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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Italian bicycle tyre manufacturer Vittoria has expanded its RideArmor tyre lineup with a new 700×42c size, enhancing the versatility of its most durable and puncture-resistant road tyre. The addition addresses the evolving demands of modern endurance and gravel race bikes, which now feature greater tyre clearance and more compliant geometries. The larger volume improves vibration absorption, grip, stability and confidence while also delivering aerodynamic benefits on bikes designed for wider rubber.

The RideArmor’s construction centres on reliability for commuters, trainers, bikepackers and all-road riders. Its ArmorSkin sidewall layer shields against cuts and abrasions on rough surfaces, while a Kevlar bead-to-bead belt provides comprehensive puncture resistance across the entire tread. A Graphene + Silica compound and 100 TPI nylon casing further ensure high mileage, and a slick tread design keeps rolling resistance low for efficient riding.

All sizes are compatible with tubeless-ready and inner-tube setups and are e-bike ready. The tyre serves everyday cyclists needing dependable puncture protection, year-round trainers prioritising consistency over weight, bikepackers carrying gear far from home and gravel riders navigating mixed surfaces. The new 42 mm size joins the Corsa PRO Control in Vittoria’s wider road range, with both offered in 38 and 42 mm.

RideArmor remains Vittoria’s most resistant option, focused on durability, puncture protection and high mileage rather than racing performance. Available from 26 mm to 42 mm, it provides a reliable solution for daily road training, commuting, long-distance bikepacking and light-gravel adventures, offering complete peace of mind across diverse riding conditions.

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Nokian Tyres has announced that its Hakkapeliitta 01 studded winter tyre is now available for purchase at tyre shops worldwide, roughly six months after unveiling the product. The Hakkapeliitta 01 represents a significant step forward in the brand’s rich history, introducing On-Demand Grip technology that allows studs to enter ‘OFF’ and ‘ON’ modes in response to driving conditions.

The Hakkapeliitta 01 was introduced in March at Nokian Tyres' Ivalo Test Center, situated north of the Arctic Circle in Finland. Dealer pre-sales for the tyre outperformed the company's expectations, a result highlighted in Nokian Tyres' half-year financial report. Designed for passenger cars, crossovers and sport utility vehicles, the new tyre is aimed primarily at the Nordic markets of Finland, Sweden and Norway, alongside United States, Canada and Japan.

The commercial launch coincides with the 90th anniversary of the Hakkapeliitta product family. Nokian Tyres has tested tyres at its Ivalo facility, one of the world's largest company-owned proving grounds and located about 235 kilometres north of the Arctic Circle, since 1986. Throughout the winter season, the company is sharing information and content across its sales markets and globally to build awareness of the new tyre. Consumers in the Nordics, North America and Central Europe can purchase Hakkapeliitta models, including the Hakkapeliitta 01, at tyre shops this fall.

Paolo Pompei, President and CEO, Nokian Tyres, said, “We are very pleased about the development of the Nokian Tyres Hakkapeliitta 01, which delivered good pre-sales in recent months. Its ability to adapt to changing winter conditions makes it popular with tyre dealers and an excellent choice for consumers who face challenging winter weather.”

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Goodyear has launched a ‘Golden Ticket’ sweepstakes offering one lucky enthusiast and a guest the chance to fly on the iconic Goodyear Blimp. The promotion runs from 15 September through 15 October 2026.

Participants can enter by purchasing a set of four Goodyear tyres through Goodyear.com or at Goodyear Auto Service and Just Tires stores, then submitting the entry form on the dedicated sweepstakes page. A random drawing will determine the winner, who will receive a flight certificate for two passengers.

The certificate can be redeemed at any of Goodyear’s three US airship bases: Akron, Ohio; Carson, California or Pompano Beach, Florida. The sweepstakes arrives as summer ends and weather becomes less predictable, encouraging drivers to prepare their vehicles.

Eligible purchases span Goodyear’s portfolio, including the Eagle F1 All Season, Wrangler Outbound AT, Assurance WeatherReady 2 and ElectricDrive 2. Buyers using Goodyear.com may also select Goodyear Mobile Garage, which dispatches a van and certified technician to install tyres at a chosen location. To enter without making a purchase, persons may submit an entry via the Official Entry Form.

David Cichocki, Managing Director, Americas & Chief Sales Officer at Goodyear, said, "We've been known to say, 'Blimps Are Cool. Buy Tires’, and this sweepstakes brings those two things together in a memorable way. Whether you purchase from the comfort of home through Goodyear.com or visit a Goodyear Auto Service or Just Tires location, you'll be driving on tyres you can brag about and have the chance to experience something truly iconic – a ride on the Goodyear Blimp."

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Continental has broadened its Conti Scandinavia winter tyre lineup with a new 315/60 R 22.5 steering axle tyre. The range is engineered for demanding winter road conditions, delivering dependable traction on snow, ice and wet surfaces while sustaining high mileage and efficient rolling performance. Retread solutions complement the portfolio to support long-term tyre management.

Developed specifically for challenging winter environments, the Conti Scandinavia family covers various axle positions. Optimised tread patterns and winter compounds provide traction and handling on snow-covered, icy and wet roads while meeting the durability demands of regional and long-haul transport. Continental's two-layer sipe technology plays a central role, supporting traction, driving stability and handling throughout the tyre's service life while contributing to mileage and rolling efficiency.

Special tread compounds stay flexible at low temperatures, maintaining grip without sacrificing operational performance. Low noise levels and year-round applicability add further versatility. Hinnerk Kaiser, Head of Bus and Truck Tyre Development at Continental, noted that winter tyres must deliver reliable traction and handling in challenging conditions without compromising mileage or efficiency, and that the Conti Scandinavia portfolio addresses these requirements while the new dimension expands customer choice.

The added 315/60 R 22.5 steering axle tyre strengthens Continental's winter offering for commercial vehicles and widens the portfolio's application range, giving customers greater flexibility in tyre configuration. Alongside new tyres, retreading extends casing utilisation, allowing fleet operators to maximise tyre assets over a longer period while upholding commercial transport performance requirements.

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