Continental has introduced seven autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) at its ContiLifeCycle retreading plant in Hanover-Stöcken, Germany, automating internal transport tasks within its hot retreading operations.
The robots, which have been in service since March 2025, move green tires between production stations to reduce manual handling and support the company’s Industry 4.0 strategy.
The AMRs handle repetitive movements between tire-building machines, curing presses and quality-control areas, connecting directly to the plant’s digital order management system.
Continental said the robots navigate using sensors, 360-degree cameras and AI-based software at speeds of up to two metres per second, replacing manual movement of loads that can reach 250 kilograms.
Felix Hantelmann, plant manager, said the introduction of AMRs frees operators for higher-value activities, noting they allow workers to focus on machine setup and inspections. The previous workflow relied on cranes and trolleys for transporting heavy tires.
The automated process integrates multiple steps in hot retreading, including applying new rubber to buffed carcasses, transporting green tires to curing presses and moving vulcanized tires to final inspection.
Continental said the system improves sequencing and reduces manual intervention during production. Employees received training during the rollout and named the robots—such as Cargo Knight and Rubber Ranger—to support workforce acceptance.
Continental said retreading can reuse up to 70% of an original truck or bus tire while meeting performance requirements for new products. The Hanover facility has processed more than one million tires since 2013, while Continental’s global retreading operations handle around eight million tires annually. The company has deployed similar AMR systems in plants across North America, Europe and Asia.
