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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Tegeta Green Planet, in collaboration with Shine Energy, recently conducted an environmental awareness session for students in grades one through three at Pirveli School-Gymnasium. The initiative employed an interactive and age-appropriate methodology to introduce young learners to fundamental ecological concepts.

The curriculum covered the detrimental effects of littering, the necessity of specialised disposal for waste tyres, used oil and batteries and the broader importance of resource conservation. Students were also taught practical, daily actions that contribute to environmental preservation and were shown how individual responsibility can collectively forge a cleaner future. The educational experience was reinforced through a participatory game that allowed children to engage with environmental topics via practical examples.

Upon concluding the programme, each student received a certificate and a symbolic gift. This activity aligns with the organisations' ongoing commitment to fostering environmental stewardship among youth, a priority that sees them regularly visiting schools to deliver engaging educational content. Such initiatives are designed to cultivate a sense of ecological responsibility from an early age, encouraging children to integrate nature conservation into their daily routines.

Established in 2022, Tegeta Green Planet operates as one of Georgia’s first authorised Extended Producer Responsibility organisations. The company offers membership to any business or individual entrepreneur subject to the nation’s EPR legislation, irrespective of their operational scale.

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Pirelli P Zero has made a prominent return to the Goodwood Festival of Speed, reinforcing its status as a leading choice for premium manufacturers. The 2026 edition features numerous high-performance vehicles equipped with tyres from the revitalised P Zero family. This widespread adoption underscores the range’s appeal, supported by over 300 homologations secured for the latest products across diverse vehicle types that prioritise performance, safety and driving enjoyment. The complete renewal of the P Zero line, initiated in 2023, is now showcased as original equipment on many contemporary models.

The festival highlights several bespoke applications, starting with the Ferrari Luce. For this model, Pirelli engineered a custom P Zero E tyre, merging high performance with over 55 percent bio-based and recycled materials in a record-setting 24-inch format. The semi-slick P Zero Trofeo RS appears on the Bentley Supersports, Porsche Taycan Turbo GT and BMW M2, while the Pagani Utopia Roadster adopts this tyre alongside the Cyber Tyre system, enabling direct communication with vehicle electronics.

The luxury electric segment is represented by the Rolls-Royce Spectre and Jaguar Type 01, both utilising P Zero Elect tyres with diameters reaching 23 inches. The P Zero Trofeo RS is also fitted to the Koenigsegg Sadair's Spear megacar and its LEGO Technic replica, the latter achieving a record of 111 kilometres per hour on the Goodwood Hillclimb.

All P Zero tyres share a technological foundation rooted in motorsport, serving as Pirelli’s primary testing ground. The company’s participation in over 350 racing events annually, including Formula 1, facilitates the transfer of innovations like virtual development processes to road tyre production. This continuous cycle ensures the P Zero range remains at the forefront of tyre technology for both track and street applications.

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Titan International, Inc. has officially introduced the new Titan ForestEDGE tyre line, engineered to meet the severe demands of contemporary forestry work. This release broadens the company’s existing forestry portfolio, positioning the ForestEDGE as a dependable and economically conscious alternative alongside its established Goodyear Logger Lug series. The tyre is specifically tailored for critical machinery including skidders and feller bunchers.

Engineered with a heavy-duty steel-belt package, the tyre resists damage from rocks, stumps and debris, while a specialised rubber compound promotes even tread wear and extended service life. Backed by Titan’s extensive engineering and field-testing heritage, the tyre offers boots-on-the-ground reliability. This combination of rugged construction and proven performance provides a practical option for fleet managers aiming to balance productivity with reduced operating expenses.

The ForestEDGE line is now available for ordering through authorised dealers in sizes 30.5L-32 and DH35.5L-32. Additionally, the 24.5-32 size is currently open for pre-orders, with shipments expected to begin in the third quarter of the calendar year.

Matt Werstein, Product & Engineering R&D Manager – OTR, Titan, said, “Forestry environments are often extreme. With the Titan ForestEDGE, we set out to provide a tyre that not only stands up to some of the worst conditions but also helps boost productivity and lower total operating costs. After extensive field testing, we're confident that the ForestEDGE line delivers the durability and value operators need to keep their machines moving.”

Andrew Hogan, Director – Pricing and Product Strategy, Titan, said, “Forestry work is demanding, not just on people but also on equipment and tyres. We worked closely with customers and dealers to understand where current solutions were falling short. The ForestEDGE is the result: a tyre line that’s tough, dependable and built around the realities of modern forestry work.”

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Kumho Tire U.S.A. is addressing the evolving demands of the American automotive market, where light trucks, including pickups, SUVs and crossovers, now represent 80 percent of new vehicle sales. As this segment continues to expand, the complexity of selecting the appropriate tyre has increased for owners. In response, Kumho is promoting its Road Venture family, which utilises a straightforward nomenclature and clear performance tiers to guide consumers towards the optimal choice for their specific lifestyle and driving requirements.

The Road Venture series is comprised of four specialised models, each engineered for a distinct driving environment. These include the highway-focused HT, the versatile AT52 for all-terrain use, the RT for enhanced off-road capability and the MT71, which is designed for maximum traction in mud-terrain conditions. This structured approach allows drivers to easily navigate the selection process based on their primary usage patterns.

Engineered predominantly for paved surfaces, the new Road Venture HT is an all-season highway-terrain tyre that prioritises a quiet, comfortable ride and dependable performance in diverse weather conditions. It holds the Three-Peak Mountain Snowflake certification for severe winter service and is backed by a limited treadwear warranty of 75,000 miles for P-metric sizes and 50,000 miles for LT-metric sizes, aligning its durability with higher-priced competitors.

For those requiring a compromise between on-road civility and off-road exploration, the Road Venture AT52 offers an all-terrain solution that manages dirt and gravel while maintaining low noise levels. It also carries the 3PMSF rating and comes with a 55,000-mile warranty for P-metric and 50,000 for LT-metric sizes. Bridging the gap between all-terrain and mud-terrain tyres, the new Road Venture RT provides rugged-terrain traction without forfeiting on-road refinement, supported by a 50,000-mile warranty. The lineup culminates with the MT71, featuring aggressive tread blocks and stone ejectors for superior grip in mud and rocky environments, catering to serious off-road enthusiasts.

Carolina Wagner, Vice President – Marketing, Kumho Tire U.S.A., said. "Tyres are one of the most important safety components on any vehicle, yet many consumers find the tyre shopping process overwhelming because of the sheer number of options available. Our Road Venture lineup was designed with a simple naming structure and clear performance distinctions to help drivers confidently choose the tyre that best fits their lifestyle and driving needs, whether they spend most of their time on the highway, explore trails on weekends or tackle demanding off-road terrain."

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