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AirPro Diagnostics Releases Updated Self-Guided Version of Auggie DTS at SEMA 2022

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After launching Auggie at last year’s SEMA Show, AirPro Diagnostics introduced an updated version of their ADAS calibration tool at SEMA 2022, the Self-Guided Auggie DTS (Digital Target System).

The Auggie is a patented, fully autonomous wireless digital targeting tool that uses machine vision to present static Forward-Facing Camera (FFC) targets for customers to perform calibrations according to OEM specifications.

“The Self-Guided Auggie DTS takes the place of having to do all of the setup with physical targets,” explained Lonnie Margol, CEO of AirPro Diagnostics. “The new release is basically the same device, but users can now control Auggie on their own and use any ADAS calibration capable scan tool.”

The previous version of the device required shops to use an AirPro Diagnostics scan tool and remote technicians. The updated version allows the device to be operated by the user and will work with any ADAS-capable scan tool and a free smartphone interface. All setup specifications and instructions are displayed on the Auggie, allowing users complete control of their static FFC calibrations.

“The calibration game has now changed,” said Josh McFarlin, executive vice president of AirPro Diagnostics. “We listened to our customers and now they can use their

own scan tool, fully independent of AirPro, to perform FFC calibrations.”

With ADAS FFC calibrations becoming increasingly more complex over the last decade, McFarlin said the Auggie can save technicians time, increase efficiency in the shop and help perform a safe repair.

“It takes all of the environmental conditions out of the equation,” he said. “Shops don’t need a 30-by-60[foot] footprint, controlled lighting and other complex requirements.”

Margol said the Auggie also enables body shops to keep calibrations in-house rather than having to sublet the work. “The worst thing is to send a vehicle out and then you’ve lost control of the process,” he noted. “It’s remarkable to me how many collision repair shops aren’t doing calibrations when the OEMs now require them after any structural repairs,” said McFarlin. “They are either sending it to a dealer, or worse, they aren’t doing it.” By not doing a calibration inhouse, McFarlin said shops are losing control of their cycle time and the associated revenue. “It helps reduce cycle time incredibly because the whole process takes less than eight minutes,” said Margol.

The company provides step-bystep directions to operate the Auggie and a help button connects to AirPro brand specialists for immediate support.

About four years ago, AirPro envisioned developing a solution for static calibrations.

“The manual method seemed so archaic,” said Margol. “Not a shop in the world is built with a level floor and has non-reflective paint on it.”

As a result, they set out to look for a better solution. A calibration bay was built at one of their customer’s collision repair shops and the team began experimenting with how to best digitize the targets.

When the Auggie was invented, the main goal was to ensure it was mobile so calibrations could be performed virtually anywhere. Margol said this was especially helpful for the glass industry to be able to calibrate vehicles in the field.

Since then, the tool has evolved to meet the needs of the industry. There have been multiple updates and two impactful releases of the software. “It’s such a thrill that this project has really come to life,” said Margol.

“A lot of shops already have a solution for a diagnostic tool and weren’t looking to make a change,” said McFarlin. “The Auggie is now an option for them.”

For more information, visit airprodiagnostics.com.

At the SEMA Show, Lonnie Margol, left, and Josh McFarlin, right, shared information about AirPro Diagnostics’ updated version of the company’s ADAS calibration tool, the Self-Guided Auggie DTS (Digital Target System)

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Southeast Collision

fantastic turnout by repairers. Hoping to continue to grow and bring leading edge topics that are relevant to repair industry advancements, the event is asking for submissions by leaders in the industry.

Collision P.R.E.P. will follow the format of seminar presentations, as well as organized panel discussions. The focus will be on relevant and timely information that addresses issues that collision repairers are currently facing. Special consideration will be given for unique or even hands-on opportunities.

The deadline for submitting a presentation is Jan. 13. Submissions received after that may not be considered for this event.

To submit a proposal, email the following information to WMABA Executive Director Jordan Hendler at jordanhendler@wmaba.com. The email should contain the information in either the email body or an editable document: 1. Presentation title 2. List of all presenters involved (include name, title, company, email address) 3. The presentation description

4. Name at least three takeaways for the attendee

Note: there is no speaker compensation for participation as a presenter in Collision P.R.E.P.

WMABA and CCA encourage companies to support the conference through participation as a vendor sponsor. You do not have to have a booth to support, be present and visible to the industry. Go to southeastcollisionconference.com for more information.

If you have any questions or would like more information on Collision P.R.E.P., contact Hendler directly at jordanhendler@wmaba.com or (804) 789-9649.

For questions regarding the Southeast Collision Conference, contact Hendler or Josh Kent, CCA executive director, at info@ carolinascollisionassociation.com or (704) 998-8553.

More information about the event can be found at southeastcollisionconference.com

— Source: WMABA, CCA

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