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)

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Goodyear has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies for 2026 by Ethisphere, marking the third consecutive year it has received this prestigious honour. This recognition reflects the company’s enduring commitment to fostering integrity throughout its global operations. Goodyear is the only tyre manufacturer and one of just eight automotive businesses to appear on this year’s list, which spans 17 countries and 40 industries.

Ethisphere determines its honourees through a rigorous, data-driven evaluation process that examines corporate governance, ethical culture, compliance programmes, environmental and societal impact and third-party management. A panel of experts analyses this information to identify organisations that demonstrate exceptional ethical leadership and best practices in business integrity.

This latest recognition reaffirms Goodyear’s ongoing dedication to principled conduct and responsible business practices worldwide.

Erin Lewis, Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, said, “Receiving this recognition for the third consecutive year is a reflection of our associates’ strong commitment to acting with integrity. Goodyear’s inclusion on this respected list again this year underscores our longstanding commitment to ethical decision-making, responsible leadership and creating a culture where integrity guides every action.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Nokian Tyres has launched the Nokian Tyres Snowproof 3P, a new premium winter tyre engineered for predictable and high-performance driving across a variety of Central European conditions. This new product integrates the company’s Nordic expertise into a tyre designed to perform reliably on snow, slush, wet and dry roads. It has been awarded the Premium TÜV SÜD Tyre Mark, an independent certification that verifies its outstanding quality and performance against rigorous benchmark standards, complementing the manufacturer's own extensive internal testing.

The tyre is intended for drivers of high-performance vehicles, sedans and SUVs who require dependable performance for daily commuting, mountain driving, long journeys and high-speed travel. The initial launch includes 50 products ranging from 17 to 21 inches, with the majority classified as XL for heavy loads, and the range is planned to expand to 98 SKUs covering 16 to 22 inches. Reflecting a commitment to sustainability, up to 40 percent of the tyre’s raw materials are renewable, recycled or ISCC PLUS certified. This advancement supports the company’s broader goal of increasing that proportion to 50 percent by 2030. Production takes place at the company's new facility in Oradea, Romania, recognised as the world's first full-scale tyre factory to operate with zero CO2 emissions in scopes 1 and 2, with select sizes also manufactured at the factory in Nokia, Finland.

The tyre’s performance capabilities were validated through extensive testing in both controlled and real-world environments. Winter testing was conducted at the Ivalo Test Center in Finnish Lapland to ensure high standards on snow and ice, while high-speed and wet performance evaluations took place at the Hakka Ring in Spain and the test track in Nokia, Finland. The Nokian Tyres Snowproof 3P becomes the flagship winter offering for Central and Southern European consumers, joining the Seasonproof 2 for all-season and the Powerproof 2 for summer in the company's latest product lineup.

The tyre features a Triple Zone Tread designed to enhance safety and control. This includes an Arctic Zone with 3D siping for improved snow grip, an Aqua Zone with a blade groove design to increase groove volume and resist aquaplaning and a Performance Zone with optimised geometry for enhanced directional stability and cornering precision. The Alpine Grip Compound incorporates a new generation of polymers and renewable resins, alongside the highest proportion of silica ever used by the company in a winter tyre for this market. This high silica content ensures responsiveness in cold temperatures, supports wet grip and contributes to lower rolling resistance for improved efficiency. The Power Lock Core utilises Performance Bead Rings to enhance stability and handling during sudden, high-speed manoeuvres.

Durability is addressed through the inclusion of Aramid Strong Sidewalls on all sizes 17 inches and above. These sidewalls embed lightweight aramid fibres, a material also used in defence and aerospace industries, to reinforce the tyre against impacts from potholes and road hazards and reduce the risk of punctures. A large rim protector is also incorporated to shield wheels from curb damage. The tyre is designed to seamlessly fit both internal combustion engine vehicles and electric vehicles, carrying the Electric Fit emblem to signify it has been developed and tested to meet the specific demands of EVs regarding weight, noise, torque and range. It also features SilentDrive Technology, which uses a layer of acoustic foam attached to the inner liner to dampen bothersome frequencies and provide a quieter, more comfortable cabin experience.

Tommi Alhola, Senior Vice President – Central Europe, Nokian Tyres, said, “As electric vehicles and SUVs become more popular in Europe, larger rim sizes and heavier loads are more prevalent than ever. The diverse size options and outstanding safety and performance properties of the Nokian Tyres Snowproof 3P meet the needs of Central and Southern European winter drivers as their vehicle choices evolve.”

Martin Dražík, Product Manager, Nokian Tyres, said, “We developed the Nokian Tyres Snowproof 3P to balance ultimate confidence with exciting performance. Central European consumers demand a product that keeps them safe in a wide array of winter conditions without sacrificing an enjoyable driving experience. We spent years preparing the Snowproof 3P to blend Nordic winter know-how with the unique properties needed to thrive in unpredictable winter conditions.”

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

Bridgestone will continue as a tyre supplier to the FIM Endurance World Championship (EWC) in 2026, extending its partnership with the series which began in 2017. The company will increase its involvement by equipping seven teams with its premium BATTLAX motorcycle tyres, a rise from the five teams supported the previous year. The seven teams are AutoRace Ube Racing Team, BMW Motorrad World Endurance Team, F.C.C. TSR Honda France, Kawasaki Webike Trickstar, KM99 Yamaha, Yamalube YART Yamaha EWC Official Team and Yoshimura SERT Motul.

This expanded role follows a highly successful 2025 season where a Bridgestone-equipped team, Yamalube YART Yamaha, claimed the EWC title. This victory marked the sixth championship win for a team using Bridgestone tyres and the fifth consecutive year of such dominance, with five of the top six overall positions occupied by Bridgestone-supported teams.

