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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A new strategic partnership between Bridgestone and Kirkby Tyres is set to transform the availability and delivery of agricultural tyres throughout the UK. Kirkby Tyres, a celebrated wholesaler with over six decades in the industry, will now stock the entire Bridgestone and Firestone agricultural portfolio. This includes the acclaimed VT-TRACTOR, known for its soil-protective high flexion construction, the durable VX-TRACTOR, the newer VH-IND and VX-R TRACTOR models and the full Firestone line. The VX-R TRACTOR, for instance, is recognised for its stable performance across varying ground conditions and operator comfort.

The alliance prioritises the needs of end-users, including farmers, dealers and contractors, leveraging Kirkby Tyres’ formidable logistics and customer-centric philosophy. Operating from a substantial central facility in Liverpool, which features extensive covered warehousing, the company guarantees nationwide next-day delivery without mandating a minimum order. This capability ensures faster access and consistent year-round supply for customers.

Kirkby Tyres brings a distinguished reputation to this collaboration, having recently been named the UK's top tyre wholesaler by the National Tyre Distributors Association. Their proven expertise and reliable distribution network are central to this enhanced route to market, aiming to deliver products precisely where and when they are required.

David Almazan, Head of UK Region & Commercial Business Unit Director at Bridgestone, said, “This partnership is about putting farmers, our dealer network and contractors first. By working closely with Kirkby Tyres, we can ensure a more efficient access to our Bridgestone Agriculture products, backed by genuine expertise. Kirkby Tyres understands the realities of modern agriculture, and together we are perfectly positioned to support customers with premium tyre products that deliver performance, durability and confidence.”

Michael Rosenthal, Commercial Director, Kirkby Tyres, said, “Partnering with Bridgestone allows us to offer customers access to a historic premium brand and a complete agricultural tyre portfolio. By combining Bridgestone’s high-performance Agriculture tyres with our distribution expertise, we can help farmers reduce downtime and keep machines working when it matters most.”

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Ozzy Tyres has launched a new MONSTA all-terrain tyre, engineered to align with the actual driving patterns of modern Australians. As the nation's utility vehicle market expands, with models like the Ford Ranger dominating sales, a clear trend has emerged: most 4x4 owners primarily use their vehicles on sealed roads for daily commuting and family transport, venturing off-road only occasionally. Founder and Director Hussein Chahine identified this shift, noting a significant market gap for a tyre that delivers the rugged, aggressive aesthetic and off-road assurance drivers desire, but without the traditional compromises.

Conventional all-terrain tyres, optimised for extreme off-road conditions with large tread blocks, often generate excessive road noise, vibration and a harsh, stiff ride on pavement. Ozzy Tyres addressed this by rethinking the design from the ground up. After six months of dedicated research and development, the new MONSTA tyre features a pattern with narrower gaps and smooth, curved tread lines. This design maintains crucial off-road traction and durability while ensuring a quiet and stable on-road performance. Furthermore, engineered sidewalls provide greater compliance than typical all-terrain tyres, enhancing ride comfort and reducing strain on vehicle suspension.

This product underscores MONSTA’s unique position as the only Australian-owned tyre brand in the market, a status that enables a direct, customer-led approach to manufacturing. The company’s vertically integrated model allows it to respond swiftly to local driving trends and feedback, rather than relying on imported products designed for different conditions. Manufacturing has now commenced, beginning with 10 sizes and plans for more as demand grows. The brand’s organic international expansion into markets like Japan and New Zealand continues, but the new MONSTA tyre is distinctly born from an understanding of Australian habits.

Ultimately, the tyre is built for the reality of Australian lifestyles. It provides the confident, aggressive look and sidewall strength that 4x4 drivers want, coupled with the daily comfort of a smooth and quiet ride. Chahine emphasises that by designing and developing their own products, Ozzy Tyres maintains full control over quality and performance, ensuring the tyre resonates with drivers who no longer need to sacrifice on-road comfort for off-road capability.

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Yokohama Tire Corporation, a subsidiary of The Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd., has become a supporting sponsor for the new American Off-Road Racing Championship (AORC), which launches in 2026 as North America’s top desert racing series. The company will also equip competitors with its GEOLANDAR brand tyres for SUVs and pickup trucks.

The championship is a collaboration between Unlimited Off-Road Racing and the Best in the Desert Racing Association, consolidating several premier events, including the historic Best in the Desert series and the Mint 400. This five-race points championship will traverse demanding US desert courses, commencing with the Parker 400 in Arizona. As a sponsor, Yokohama Tire Corporation will deliver marketing and motorsport support throughout the series.

The provided tyres will include racing specifications derived from the GEOLANDAR M/T G003 mud-terrain model and overseas-market GEOLANDAR SD off-road racing tyres. Building on the proven track record of GEOLANDAR tyres in events now forming the AORC, TEAM YOKOHAMA is focused on securing series championships.

AORC Schedule

14–18 January: Parker 400 (Arizona)
4–8 March: Mint 400 (Nevada)
22–26 April: Silver State 300 (Nevada)
23–26 July: Vegas to Reno Legends Rally (Nevada) *Not included in AORC series points
13–16 August: Vegas To Reno (Nevada)
15–19 October: Laughlin Desert Classic (Nevada)

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Emerging as a direct answer to the mining industry's most persistent durability challenge, Triangle Tyre has comprehensively launched its groundbreaking giant OTR tyre bonding protection solution: EnsureX Efficient Technology. This innovation is specifically engineered for the world's most punishing environments, such as the Deo Nai coal mine in Vietnam's Quang Ninh province. There, extreme heat, prolonged humidity and rugged lignite terrain traditionally cause severe tyre ageing and delamination, leading to high failure rates and operational risk.

The core of EnsureX is a material science breakthrough that solves the critical problem of adhesion failure between rubber polymers and steel cords under heavy load and complex conditions. It centres on an ultra-high-performance cobalt-free bonding system paired with a gradient adhesion-layer distribution. This combination delivers transformative performance through three key pillars: exceptional fatigue resistance to handle constant deformation, enhanced ageing resistance that boosts adhesion strength by over 40 percent and long-lasting corrosion protection suited for harsh climates.

Already proven in rigorous field testing, the technology has been applied to 49-inch and 57-inch tyre series with remarkable results. It acts as a resilient mechanical anchor within the tyre's structure, deeply securing each steel cord to create a far more integrated and robust assembly. This engineering advancement reduces delamination failures by more than 95 percent and extends overall tyre service life by over 15 percent, directly addressing the costly cycle of premature scrapping.

The successful deployment of EnsureX Efficient Technology marks a significant leap forward in OTR tyre capability. By providing a stronger, more durable and stable solution, it not only elevates safety and efficiency for mining operations but also solidifies a new standard of performance through independent innovation in high-end tyre manufacturing.

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