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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Apollo Tyres Ltd has launched the new Apollo Aspire 5 summer tyre designed for performance sedans and SUVs, including electric vehicles. The next-generation model succeeds the Aspire 4G+ and is offered in 24 sizes to fit rims from 17 to 21 inches. Engineered to provide a premium driving experience at a competitive price, the tyre incorporates several key technological advances.

At its core is Apollo’s Dynamic Contour Technology, which utilises an advanced tread design and specialised compound. This includes integrated ‘diamond ridges’ that absorb road shocks to improve comfort and control. Building upon its predecessor, an evolved Synchronised Tread Pitch system effectively reduces vibrations and road noise, with some sizes achieving a top-tier noise rating.

Performance and durability are enhanced through a structure that ensures even pressure distribution during demanding manoeuvres, promoting stable handling and uniform wear. A novel low-hysteresis carbon black compound reduces heat generation and rolling resistance, contributing to both extended tread life and better fuel efficiency, the latter reflected in a favourable rolling resistance rating for select variants. Furthermore, the tyre promises strong all-weather capability, with an excellent wet grip rating available on certain sizes for confident braking.

The Aspire 5’s development was validated through rigorous global testing. The results indicate that its overall refinement and comfort meet or surpass the standards set by leading premium European tyre brands.

Daniele Lorenzetti, Chief Technology Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd, said, “With the Aspire 5, our R&D teams focused on enhancing refinement and comfort without compromising dynamic performance. Every element of the tyre has been developed to meet the expectations of premium and executive car owners seeking both comfort and control, resulting in a tyre that combines quietness and composure with responsive handling and efficiency.”

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Madison, UK’s leading distributor of bicycle parts and accessories, has solidified its relationship with global tyre manufacturer Maxxis through a new exclusive agreement. Effective from the start of 2026, Madison has become the sole distributor of Maxxis bicycle tyres across the United Kingdom and Ireland. This move expands upon a partnership that began in 2017 and signifies a deepened, long-term commitment to growing the brand’s footprint in the region.

The decision to grant exclusivity underscores a mutual belief in the potential for further market development. Maxxis, an established leader in the premium tyre sector, will benefit from Madison’s extensive experience in cultivating cycling brands within the UK market. The distributor plans to implement a cohesive strategy for retail partners, focusing on consistent pricing, coordinated marketing and strengthened in-store support.

To bolster the brand’s visibility, Madison will channel additional investment into targeted marketing campaigns, retail activations and ambassador programmes. These efforts will be supported by the company’s in-house marketing resources, which encompass digital commerce, content production, public relations and social media management. Retailers can also expect tailored support through merchandising solutions and point-of-sale materials designed to enhance consumer engagement.

Operational stability and product availability for retailers of all sizes are set to be prioritised, leveraging Madison’s established logistics network. The existing roster of UK athletes and teams representing Maxxis will continue as a core component of the broader promotional strategy, supported by dedicated content creation.

Dom Langan, CEO, Madison, said, “We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Maxxis. An exclusive approach allows us to work with clarity and purpose, offering consistent support for retailers and ensuring that Maxxis continues to thrive in the UK and Ireland. By aligning our strategy, resources and long-term ambitions, we are confident that we can drive meaningful, sustainable growth for the brand.”

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Webfleet, Bridgestone’s advanced fleet management solution, has partnered with Bia Power and ChargeBroker to form a comprehensive solution for electric vehicle fleet management. This integrated system is designed to work with a company's current setup, avoiding the need for new infrastructure.

The service begins with Webfleet providing operational data to Bia Power, which uses it to create optimal charging schedules. ChargeBroker then brings together various charging networks into one simplified platform. This end-to-end process makes managing large electric vehicle fleets far more efficient by seamlessly connecting vehicle operations with depot energy management.

It specifically solves the challenges of coordinating different vendor systems, offering a faster and more cost-effective path to fleet electrification. The services are now available globally for Webfleet users.

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Apollo Tyres has achieved a significant international distinction in workplace safety, with its Chennai and Limda (Gujarat) plants each receiving the prestigious Sword of Honour from the British Safety Council. This accolade represents one of the highest global recognitions for excellence in health and safety management. The honour was formally presented to Chief Quality and Safety Officer Yoichi Sato, alongside Chennai Unit Head C Thomasmathew and Limda Unit Head Piush Bansal.

This award follows both facilities having previously secured top-tier five-star ratings in the British Safety Council’s rigorous Occupational Health and Safety Audit. The Sword of Honour is specifically reserved for organisations that exhibit an outstanding and sustained dedication to upholding the utmost standards in employee health, safety and wellbeing. Notably, the Chennai plant received additional commendation for its achievements in Innovation and Development.

These awards highlight Apollo Tyres' proactive and systematic approach to fostering a pervasive safety-first culture across its operations. The company's efforts extend beyond mere regulatory compliance, reflecting a deep-rooted commitment to cultivating secure, healthy and sustainable working environments for all employees, contractors and stakeholders. By consistently demonstrating world-class safety management and a drive for continuous improvement, this milestone reinforces Apollo Tyres' standing as a responsible industry leader aligned with global best practices.

Yoichi Sato, Chief Quality and Safety Officer, Apollo Tyres Ltd,, said, “Receiving the Sword of Honour for both our plants is a matter of great pride for everyone at Apollo Tyres. This recognition reinforces our belief that operational excellence begins with putting people first. We remain committed to continually strengthening our health and safety practices across all our operations, guided by our ‘Safety First’ philosophy.”

Peter McGettrick, Chairman, British Safety Council, said, “On behalf of the board of trustees and staff of the British Safety Council, I would like to congratulate Apollo Tyres on achieving the highest standards of its health, safety and wellbeing management. Achieving recognition of this sort takes absolute dedication and the utmost professionalism. We are proud to support you in your achievements and delighted we can contribute to your ongoing success.”

Mike Robinson, Chief Executive, British Safety Council, said, “I would like to congratulate Apollo Tyres and its staff on this award, in tribute to their commitment to keeping their workplace safe and healthy and contributing to safeguarding the environment. All of the Sword, Globe and Shield award-winning organisations share a commitment and willingness to achieve the uppermost standards of health and safety. We thank Apollo Tyyres  for contributing to achieving our vision that no one should be injured or made ill through their work.”

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