UVeye, a technology company initially focused on homeland security, is revolutionizing vehicle inspections with its state-of-the-art scanning systems. Originally designed to detect explosives, UVeye’s advanced inspection tools have now found a crucial role in the automotive industry, significantly improving how we check vehicles for safety and maintenance.
From Security to Automotive Innovation
UVeye’s journey began with a surprising shift in focus. The company’s first tool, Helios, was developed to scan vehicles for explosives. However, the unexpected discovery of numerous fluid leaks during tests led to a strategic pivot. As Yaron Saghiv, UVeye’s Chief Marketing Officer, noted, the company redirected its efforts towards the automotive sector.
By 2018, Škoda became one of the first to adopt UVeye’s technology, with subsequent partnerships formed with major automakers like General Motors and Hyundai. Today, UVeye’s systems inspect over 50,000 vehicles each month, continuously refining their algorithms for greater accuracy.
Helios: Advanced Underbody Scanning
At the heart of UVeye’s technology is Helios, a sophisticated underbody scanning system. Equipped with three high-resolution cameras, Helios captures thousands of images of a vehicle’s underside. These images are seamlessly stitched together to create a comprehensive view.
Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role here, using computer vision and deep learning to detect leaks, identify damaged components, and assess rust severity. The system even generates a heat map to show varying degrees of corrosion, making it easier to address potential issues.
Artemis: Precision Tire and Wheel Inspection
Artemis is UVeye’s dedicated system for inspecting wheels and tires. Featuring four cameras (two on each side), Artemis assesses tire tread depth, checks for uneven wear, and examines date codes, sidewalls, and wheels for damage.
While Artemis performs admirably, it’s not without limitations. For instance, during a test on a 2006 Honda Pilot, Artemis effectively identified tire wear and wheel damage but struggled to detect date codes accurately.
Atlas: Comprehensive Exterior Evaluation
Atlas takes vehicle inspection to the next level by focusing on body panels and exterior conditions. Available in two versions—one for large commercial vehicles and a smaller model for passenger cars—Atlas uses 16 cameras and a combination of bright and dark stripes to detect dents, scratches, paint issues, rust, and broken glass.
Although Atlas successfully identified many imperfections on a test vehicle, it missed a significant crack at the windshield’s base.
Rapid Data Processing and Reporting of UVeye
Once UVeye’s systems complete their inspections, they swiftly upload the data to a centralized database. The entire process, from scanning to generating a report, is impressively fast, taking just 20 to 35 seconds. With a data transfer rate of approximately 100 megabytes per second, operators receive detailed inspection results almost instantly, ensuring timely and accurate vehicle assessments.
In summary, UVeye’s innovative automated inspection technology is setting new standards in the automotive industry. By leveraging advanced scanning tools originally designed for security purposes, UVeye is enhancing vehicle safety and maintenance, making inspections faster and more precise than ever before.