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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Ironman Tires, a brand owned by Hercules Tire and Rubber Company, has officially launched the All Country AT-X, a new generation tyre designed to merge the capabilities of all-terrain and all-weather designs. This strategic expansion of its All Country line is positioned to deliver year-round performance for SUVs and light trucks, whether on paved roads or off-road adventures. The AT-X is now available at retail locations, effectively replacing the previous All Country A/T and AT2 models to strengthen the brand's standing in the competitive market.

Building upon the legacy of its predecessors, which collectively sold over 700,000 units annually, the All Country AT-X incorporates advanced design and compound technologies. A significant feature is its certification with the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake symbol, guaranteeing reliable traction in severe snow conditions, a first for the brand in this category. The tyre’s development focused on key improvements, including superior snow traction, enhanced durability and more responsive on-road handling, all while upholding Ironman's core values of affordability and dependability.

The product lineup is comprehensive, with 27 of its planned 40 sizes available immediately and the remaining 13 scheduled for an early 2026 release. The AT-X offers two distinct tread patterns, both meeting the stringent winter performance standards without compromising on tread life or ruggedness. Key engineering enhancements include an optimised all-terrain tread for balanced on- and off-road performance, a next-generation all-weather compound and an aggressive sidewall design that boosts puncture resistance and provides a bold visual appeal. The tyre’s profile was strategically engineered through advanced modelling to promote stability and even wear.

Backing its robust construction is a substantial 50,000-mile (approximately 80,467 km) limited treadwear warranty, alongside a 60-month workmanship warranty and road hazard protection. The All Country AT-X is offered in T, Q, R and S speed ratings in a wide range of sizes to fit 15- to 20-inch rims, making it an accessible and versatile option for a broad spectrum of drivers seeking confident, all-season capability.

Keith Calcagno, Chief Strategy Officer, Proprietary Brands, American Tire Distributors, said, “The All Country AT-X represents a major step forward for Ironman’s product lineup. By combining all-weather versatility with all-terrain durability, the AT-X provides drivers the confidence to go anywhere, in any condition, all year long.”

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In a significant step for sustainable infrastructure, the Selwyn District in Canterbury is poised to conduct New Zealand's inaugural trial of a rubber road surface. According to Radio New Zealand, the trial is scheduled for early 2026 in Glentunnel on State Highway 77. This pioneering initiative represents a proactive move by the council to explore innovative solutions for its extensive roading network and reflects the council's commitment to investigating new technologies that can enhance performance and provide additional value.

Central to this venture is Treadlite NZ, the nation's sole supplier of recycled rubber granules specifically designed for pavement applications. The company's executive director, Brad Pearce, has confirmed their involvement, collaborating with a contractor to supply the material for the proposed trial. Pearce expressed his enthusiasm for the prospect of seeing recycled rubber improve the durability and functionality of roads across the country in the near future.

The rubber road project is just one of several innovations being pursued by Selwyn's infrastructure team. Other exploratory measures include the use of plastic grids in road rehabilitation to minimise excavation and an underground stormwater system, StormBrixx, which manages surface flooding in vulnerable areas. The council is also considering a novel contracting model where companies lease road lanes, creating a financial incentive to complete work quickly and efficiently. This drive for innovation occurs against a backdrop of managing one of the country's largest geographic road networks, which is facing pressures from high growth and increasing traffic loads.

While data indicates that Selwyn's roads are among the smoothest in New Zealand, the council acknowledges the ongoing challenge of maintaining surface conditions as its infrastructure ages. The upcoming trial in Glentunnel, facilitated by the specialized materials from Treadlite NZ, stands as a testament to the council's forward-thinking approach to extracting greater value and longevity from its critical assets.

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Maxion Wheels, the world’s leading wheel manufacturer, has officially confirmed its readiness to begin series production of forged aluminium truck wheels in January 2026. The announcement was made at the SOLUTRANS 2025 exhibition in Lyon, France. This production will be housed in a new, state-of-the-art 24,500-square-metre plant located in Manisa, Türkiye, which was developed as a joint venture with İnci Holding. The facility is now fully operational, featuring advanced machinery and an initial annual capacity of approximately 350,000 wheels, with a flexible design to accommodate future market growth.

The introduction of these wheels significantly expands Maxion's commercial vehicle portfolio, allowing the company to offer what it now considers the industry's most comprehensive product range. The new forged aluminium wheels will be available in high-demand sizes and finishes, engineered to meet the stringent requirements of OEMs and fleets across Europe and Türkiye for superior durability, performance and appearance.

Looking forward, the company is already developing a patented surface treatment designed to offer enhanced durability, improved corrosion resistance and easier maintenance. This innovative solution is currently undergoing laboratory and benchmarking tests, which have so far yielded highly promising results.

Mark Gerardts, CEO, Maxion Wheels, said, “Forged aluminium truck wheels represent a critical evolution in our strategy to deliver the most complete and innovative commercial vehicle wheel portfolio in the industry. Our steel wheels have set the benchmark – and our forged aluminium truck wheels will meet it with the same uncompromising quality and reliability.”

Mustafa Zaim, President of the Board of Maxion Inci and Maxion Jantas, said, “Our collaboration with Maxion Wheels combines global product expertise with local manufacturing excellence to deliver a new wheel line-up that redefines choice and quality for truck OEMs, fleet managers and drivers. This milestone is more than the start of production – it’s a commitment to innovation, safety and meeting the evolving needs of OEMs and fleets across Europe and beyond.”

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Apollo Tyres Ltd and the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneshwar, are collaborating to incorporate a specialised ‘Tyre Technology’ module into the engineering curriculum. This initiative is unprecedented in India, representing the first time a tyre manufacturer and a technical institution have joined forces to formally integrate the science of tyre design and manufacturing into academic studies.

Apollo Tyres will be instrumental in developing the course, ensuring the syllabus and materials reflect the most current industry practices and technological advancements. Prof (Dr) Achyuta Samanta, Founder KIIT, KISS and KIMS, highlighted that this focus on the critical automotive component of tyres will equip future engineers with the practical knowledge to solve complex technological challenges.

The alliance is poised to offer students exceptional exposure to specialised fields and create transformative educational experiences, bridging the gap between theoretical learning and industrial application.

R Mahalakshmi, Chief Human Resources Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “This strategic collaboration marks a significant milestone for the Indian automotive sector. By bringing tyre technology into mainstream engineering education for the first time, we aim to equip young engineers with future-ready skills and real-world exposure. Through internships and on-ground training at our facilities, students will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge tyre design, manufacturing and testing, strengthening the talent pipeline for India’s mobility future.”

Prof (Dr) Saranjit Singh, Vice Chancellor, KIIT-DU, said, “In the fast-growing demand for a market ready workforce, it is imperative that Industry and Academia work closely together to develop quality tech talent. Being one of the leading technology universities, we have a strong intellectual capital and talent base to partner with industry in bridging the talent gap and nurturing future-ready digital professionals. The introduction of co-branded specialisation, ‘Tyre Technology’, will definitely give our students a new scope for innovation and edge over others.”

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