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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Cooper Tires is broadening its winter portfolio across passenger cars, SUVs, and light commercial vehicles in the EMEA region. The expansion leverages over a century of expertise to deliver dependable performance for real-world winter conditions. The move underscores ongoing regional investment and aligns with a new global identity centred on toughness and practical tyre solutions.

The enhanced lineup achieves 92 percent market coverage across EMEA. Engineered for icy roads, snow and fluctuating temperatures, the portfolio maintains driver control and consistent performance in severe conditions.

The range includes Cooper Winter for passenger cars and SUVs, and Cooper Winter Van for commercial vehicles. The passenger tyre uses a high-silica compound with oil and resin technology for wet and snow traction, while dense siping enhances braking and handling. Optimised casing design improves efficiency, and the 132 SKUs cover 14- to 21-inch rims, all EV-ready.

The van tyre prioritises durability, mileage and control with V-shaped grooves for wet handling, an interlocking groove network for snow traction and a tread strengthener for extended life. Twenty SKUs cover 14 to 17 inches and are EV-ready. Further portfolio expansion is planned from 2027, reinforcing Cooper's position as a trusted winter driving partner.

Ben Glesener, Senior Technology Director Product Development Consumer EMEA, said, “The expanded winter portfolio forms part of Cooper’s broader investment in the brand, following the unveiling of a bold new global brand identity rooted in toughness, confidence and real‑world capability. This is supported by renewed product investment, dedicated customer activation programmes and marketing activity designed to build awareness and consideration across Europe.”

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Dunlop Motorcycle Europe has expanded its premier Geomax motocross lineup with the debut of the Geomax MX54, a new intermediate-hard tyre engineered to surpass its predecessor in both versatility and performance. The latest offering broadens the applicable terrain spectrum while delivering a more sophisticated performance package aimed at riders across the skill spectrum, from weekend amateurs to seasoned professionals.

Positioned as the direct successor to the Geomax MX53, this new tyre effectively closes the gap left by the discontinued hard-terrain Geomax MX71 and the soft-medium Geomax MX34. This strategic integration streamlines the broader Geomax family, which retains the popular MX14 sand and mud tyre, resulting in a more cohesive and user-friendly range for off-road enthusiasts. The technological refinements ensure the MX54 provides outstanding grip and durability, hallmarks of a tyre trusted in elite competitions like the FIM Motocross World Championship.

Extensive on-track development with top motocross athletes has already proven the MX54’s capabilities in demanding championships, ensuring that race-proven technology filters down to everyday riders. The tyre features comprehensive updates to both front and rear profiles. The front incorporates a redesigned block layout and enlarged block sizes to boost rigidity and grip on softer ground, while the rear utilises a reduced number of blocks with greater spacing between rows to enhance traction and deliver predictable handling across a wider array of conditions, drawing inspiration from the Geomax MX34 for improved ground contact feedback.

The Geomax MX54 continues Dunlop’s winning legacy, building on a record-breaking 2025 season that saw Romain Febvre claim the World Championship and adding multiple MX2 Grand Prix victories so far this year. Now available for purchase, the tyre comes in a comprehensive range of 17 sizes, accommodating front wheels from 10 to 21 inches and rear fitments spanning 10 to 19 inches.

Roberto Finetti, Marketing Manager, Dunlop Motorcycle Europe, said, “The new Dunlop Geomax MX54 features advancements that allow it to be much more versatile than MX53. We have worked closely with top MXGP teams to deliver improved grip across all terrain for riders of all levels. With the broadened scope of MX54, the Geomax range is our strongest and most versatile motocross range yet, drawing on our innovations from winning in top professional championships.”

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Discount Tire is launching complimentary tyre safety inspections across its network of more than 1,275 US locations in observance of National Tire Safety Week, scheduled from 29 June through 4 July 2026. The initiative comes just ahead of the busy Independence Day travel period, aiming to equip motorists with essential vehicle care before summer road trips.

Citing data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, proper inflation can improve fuel efficiency by as much as 11 cents per gallon and add nearly 5,000 miles to a tire’s usable life. To support safe driving, the company advises monthly pressure checks, particularly before extended journeys, since temperature fluctuations affect PSI levels and can compromise handling or cause irregular wear. A simple penny test – with Lincoln’s head fully visible indicating worn tread – along with rotations every 6,000 miles and verification of the tyre’s age via its DOT sidewall number, are among the key recommendations. Drivers seeking personalised options can utilise the Treadwell tool for tailored selections.

In partnership with the U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, Discount Tire reinforces its year-round educational commitment, offering free tread, pressure and rotation services at both Discount Tire and America’s Tire stores. For those needing replacements, an instant savings promotion of up to USD 80 on select tyres and wheels runs from 30 June to 9 July. Appointments are available for all complimentary checks throughout the year.

Tom Williams, Chief Experience Officer, Discount Tire, said, "With household budgets under increasing pressure from rising costs, maintaining your tires is a practical way to save money while prioritizing safety,". "Whether families are traveling to a local event or embarking on a road trip to celebrate the 250th anniversary of Independence Day, our technicians are committed to helping them prepare for safe, reliable journeys."

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Tegeta Green Planet attended the closing ceremony and teachers' award presentation for the ‘Education for a Green Future’ project, hosted by the Environmental Information and Education Center under Georgia's Ministry of Environmental Protection and Agriculture as part of World Environment Day observances. As part of its commitment to environmental stewardship, the company conferred its own special awards upon three educators during the event.

The project aims to support preschool and primary school teachers who integrate environmental and agricultural educational resources into their teaching, making meaningful contributions to raising ecological awareness among children and young people. Nearly 150 educators participated in this year's competition, presenting diverse, creative and results-oriented environmental education projects.

Tegeta Green Planet has operated since 2022 as one of Georgia's first authorised Extended Producer Responsibility organisations, managing waste streams including used tyres, waste oils and batteries through collection, transportation and recycling in accordance with circular economy principles. The company recognised Ketevan Tskhvariashvili from Kakabeti Public Kindergarten No. 2, Darina Malatsidze from Mikeltskaro Public School and Sopio Gvelesiani from Kutaisi Public School No. 40.

Laptops were awarded to the winning educators as incentives. Supporting initiatives that strengthen environmental education and promote sustainable development values remains a key priority for the company. The long-running ‘Education for a Green Future’ project has consistently integrated environmental topics into schooling, uniting innovative teachers and proving that education serves as a fundamental foundation for environmental progress.

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