Un robot mécanicien change les quatre pneus d'une voiture en 15 minutes, selon son fabricant

According to PitPro Automation, its machine takes off a vehicle's four tyres, fits the new ones, balances them and sets the alignment in just 15 minutes. The company says this is three or four times faster than a mechanic.

In a video from the start-up, the car sits on a lift between two huge yellow cubes. Sensors locate the wheel nuts, unscrew them, remove the wheel and set it on the floor. The machine then repeats the process on the other three.

PitPro's founder justifies the robot by the physical toll of the trade, which damages backs and causes workplace accidents. He tells the story of a garage that had to raise wages after the fast-food restaurant across the road took half of its employees.

The system has just been installed in a Calgary garage that belongs to a chain. The chain says its mechanics will not be replaced: they will have more time for other tasks, such as looking after customers.