Hankook Tire Co. Ltd. says it is applying an automatic inspection system based on artificial intelligence (AI) technology and digital sensors "to leverage efficiency and consistency at the final stage of product testing."
According to Hankook officials, "to ensure driver safety, Hankook’s trained experts conduct a variety of tests with advanced equipment during the entire inspection process. In particular, three thorough inspections are performed at the final stage to detect any possible defects: internal inspection using Interferometer Tire Tester (ITT) to detect existence of air bubbles inside tires; x-ray inspection to closely examine the inside of tires; and external inspection.
"Image processing is used to detect any defects which can be challenging at times because air bubbles are not the same shape or size. Before this process, highly skilled technicians with years of experience had to make judgements based on their expertise. From now on, Hankook will apply the newly developed automatic inspection system to the ITT, with the help from the AI technology".
This, say Hankook officials, will "systematically find any defects in nonconforming patterns which will accelerate the process.
"This new technology will not only maximize consistency and efficiency of the internal inspection using ITT, but also improve facility operation rate by reducing the decision-making time".
Hankook plans to apply AI technology to x-ray inspection and external inspection, as well.
"The development of the automatic inspection system is yet another feature aligned to such innovation, making it possible for us to secure a leading position in digital transformation in this fast-changing business environment,” notes Hyunshick Cho, vice chairman and president of Hankook Technology Group. “We will continue to pursue innovation and advance towards a global top-tier company.”