The BATTLAX racing tyres are the result of advanced engineering, utilising sophisticated materials and construction methods to provide superior grip, consistent performance and lasting durability. These qualities are essential for the demanding nature of endurance racing, which features events lasting up to a full day. Engineered to perform reliably in diverse weather and track conditions, the tyres give riders the confidence to maintain a competitive pace throughout each stint.

Bridgestone views the racetrack as a crucial development environment, using the extreme conditions of the EWC to rigorously test and refine its technology. With races ranging from 8 to 24 hours, the series places continuous, intense stress on tyres, offering a perfect setting to advance compound chemistry and construction techniques. This knowledge is then applied to consumer products under the company’s From Circuit to Street philosophy. The latest proof of this process is found in new additions to the BATTLAX family, including the track-only RACING BATTLAX V03 slick tyre and the road-legal BATTLAX RACING STREET RS12, both of which feature technology honed in the crucible of endurance competition.

Nico Thuy, Director Motorcycle, Bridgestone EMEA, said, “The FIM Endurance World Championship represents the ultimate proving ground for tyre performance, durability and innovation. The 2025 season once again demonstrated the consistency and capability of Bridgestone tyres under the toughest racing conditions. Following this success, we are proud to offer our expertise and top-performing tyres to seven teams for 2026.”

The 2026 EWC season schedule is as follows:

• 18 April: 24 Heures Motos, Le Mans, France
• 6 June: 8 Hours of Spa Motos, Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium
• 5 July: Cuca-Cola Suzuka 8 Hours, Suzuka race track, Japan
• 19 September: the Bol d'Or, Circuit Paul Ricard, France

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!

The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. has unveiled its comprehensive motorsports activity plan for the 2026 season. The company views its participation in global motorsports as essential for advancing tyre technology and reinforcing the ADVAN and GEOLANDAR brands. Its strategy encompasses a diverse range of events, from top-tier championships to grassroots competitions worldwide.

Key championships and series

• SUPER FORMULA: Yokohama Rubber has renewed its exclusive agreement as Official Tyre Partner and control tyre supplier for Japan's premier racing series, a partnership dating back to 2016. The new contract extends through the 2030 season. For 2026, the company will supply ADVAN racing tyres featuring a high renewable and recycled raw material ratio of approximately 46%. The series will also introduce the SUPER POLE QUALIFYING Supported by YOKOHAMA TYRE, a three-stage knockout format.
• SUPER GT: Yokohama will supply ADVAN racing tyres to one car in the GT500 class and 17 cars in the GT300 class, aiming for victories and a championship title in the latter.
• Nürburgring 24-Hour Race: Yokohama will supply ADVAN racing tyres to three teams: Haupt Racing Team, KONDO RACING with Rinaldi, and BMW M Motorsport. This marks the first collaboration with BMW M Motorsport in nearly 40 years, with ADVAN tyres fitted to two BMW cars entered by Schubert Motorsport and a special fan-focused BMW entry. Tyres will also be supplied for the Nürburgring Langstrecken-Serie (NLS).
• Porsche Sprint & Endurance Challenges: For the sixth consecutive year, ADVAN racing tyres will serve as the control tyre for the Porsche Sprint Challenge North America and Porsche Sprint Challenge USA West. It will also be the control tyre for the Porsche Endurance Challenge North America for the third straight year.
• Ford Mustang Cup: Yokohama will again supply ADVAN racing tyres as the control tyre for this one-make series, which features the Ford Mustang Dark Horse R.
• American Off-Road Racing Championship (AORC): Yokohama has become a supporting sponsor of this newly launched premier desert racing series. The company will supply GEOLANDAR tyres to top teams competing in the championship, which includes renowned races like Best in the Desert and The Mint 400.

Other major events and disciplines

• Hill Climb: At the Pikes Peak International Hill Climb, Yokohama will supply ADVAN racing tyres to top drivers and continue sponsoring and providing the control tyre for the Pikes Peak GT4 Trophy by Yokohama.
• Off-Road Races: Yokohama will seek a second consecutive overall win at the Asia Cross Country Rally (AXCR) using GEOLANDAR M/T G003 tyres. In North America, the company will support the King of the Hammers (as title sponsor of the Every Man Challenge), the Championship Off-Road series (with GEOLANDAR X-AT and A/T4 tyres), and the TrophyLite Series (supplying GEOLANDAR M/T G003 as the official specification tyre for the eighth year). They will also supply tyres for the XCR Sprint Cup Series in Japan.
• Rally: In the Japanese Rally Championship (JRCA), ADVAN rally tyres will be supplied to top JN-1 class teams, including the NUTAHARA Rally Team (with an ADVAN-coloured car) and SUBARU Team ARAI. Yokohama will also support the TOYOTA GAZOO Racing Rally Challenge for a second year.
• Drift: For FORMULA DRIFT JAPAN (FDJ), Yokohama will supply ADVAN NEOVA AD09 tyres to teams in the top FDJ class and provide control tyres (ADVAN NEOVA AD09 for FDJ2, ADVAN APEX V601 for FDJ3). The company will also supply ADVAN tyres to a team competing in the D1 GRAND PRIX.
• Speed Competitions: In Japan, Yokohama will supply ADVAN A052 and A050 tyres for the All Japan Gymkhana Championship and a range of ADVAN tyres for various surfaces in the All Japan Dirt Trial Championship.

Participatory & Grassroots: Yokohama will support grassroots events globally, including supplying ADVAN dB V553 tyres as the control tyre for the new CATERHAM CUP JAPAN. The company also announced its Yokohama Motorsports Scholarship 2026 programme to support participants in Japanese rally, gymkhana and dirt trial competitions.

Comments (0)

ADD COMMENT

Link Copied!