Michelin unveils automated tire regrooving system

Hanover, Germany – Michelin has unveiled an automated tire regrooving system which it claims could increase workshop regrooving capacity by up to 50%.

Presented at IAA Transportation 2026 in Hanover 14 Sept, the Nazca machine automates the regrooving of truck, bus and coach tires, a process which Michelin noted had "remained manual to this day."

The system uses a "high-resolution laser scanner" and "advanced algorithms" to measure tires, model deformation and wear patterns.

As the geometry of each tire is unique, Michelin said Nazca "continuously adjusts" cutting depth across the width and circumference of the tire in real time.

The technology, it added, is intended to deliver "high quality, reliability and repeatability" while allowing operators to maximise the working life of tires.

After a year of real-world testing, Michelin said it estimated that Nazca could increase workshop regrooving capacity by 30-50%, depending on operating conditions.

Each regrooving operation requires "less than three minutes" of hands-on technician time, freeing staff to undertake alignment, repairs and tire fitting, the tire maker added.

The system has been tested at three Euromaster branches, where more than 400 regrooving operations were completed over a cumulative one-year period.

According to Michelin, Nazca is compatible with a wide range of tire brands and sizes with casings suitable for regrooving.

Michelin said nearly 20 machines are currently undergoing pilot testing across Europe.

The French group intends to roll out the innovation "in several countries" during 2027, with commercial launch to be "gradual and adapted to the specific characteristics of each market."