Nexen Tire rolls out AI-based tire product inspection system

Published: December 16, 2024

Nexen Tire America has developed and began implementing its AI-based automated tire product inspection system. Nexen Tire said its AI-based automated product inspection system is applied to non-destructive inspection equipment using machine vision technology (a technology that recognizes and analyzes visual information through cameras). This includes ‘X-ray inspection equipment’ for detecting structural defects and ‘laser interferometry inspection equipment (Shearography)’ for detecting air bubbles, according to Nexen. The AI assists in interpreting inspection images, which previously relied on human visual assessment.

In particular, the system has achieved a defect detection reproducibility rate of up to 99.96%, Nexen said.

Furthermore, Nexen Tire said it has enhanced the system’s practicality by automating the entire process of AI training and application. To ensure the system’s practicality, Nexen Tire said it collaborated with Neurocell Inc., known for its AutoML (machine learning automation) solutions, and PDS Solution Inc., specialized in tire design, analysis, and data processing, from the design phase onward. Nexen Tire applied Machine Learning Operations (MLOps) technology, which optimizes and automates the entire lifecycle of AI models—including selective data collection for AI training, AI model training, model validation, actual application, and post-deployment monitoring—and implemented a platform-based system.

According to Nexen, this approach reduced the time it took to create a deep learning model creation from 6 to 12 months to as few as two days. The platform-based system also enabled immediate application to new factories or equipment, Nexen said. In fact, AI trained with data from the factory where the automated inspection system was implemented aided in the early stabilization of systems introduced in other factories.