Connected workshop equipment: Is your workshop ready for the future?

Modern vehicles are equipped with a variety of sensors and electronic components. And it's very unlikely that the number will decrease over the next few years. However, electronic challenges are not the only aspects affecting the future of independent automotive workshops: The future is increasingly online, connected and sometimes even smart. ?

Professional diagnosis has always been essential for identifying and fixing faults and problems in a vehicle. The more sophisticated the technology, the more complicated the diagnosis becomes without a diagnostic tool. In some systems, it is no longer possible. Whether via USB, Bluetooth, Wifi or network cable - most modern diagnostic devices are not only able to transfer data and install software updates, but are also a big help in day-to-day workshop operations, provided that they are also kept up to date with constant updates.

ADAS calibration in independent automotive workshops

The calibration of driver assistance systems (ADAS - Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) is becoming an increasingly important part of vehicle maintenance. These systems include cameras, sensors and radar units. They work in networked operation and not only have to be reconnected professionally, but also have to be calibrated during a repair. Software updates can optimise the systems or functionality. ?

Inaccurate calibration of these systems can result in malfunctions and accidents. It is therefore important that automotive workshops have the right calibration equipment to carry out precise calibration. After replacing the windscreen or during repairs following an accident, for example.

Augmented reality: Completely new possibilities

Augmented reality (AR) opens up completely new possibilities in day-to-day workshop operations. AR is a computer-supported representation, where the real world is expanded with virtual aspects. One example of the use of Augmented Reality (AR) in independent vehicle workshops is special AR glasses (so-called "Smart Glasses") used by vehicle mechatronics engineers. This enables the engineers to consult specialist experts in technical call centres in real time: The experts can see everything that the AR glasses can see and can give instructions or tips, as well as show markings or videos on the smart glasses monitors to guide the engineers during complicated assembly work. Particularly now, when vehicle technology is becoming ever more complex, augmented reality could make an important contribution to efficient work in automotive workshops in the future.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is also moving into the workshop. In the near future, networked testing and calibration tools will come to the market, which, for example, will be able to identify the vehicle based on the number plate, provided it is stored in the database, and make all settings in advance. The automatic detection of the vehicle enables all parameters to be detected and calibrated correctly. This networked technology virtually rules out errors during setting. Since each car manufacturer has its own procedures, the setting tools can guide the user through the calibration step-by-step or perform some steps independently.

Security gateways and over-the-air updates

The safety of vehicles is also guaranteed through regular updates. Car manufacturers provide software updates that can fix problems relevant to safety. It is therefore important that automotive workshops have access to these updates and are able to install them on their customers' vehicles. Most modern vehicles have security gateways that control access to vehicle electronics. The workshop therefore requires authorisation to be able to access these systems.

Over-the-air updates (OTA) are part of modern vehicle maintenance. These updates are sent wirelessly to the vehicle and may contain troubleshooting solutions, security updates and even functional expansions. The workshop requires a stable Wi-Fi connection to carry out these updates.

The challenges for independent vehicle workshops therefore don't look set to reduce in the future. To remain successful, businesses should be open to the new developments and see them as an opportunity.

Herth+Buss also offers items for networked workshop equipment. Further information is available here: https://herthundbuss.com/thema/autel/

Moritz Nolte , external editor for Herth+Buss

Whether blogs, Facebook or Xing: as a marketing specialist and automotive blogger, I assist companies in the automotive sector with all of their questions related to social media. As a business engineer with a focus on automotive business and automotive technology, I decided to set my professional sights on the automotive industry at an early stage. I’ve been dealing with blogs and social media communication since 2006. I started my own blog back then as well – on the topic of cars, of course. Shortly after that, I completed my dissertation at Adam Opel AG, which I dedicated to marketing communication via social media channels. I went freelance in 2013 after spending five years working at “Auto Bild”. Since then, I’ve been assisting and advising vehicle manufacturers and suppliers with all concerns related to blogs and social media.