Robotic Vision Systems selected for worldwide automotive power train traceability program

Citation

(2004), "Robotic Vision Systems selected for worldwide automotive power train traceability program", Sensor Review, Vol. 24 No. 1. https://doi.org/10.1108/sr.2004.08724aab.002

Robotic Vision Systems selected for worldwide automotive power train traceability program

Robotic Vision Systems selected for worldwide automotive power train traceability program

Keywords: Auto ID, Inspection, Robotics

Robotic Vision Systems, Inc. has said its Acuity CiMatrix division has been selected as the preferred supplier to provide a series of products for a worldwide traceability initiative by one of the world's largest automotive companies. The selection of the RVSI DMx Auto ID+Express reading and verification system was made after comprehensive product testing of Data Matrix reading technology from multiple vendors.

The manufacturer's initiative calls for the implementation of component-level traceability of all automotive power train components over the next 2 years. Each part will be marked with a unique serial number encoded in a machine- readable, two-dimensional Data Matrix symbol. This will allow the part to be tracked and identified, starting with the manufacturing process and then continuing throughout its performance life cycle.

The selection was made by Indicon Corporation of Sterling Heights, MI. Indicon is a key system engineering and integration firm to some of the world's largest automotive manufacturers.

The traceability initiative is designed to eliminate the expense of broad recalls to rectify problems that may affect only a small percentage of vehicles.

“In the near future, automotive manufacturers will have the capability to identify each specific component,” said Ray England, Vice President – Worldwide Sales and Marketing for RVSI Acuity CiMatrix. “When a problem is suspected, engineers will be able to determine the specific vehicles containing that component, and issue an advisory to the owner of that vehicle even before the customer is aware of a problem. Instead of recalling every vehicle manufactured over a time period to find 100 “suspected” parts, each of the parts can be identified by its serial number and the Vehicle Identification Number where it was installed. The dealer and owner can then be readily contacted with specific instructions to remedy the problem.”

The company believes that shipments to the automotive manufacturer and its first-tier suppliers will exceed $1 million over the next 12 months.

“Linear bar codes printed on paper labels have no place in an application such as this,” said John Agapakis, Vice President – Products for RVSI Acuity CiMatrix. “This is an environment in which parts are moving at high speeds and with considerable build-up of heat, dirt, and other contaminants. Similarly, data tags or buttons that must be physically attached to a part will interfere with the part's operation.

“Automotive power trains are an ideal application for Data Matrix marks applied directly to parts via ink-jet printing, dot peening, or laser etching. Two-dimensional bar codes represent an important technology improvement in that they store substantial amounts of information in a small space and allow for error correction to be built into the mark,” Mr. Agapakis said. “A Data Matrix mark a millimeter on a side can encode enough information to provide a complete manufacturing history of the component. In addition, two-dimensional codes such as Data Matrix encode information digitally, providing the ability to print them directly on the part at a very low contrast.”

For further information, please contact: Neal H. Sanders, RVSI. Tel: +1-603-577-5992; Web site: http://www.rvsi.com