The solution developed by Fraunhofer combines several automotive inspection modalities in a single system.
A team of researchers from the Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation has recently developed AutoInspect, a solution that combines a wide variety of inspection modalities in a single system and links all the results.
Quality inspections are an integral aspect of industrial manufacturing, and the quality of industrial production processes is ensured by a large number of sensor-based individual inspections that generates large amounts of data. However, all these data are usually stored separately from each other. The AutoInspect solution overcomes this issue by linking all of the data to create a consolidated overview.
The researchers have brought together a wide range of sensors, interfaces and software to create an easily adaptable all-in-one solution: AutoInspect provides a consolidated overview and
enables intelligent evaluation of all relevant inspection data and measured values. So, previously unrecognised interrelationships in the manufacturing process become visible and it is easier to identify the causes of faults.
“The wealth of data generated at the sensor-based inspection points constitutes a valuable treasure trove of hidden information. By linking them, we are able to unearth this treasure,” stated Henning Schulte, the project manager of AutoInspect.
AutoInspect is able to combine the inspection results with the respective location information. The technology creates a 3D mesh of the test object based on existing CAD models of the product and stores every measured value with reference to it. Moreover, it is possible to carry out manual inspections assisted by augmented reality.
The news technology has been developed with sensors for a 3D scan, as well as ellipsometry and deflectometry to determine the thickness of a surface coating by registering the polarisation state of reflected light and measure and inspects the shape of specular or high-gloss surfaces such as painted sheet metal.
“In this way, we are helping industrial customers to gain a better understanding of what are often complex production quality issues and to get to grips with them more quickly by enabling them to intelligently analyse all of the linked inspection data throughout the entire process. Any sensor or measuring device that is compatible with OPC UA can be easily integrated into AutoInspect via plug and play,” explained Schulte.
Fraunhofer will demonstrate the functionalities of AutoInspect at the Hannover Messe (Hall 5, Booth A06), that will take place from 30th
May to 2nd June 2022.