness of the technologies, I cannot refrain from contemplating on the black spots in the white cloth. The disadvantages of the digital technologies have been well documented throughout the world and some of these, include, data security, digital media manipulation, job insecurity, over reliance on gadgets, addiction, depersonalization, and social alienation, and stress related physical and mental illnesses and the list is not exhaustive. Diminishing of the human touch is considered by many, as a matter of grave concern, and its effect on the personal, ethical, family and social has already begun to reveal its dark side.

As an adaptive measure of the new normal mentality that followed the Covid-19 pandemic, “Social Distancing” intruded our day to day activates over the past one and half years. However, on thinking reflectively, it will be evident that Social Distancing actually had its beginnings in the first three industrial revolutions, while it got aggravated in the recent years. Dilemmas and debatable questions as to whether  dehumanisation is still progressing and what will be the outcome, if the current rate of rapid technology trend continues? These will become key challenges for the sociologists and sociopsychologists and the modern HR specialists. Prioritising automation and sub optimisation of the human resource, in the disguise of improving operational efficiency, as a business strategy of maintaining sustainability, could turn out to be short lived.

Over dependence on technology at the expense of losing the much-required human touch and interpersonal relationships, can be witnessed in many of the day-to-day activities, such as internet or online banking, bill payments, buying at super markets, home deliveries, and on-line webinars. I have personal experience of the short comings of on-line lecturing for students and on virtual workshops, which can only be utilised as a stop gap measure. As a person of the “old generation,” I find it an exhilarating experience to walk to the local bank, greet good morning to the staff, and having a friendly chat with the familiar cashier, while getting my transaction done. Some may equate such practices to lack of time management and productivity. Human interaction of this kind holds a special position in countries such as India and Sri Lanka, which has rich religious and cultural heritages, and adopting the new technologies as a panacea for improving all the aspects of efficiency and productivity in an effort be stay competitive can only be a short-term strategy.

It was Robert Frost, the American poet (1874-1963), who once philosophically remarked, “don’t ever take fence down, until you know why it was put up”

Obsolescence due to ineffective use or total non -use which we witness with machinery and equipment, may be applicable to the humans as well. It is said that the human body has about one hundred, vestigial organs, including the appendix, which have become nonfunctional, during the evolutionary process as a result on non-use and obsolescence. (TT)

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Maxxis has expanded its mountain bike lineup with two major innovations, one addressing the demands of modern cross-country racing and the other exploring entirely new terrain in wheel design. The brand introduces the Aspen AT, a tyre built for rougher and more variable XC courses, alongside a pioneering family of 32-inch mountain bike tyres.

The Aspen AT draws from the trusted Aspen family’s speed but adds a revised tread profile that boosts control and confidence on uneven ground. It sits between pure racing tyres and aggressive trail models, giving riders a single option for the varied demands of today’s XC and down-country riding. While the Aspen AT addresses the present, Maxxis looks further ahead with its new 32-inch platform. Larger wheel diameter improves rollover capability, traction and high speed stability on rough trails, offering a fresh choice for those who want to keep momentum and smooth out feedback without replacing current wheel sizes.

The initial lineup includes Aspen ST, Aspen and Aspen AT tread patterns, with Forekaster and Dissector versions following in the third quarter. Key features of the Aspen AT include a fast-rolling XC tyre with broader all-terrain capability, a revised tread for better grip in rough sections and construction suited to modern racing disciplines. The tyres deliver increased rollover for a smoother ride over obstacles, improved efficiency on rough surfaces and a larger contact patch that translates into greater stability and grip.

By adding the Aspen AT and introducing the 32-inch tyre family, Maxxis continues to lead the evolution of mountain biking, supporting riders from competitive starts to the very edge of what is possible on two wheels.

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Goodyear is all set to launch the new Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) season this weekend at Donington Park’s National circuit. A 21-car grid marks the beginning of a campaign defined by a changed race structure, one that puts a stronger focus on how teams manage their tyres and prepare for each session rather than raw pace alone.

For the Donington rounds, competitors will receive four sets of the standard Goodyear Racing Eagle Medium tyre plus one set of the softer option compound. Throughout the season, every event will include both the standard tyre and one set of the option rubber, which must be used in at least one of the three races held over the weekend.

The most significant strategic shift comes from the revised weekend schedule. There is now only a single free practice session before qualifying and the newly introduced Race to Pole on Saturday. This compressed timeline is expected to reshape tyre strategies dramatically, rewarding those who can best adapt to limited track time.

