Analysing technology solutions for automotive

Products for testing and alignment at the end-of-line implement the quality requirements and avoid external test drives.
Dr Thomas Tentrup, Director Development, Dürr Assembly Products GmbH

Dr Thomas Tentrup, Director Development at Dürr Assembly Products GmbH, talks about how the test and measurement (T&M) market for the automotive sector, especially autonomous driving vehicles, is undergoing a huge transformation with disruptive technologies and sensors.

What are the opportunities and challenges in the test and measurement (T&M) sector?
One of the most important challenges is the alignment of sensors for the “Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS)” like radar and cameras, especially with regards to the driving direction of the vehicle. In addition, the overall system of ADAS sensors and connected actors like braking system and steering system must function just as perfectly in interaction as each individual component on its own. This has to be functionally evaluated on test benches in the end-of-line area of the production plant. With the right testing technology solutions for end-of-line, the vehicle manufacturer has the chance to achieve a perfect vehicle in terms of quality and reliability.

What are the new technologies being launched in the T&M market? Please delve on your new products for this sector.
Dürr just launched the new product “x-3Dsurface”, a contactless sensor that measures chassis geometries with maximum precision and a unique level of flexibility being achieved in the area of measuring and testing. On the basis of stereophotogrammetry, the system measures the entire side surface of the wheel as well as the wheel arch edge. Structured LED light allows for precisely stable and all-time reproducible measurement, which is independent of the car body shape and tyre geometry.

The multi-sensor calibration test stand “x-around” ensures the correct alignment of ADAS sensors around the vehicle at the end-of-line. It is perfectly suited to calibrate the next generation of driver assistance systems. This is due to innovations such as monitors that display static and dynamic calibration patterns as well as an unprecedented concept for flexible positioning of the calibration devices around the vehicle. Additionally, the multi-function test stand“x-road curve” enables dynamic function tests for autonomous vehicles including steering, for example, the driving behaviour in typical traffic situations.

How can T&M products contribute to sustainability and efficiency?
Products for testing and alignment at the end-of-line implement the quality requirements and avoid external test drives, especially for autonomously driving vehicles. These end-of-line tests eliminate the risks of quality and security problems in the field and guarantee the desired production efficiency.