Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving are two of the most exciting and indeed most innovative developments in the automotive industry. They offer a wide range of opportunities but also challenges for automotive professionals. The following is a comprehensive overview of their most important aspects. ADAS comprises a range of technologies aimed at increasing safety and comfort while cars are being driven. The usual ADAS driver assistance systems include the following:
Autonomous driving is based on a variety of highly developed technologies that work together to control vehicles safely and reliably without the need for any human intervention. Here are the most important technologies that make it possible:
The use of these technologies also brings with it a range of technical challenges that all have to be tackled and mastered. The main ones are described below.
Sensor fusion is the "brain" behind modern driver assistance systems and autonomous vehicles. It not only enables precise detection of the surroundings, but also safe and reliable decision-making in road traffic. For automotive professionals, this means that a profound understanding of sensor technology, regular calibration and also the use of modern diagnostic devices are all essential in order to maintain and repair the systems correctly.
Artificial intelligence (AI) plays a central role in the development of autonomous vehicles and is used in the following areas:
Advances in AI and in machine learning are continuously improving the capabilities of autonomous vehicles. These technologies enable vehicles to learn from experience and thus to optimise their performance.
With the burgeoning spread of ADAS and autonomous driving functions, the complexity of vehicle systems is increasing considerably. Diagnostic devices are therefore indispensable tools for automotive professionals to be able to recognise faults, maintain systems and ensure safety.
Modern vehicles have numerous control units that constantly analyse sensor data and monitor system states. Diagnostic devices enable error codes (DTCs – Diagnostic Trouble Codes) to be read out from the control units. This allows workshops to identify and rectify sources of faults in ADAS systems such as Lane Keeping Assist, Emergency Brake Assist or Parking Assist in a focused and specific way.
After repairs or the replacement of components, a precise calibration of the sensors (camera, radar, Lidar) is absolutely essential. Diagnostic devices guide you through the calibration process, control the systems in a targeted manner and check the correct alignment. This is the only way to ensure that the assistance systems function reliably and that no misinterpretations occur.
Many ADAS functions are regularly improved or extended as a result of software updates. Diagnostic devices enable new software versions to be installed, new components to be programmed and system settings to be adjusted. Keeping the software uptodate is crucial, especially in the case of safety-relevant systems.
Diagnostic devices offer the option of reading out live data and carrying out system tests. This allows automotive professionals to check whether sensors and actuators are working correctly, whether communication between the control units is functioning and whether the sensor fusion is plausible. And this is particularly important in order to minimise sources of error and to ensure safety.
Many diagnostic devices offer functions for logging and documenting the work carried out. This is not only important for internal quality assurance, but also for providing evidence to customers and insurance companies – such as after a calibration or repair of safety-relevant systems.
By continuously monitoring system parameters and sensor values in the individual control units, diagnostic devices can indicate wear, malfunctions or impending failures at an early stage. This allows preventive maintenance measures to be initiated before safety-critical situations arise.
The most common faults and error codes in ADAS systems (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) can be divided into three main categories: sensor faults, communication problems and calibration errors.
1. Sensor-related faults:
2. Communication error (CAN/LIN – Bus):
3. Calibration error:
As ADAS systems rely on precise sensor technology and correct calibration, even small changes to the vehicle can lead to malfunctions. So as to avoid unnecessary faults, customer complaints or even safety risks, the following should be observed in everyday workshop operations.
ADAS sensors such as cameras, radar, Lidar and ultrasound are often mounted on the outside of the vehicle and are therefore susceptible to soiling. Mud, snow, ice, insects or even car wash residues can significantly impair sensor performance.
Changes to the chassis (e.g. lowering), bumper or windscreen affect sensor position and alignment. Changing to tyres with a different diameter can also impair the ADAS function. After such interventions, a static or dynamic calibration in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications is mandatory.
Every vehicle manufacturer has specific requirements for the calibration of ADAS systems. For this reason, only suitable diagnostic devices, calibration tools and, if necessary, manufacturer-specific diagnostic devices should be used. When such work is carried out, particular care must be taken to ensure that the calibration panels are positioned correctly, that the prescribed distances, heights and angles are adhered to exactly and that the ambient conditions – such as sufficient lighting and a level, stable surface – are observed.
Documentation is an essential component of ADAS diagnostics and maintenance. It is not only used for internal quality assurance, but is also an important instrument for traceability vis-à-vis customers, insurance companies and testing organisations. A complete record of all calibrations performed, error codes read out and diagnostic devices used protects the workshop from liability risks and facilitates subsequent repairs or complaint processing.
Especially with safety-relevant systems such as Emergency Brake Assist or Lane Keeping Assist, it is crucial that all work steps are documented in a clear and comprehensible way. This applies to both the initial diagnosis (pre-scan) and also the final inspection (post-scan) after repair or calibration is complete.
