Michelin shows automated tire inspection scanner TireStation

ProovStation and Michelin unveiled TireStation, a fast and reliable solution for automated tire inspection, at the CES in Las Vegas. Combining the expertise and know–how of both companies, the system optimizes professional tire inspection.

According to both companies, TireStation is a turnkey tire diagnosis solution for professionals with a wide range of advantages: improved measurement reliability, ease to use, increased productivity, smoother customer service, and others.

Founded in 2018, ProovStation is a European leader in Artificial Intelligence–assisted automotive inspection solutions. Based in Lyon (France), the company develops a high–tech automotive scanner to support automotive professionals in the digital transformation, automation, and standardization of their used vehicle evaluation process. ProovStation industrializes a previously manual, subjective, and time–consuming process thanks to its computer vision-based technology and know-how.

Test procedure

How does it work? The vehicle is driven through a scanning and photographic system that provides critical information: the automatic and magnetic measurement of the tires’ tread depth via the Michelin QuickScan stabs, the dimensions and brands of the tires thanks to the sidewall photography, and the vehicle’s registration number.

Based on the data collected and powerful algorithms, an instant report is generated to show the tire wear and potential geometry vehicle issues. The receptionist can use it afterward to suggest or anticipate any tire operation, replace or rotate tires or even adjust alignment.

Developed by the two companies since January 2022, TireStation is the fruit of a more extensive two–year partnership between the two leading players in the field. ProovStation’s automatic car inspection solution has been enhanced with the Michelin QuickScan technology since 2020. Thanks to the integrated magnetic tire scanner, automatic and instantaneous tire control with millimeter precision is now possible in less than five seconds.

Right service at the right time

“In the future, tire inspection will be mostly digital and automated,” said Sébastien Masseret at Michelin. “For the first time, our QuickScan technology is available in an integrated solution for the automotive after–sales. Furthermore, TireStation proves a fruitful and complementary mix of expertise between Michelin and ProovStation.”

“Today, automotive players must adapt to the challenges linked to changing consumer behavior and the emergence of electric vehicles, which will have a huge impact on future workshop traffic,” Cédric Bernard, CEO of Proovstation, added.

“The objective of this digitalization is to optimize each after–sales entry by offering the right service, at the right time, and the right price while improving the customer experience and satisfaction. TireStation’s joint innovation provides a true solution for our customers to achieve this goal.”