THROUGH THE LENS
Bosch’s automotive service solutions division has been using virtual reality technology to teach technicians how to properly calibrate cutting-edge advanced driver assistance systems and other repair techniques. Shawn Dupuie, Bosch training solutions manager for North America, said Bosch is currently working on three different learning platforms. The first platform is a partnered project with Ford Motor Company. In February, Bosch partnered with Ford to create a virtual reality headset as a tool for teaching service techs how to work on the upcoming Mustang Mach-E electric crossover. The technology allows for techs to learn how to diagnose and perform service related to high-voltage systems, wearing a virtual reality headset.
The second project is like the platform used by Ford but with Bosch’s own VR training content, where Bosch does live remote training through the HoloLens— Microsoft’s VR headset—or tablet. The third, Bosch Remote Assist, is the company’s newest project that also uses HoloLens and allows for individuals to interact with a real-life trainer. The program is all done through a Microsoft platform created by Bosch’s software engineers. The Remote Assist allows for certified technicians to interact with the students through Microsoft Teams, where the teacher can draw augmented visuals on the virtual whiteboard, create augmented graphics, and provide assignments that can be completed from home.
HERE COMES THE SUN
Sun Collision Repair Information has expanded its coverage and enhanced its features to make it easier to access Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) repair information. Sun Collision Repair Information provides complete, accurate data that collision repair facilities can trust to repair any vehicle, in any condition—inside and outside—with maximum efficiency.
As vehicle technology advances, the line between collision and mechanical repair work is blurring. When a collision occurs, any damage to that body and frame is likely to have also damaged the sensors, camera, and other mechanical components that must be repaired, and or recalibrated to return the vehicle to safe operating conditions.
BATTERED BATTERY
It has been a hectic 2020 and this winter it is most certainly going to cause even more stress, however, you can avoid some stress by learning to avoid dead car batteries during the winter months. CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) is alerting drivers that dead car batteries will be the main concern this winter, especially with vehicles staying idle for long stretches of time. Last year, CAA SCO saw a total of 354,480 battery-related calls, a 34 per cent increase over the last two years; and the number is expected to go up this year.
Cars and trucks contain thousands of complex electrical systems. Anti-theft systems, remote keyless entry gear, and even those cell phone charges plugged into a 12-volt socket can draw power even when not in use. A battery check usually takes only 30 minutes and can range from $30 to $50 at automotive facilities across Ontario.
MECHANICAL MISUNDERSTANDING
A Statistics Canada study was conducted on the rise and fall of employment due to automated, or robotic, workers since the late 1990s, and the results may surprise you. Although the dominant strain of thought is that increasing automated workers will leave less jobs for humans, this has not been the case in Canada.
The study suggests companies that automate their work, or buy robots, do so to improve their product and service quality rather than to reduce labour costs. The companies that opted for automated workers were more likely to expand their production, but cut more managers, giving the employees a stronger voice when it comes to control over decisions and performance incentives.
TRAILER PARKED TOYS
Canadians across the country may have the opportunity to get behind the wheel of an electric vehicle for free, as part of Plug’n Drive’s newly introduced MEET initiative. MEET, the Mobile EV Education Trailer will be travelling the country, setting up at specific locations to provide Canadians with a hands-on experience with an electric vehicle (EV) through free test drives as well as a number of educational opportunities.
The program receives a portion of its funding from Natural Resources Canada as well as several OEMs and charging station developers. The MEET was set up in Ottawa, until Nov. 29. Other locations will be announced as the project continues. The vehicles available for test-drives are all-electrics or plug-in hybrids (PHEV) and include the BMW 330e, Chevrolet Bolt, Ford Fusion Energi, Honda Clarity PHEV, Kia Niro, and Volvo XC60 T8.
QAPTER’S NEW CHAPTER
Solera Holdings Inc. and Google Cloud have teamed up to develop an update to Solera’s Qapter claims management software that is expected to launch the app to the world stage. In collaboration with Google’s Cloud infrastructure, the team at Solera has put together an update for its Qapter software that allows the program to scale globally for any vehicle make and model.
Solera is able to tap into more than 40 years of historical vehicle and claims data thanks to the company’s proven Repair Science™ algorithm—more robust and complex than the competition and capable of more precise and accurate estimates, quickly, consistently, and at scale.
