Originally published by Vehicle Service Pros Sept. 25, 2024
“Be precise. A lack of precision is dangerous when the margin of error is so small.”
Though Donald Rumsfield wasn’t referring to ADAS calibrations here, the quote couldn’t be more relevant. The precision needed when positioning and calibrating an ADAS component is paramount. If the aim of a camera is off by just one degree, the system’s “field of vision” could be off by 8 feet at 100 feet distance; if a radar sensor is misaligned by as little as 0.6 degrees, it could be the difference between a safety system that applies the brake in enough time and with enough pressure to avoid a crash and one that does not.
That pursuit of repeatable, absolute precision is at the heart of Autel’s latest ADAS calibration system, the IA1000. Built on the innovation that is the all-in-one IA900 wheel alignment and ADAS calibration with its high-resolution positioning cameras for optical target placement and unlevel floor compensation, robotic crossbar, and optimized OE-sourced workflow, the IA1000 takes automation to a new level with a robotic center column that moves on its base to match the OE’s specified pitch, roll, and yaw. Gone are the fine-tuning knobs the technician would need to make the final precise adjustments. And gone, too, are the inaccuracies of human, manual inputs.
The IA1000 is all about efficiency, too. As an option, the unit can be shipped with two digital target monitors. Once the unit finishes its frame placement, the vehicle-specific targets will automatically display on the monitors. The whole pre-calibration has been optimized and automated. There’s no wasted time here. “Once the placement is complete, the targets will display digitally automatically. The right target is placed perfectly every single time. No technician input required, ” Putrino said.
The IA1000 is available with the traditional physical Autel targets and patterns and is compatible with the targets and patterns of the previous Autel ADAS calibration systems.
But let’s go back to placement for a moment. If you allow me to gush and geek out a bit, that’s where the magic happens. And I promise you, once you see it in action, you’ll agree. With the IA1000, the position placement range has been greatly expanded: “It’s 10 times greater than the IA900 placement range, from 10mm to 100 mm,” Putrino said. Once “roughly” placed in front of the vehicle, the unit’s center column automatically maneuvers on its base. “One touch and the frame will twist, pitch, yaw, and roll until perfectly positioned, target height and distance,” Putrino said. One-touch precision.
Efficiencies and accuracy gained by using an ADAS calibration system that automatically adjusts its pitch, yaw, and roll to compensate for shop environments’ unlevel flooring conditions and obstacles, including drainage, divets, and simple wear, can’t be overstated.
A product often identifies its market or markets, so I don’t want to set its limitations. But out of the box, the IA1000 seems destined to find immediate and true success in high-volume collision and calibration centers, and yes, dealerships, where there’s no time for fine-tune adjustments and technician missteps.
The IA1000, of course, features all the industry-leading, first-to-market vehicle and safety system coverage Autel users have come to expect from its ADAS calibration products.
Expect the IA1000 to start shipping in early 2025. Until then, visit Autel.com for the latest news on its release and all the latest offerings from Autel. If you want to add ADAS calibrations to your shop, visit our Contact An ADAS Expert form and schedule an appointment with one of our ADAS experts.
