A tire defect detection system for detecting defects in a tire. The system includes at least one infrared camera, a pneumatic source and a computing device. The pneumatic source inflates the tire to a predetermined pressure. After inflation, the infrared camera captures a reference frame of a section of the tire. A period of time after capturing the reference frame, the infrared camera captures a subsequent frame. The subsequent frame is compared to the reference frame to detect a portion of the section of the tire that has a lower temperature. The lower temperature is caused by an escape of air from the tire through a defect. The escaping air cools the area of the tire around the defect, so a decrease in temperature indicates the defect.

A tyre changing apparatus (1) comprises: a frame (10); a supporting element (11) for supporting a wheel (2) rotatably about an axis of rotation (A); an arm (12) movably connected to the frame (10) to be moved by an actuator (5B, 5B) along a direction of movement (B) parallel to the axis of rotation (A); a bead breaker tool (13) connected to the arm (12) to move between an activated position, where it is in contact with the tyre (3), and a deactivated position, where it is spaced from the tyre (3); a control unit (14). The bead breaker tool (13) includes a mounting element (13A) and a bead breaker disc (13B) which rotates freely relative to the mounting element (13A) and comprises a sensor (131), configured to generate a contact signal (132) representing a rotation of the bead breaker disc (13B) relative to the mounting element (13A); the control unit (14) is connected to the sensor (131) to receive the contact signal (132).

The present disclosure pertains to apparatuses and methods for servicing a motor vehicle wheel or rim, which employ AI-based image processing. Employing AI-based image processing may help to enhance the speed, quality and safety of a tire servicing procedure. A method is provided which comprises the step of creating one or more images covering at least a portion of an apparatus for servicing the motor vehicle wheel or rim; and the step of applying an AI-based model to the one or more images. In some implementations, the step of applying an AI-based model comprises the sub-step of determining a current configuration of the apparatus and/or the vehicle rim. Moreover, an apparatus for servicing a motor vehicle wheel or rim is provided, which is specifically adapted for performing such methods.