A newly developed solution combines calibration and radar-testing technologies to help workshops and inspection agencies verify the performance of advanced driver assistance sensors after vehicle repairs, addressing a long-standing gap in post-repair validation.
Advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) could soon be easier to verify after vehicle repairs, thanks to a new testing platform that assesses sensor functionality and alignment using standardised measurement procedures. The solution by MAHLE and Rohde & Schwarz integrates a digital ADAS calibration system with a radar-testing platform, enabling workshops and inspection organisations to validate radar sensor performance after accident repairs, bodywork replacements, or maintenance procedures. The development addresses a key challenge in the automotive aftermarket, where consistent methods for testing ADAS sensors following repairs have largely been unavailable.
The platform combines vehicle positioning, calibration, and radar measurement capabilities into a single workflow. By enabling technicians to measure and document sensor performance, the system aims to improve confidence that safety-critical driver assistance functions continue to operate within manufacturer specifications after repairs.
The key features are:
- Ultrasonic-based vehicle positioning for precise calibration
- Automatic vehicle identification and laser distance measurement
- Motorised target adjustment for streamlined setup
- Radar testing with frequency, polarisation and power analysis
- Radar target and angle simulation for functional verification after repairs
The calibration component uses ultrasonic sensors to position the vehicle from inside the vehicle, while automatic vehicle identification, laser-assisted distance measurement, and motorised target adjustments help streamline the calibration process. An enhanced display lift mechanism also supports accurate alignment for taller vehicles.
Complementing these capabilities, the radar-testing technology adds advanced measurement functions including frequency detection, polarisation analysis, power measurement, and radar target simulation. Technicians can use these functions to verify radar sensor alignment and functionality rather than relying solely on calibration procedures. Beyond repair validation, the platform is intended to support quality assurance and performance testing by enabling the simulation of both normal and faulty operating conditions. The resulting measurement data can be documented and reproduced, creating a traceable record that may prove useful for future regulatory inspections, insurance assessments, and technical certification processes.
The developers say the technology is designed for a broad range of users, including independent workshops, vehicle manufacturers, service centres, insurance providers, regulatory bodies, and vehicle inspection organisations. The system could also support future static inspection procedures for ADAS sensors as part of periodic vehicle technical inspections.
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