Top 3 Challenges in ADAS Calibration

For those unfamiliar with ADAS, or “Advanced Driving Support Systems,” it is a term that refers to vehicle electronic systems that use innovative tech such as radar, lidar, sonar, and cameras to aid the driver. Most of these supportive controls are focused on vehicle and driver safety. ADAS systems serve important roles in existing and future driverless vehicle systems and are classified into 6 Levels (Level 0 to Level 5).

Sensors in these advanced safety systems collect data about the environment around the vehicle. Sensors collect data that can be utilised to generate safety alerts. ADAS can also use sensor data to evaluate whether to temporarily regulate a vehicle’s brakes or steering for the purpose of driver safety. However, vehicle ADAS sensors, like any other sensors, are only as accurate as they are calibrated to be.

ADAS systems are generally calibrated by your OEM when you purchase the vehicle. However, they do require recalibration anytime you are involved in an accident. In this blog, we will discuss the common ADAS calibration challenges and how to tackle them.

Top 3 Challenges in ADAS Calibration

Here are the top challenges faced in ADAS calibration and how they can be addressed.

Challenge #1 Space Constraints In The Repair Facility 

One of the most significant challenges that auto shop operators encounter is a lack of space. Static ADAS calibrations necessitate a very specialised environment. Many current mechanical and collision repair facilities that are not designed to perform this type of static calibration will be limited by space.

SOLUTION:

Even if a shop isn’t large enough to provide ADAS services, it must find an ADAS solution for cars that come in for calibration. Here are a few things that can be done about it:

• Outsource calibration to a local third-party calibration lab.
• Renovation/expansion of the current facility

Challenge #2 Maintenance Staff Education & Training

Technicians who have been trained to perform ADAS calibrations are scarce. A dependable training source for staff is required to provide calibration services. Aside from that, making strategies to keep your team informed of potential policy and procedural changes is critical.

SOLUTION:

When it comes to ADAS calibration training, 

• Employees can be sent to OEM training sessions, 
• In-house training can be conducted, or 
• A contract with an outside supplier can be set up. 

Usually, a mix of all three is the best solution.

Challenge #3 Knowledge Of Calibration Equipment

Finding and obtaining the appropriate ADAS calibration equipment and software tools for your company might be difficult. This necessitates extensive research. Due to the complexity of OEM car manufacturer regulations, there is no cookie-cutter equipment ADAS calibration tool solution. Finding the right equipment for your company is critical.

SOLUTION:

Here are a few ideas to assist you to choose ADAS calibration equipment:

• The ideal answer is to perform your study and find the best equipment for the automobiles you will be working on.
• You are not the only one attempting to sort through calibrating equipment possibilities. Contact your network and inquire about the gear they use and whether they are satisfied with it.

The Importance of Precision in Calibrating ADAS

The role of precision in the functioning of ADAS has been extensively studied by the makers and users of this technology. It has been seen that:

• When something is off by a microscopic amount on a camera or radar, it has a huge influence on its capacity to sense what is in front of it or surrounding it. 
• If the system is attempting to steer the vehicle, a millimetre or two might mean the difference between going straight or not.
• Inadequately calibrated sensors and cameras, particularly on heavy-duty trucks, can have disastrous consequences.
• Even if a camera is off by 0.6 degrees, the reliability of the data received by the ADAS may suffer. In the case of a collision warning or automated braking system, this could imply that the car fails to stop in time to avoid a collision.
• Improperly calibrated front sensors associated with adaptive cruise control might cause the car to approach other vehicles too closely, making a safe ‘panic stop’ difficult. 
• In contrast, out-of-place sensors may cause the ADAS to become overly sensitive and issue needless corrections or warnings, defeating the purpose of the system altogether.