In wet conditions, teams can turn to the Goodyear Racing Eagle Wet tyre, designed with a tread pattern that clears standing water to deliver grip. Beyond the BTCC, Goodyear Racing Eagle tyres will also be in action this weekend at the FIA World Endurance Championship’s Six Hours of Imola, as well as in the NASCAR Cup Series and the NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series races at Kansas Speedway.

Michael Butler, Goodyear’s BTCC event leader, said, “This season, teams will have more preparation to do, but less time to do it in. The changes put a lot of pressure on drivers to make the most of free practice, as it’s the only real opportunity to understand how the tyres are working before dialling in a setup that needs to perform in qualifying and the Race to Pole.

“Typically, teams will add a degree or even a degree and a half of extra negative camber for qualifying to maximise one-lap performance. However, with parc fermé conditions in place between qualifying and the Race to Pole, what will make a strong strategy is finding a setup that works across both sessions, or choosing to favour one and accepting a compromise in the other. That’s where tyre management and understanding how the different compounds behave will be key.”

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Kumho Tire USA has kicked off the 2026 Formula DRIFT PRO Championship season with a strong statement, as their driver Jack Shanahan secured third place in the opening round. Competing on Kumho’s Ecsta V730 tyres, Shanahan piloted an E82 BMW that was assembled in only 16 days. His podium finish demonstrated remarkable skill and precision throughout each battle, setting a positive tone for the season ahead.

After earning second place in qualifying, Shanahan moved confidently through the main competition, defeating Rudy Hansen, Jeff Jones and Aurimas Bakchis in successive rounds. However, when engine troubles arose during his Top Four matchup against Fredric Aasbo, Shanahan made the difficult but honourable decision to withdraw rather than risk spilling oil onto the track. This unfortunate mechanical failure also denied spectators the potential excitement of a final round showdown between Jack and his brother.

Shanahan first joined the Formula DRIFT PRO Championship in 2025, quickly establishing himself as a serious competitor. His rookie season was exceptional, as he finished sixth overall and earned Rookie of the Year honours while supported by Kumho tyres. Now in 2026, he aims to build on that momentum with clear goals of reaching more podiums and contending for the championship, steadily proving himself among the world’s elite drifters.

Ed Cho, CEO, Kumho Tire USA, said, "We are absolutely thrilled with Jack Shanahan's impressive performance on the Streets of Long Beach, where he put our Ecsta V730 tyres to the ultimate test at the highest level of competitive drifting. His podium finish is a powerful testament to the exceptional performance and unwavering reliability of KUMHO tyres, and we are excited to have him as a returning driver for the 2026 season."

Shanahan said, "After building an all-new car for Formula DRIFT in just 16 days, we are incredibly grateful to have secured third place in round one, and KUMHO was a huge part of our success. I had every confidence in the KUMHO Ecsta V730 tyres and they performed flawlessly – providing the grip and consistency we needed for every battle on a highly technical and challenging course."

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Pirelli enters the 2026 FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) season as the defending Tyres Manufacturer champion, with the opening round taking place from 17 to 19 April on the demanding asphalt roads of Rally Sierra Morena in Andalusia. A total of 62 crews will gather for the event, and more than 30 of them are expected to fight for the initial points of the European title race. The challenging route features 203.80 timed kilometres spread across 13 special stages, setting the scene for a competitive weekend.

To equip its teams for this gruelling asphalt challenge, Pirelli has prepared a selection of tyres from the P Zero range, specifically the hard RA5C and soft RA7+ compounds for dry conditions, complemented by the Cinturato RWD for wet weather. Among the leading contenders using Pirelli tyres are Andrea Mabellini, who secured third place in the overall championship last year and will drive a Lancia Y HF, along with reigning Italian champion Giandomenico Basso and Teemu Suninen, both piloting a Skoda Fabia RS.

Beyond the main European championship entries, Pirelli also serves as the sole supplier and technical partner for the M-Sport Fiesta Rally3 Trophy, now in its third season. This initiative has attracted 11 crews to Rally Sierra Morena, further highlighting Pirelli’s broad involvement in the event. The tyre allocation rules specify that drivers in RC2, RC3 and RGT categories receive 16 tyres, while those in RC4, RC5 and RC6 are allocated 12.

For crews taking part in Qualifying, the tyres used during that session count towards the overall allocation. However, tyres used during Free Practice and the Shakedown are not included in the total. With a strong field and Pirelli’s comprehensive technical support, the 2026 season opener promises intense competition on the Andalusian stages.

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