Precision in a series: MRB develops innovative Active Alignment systems

Cameras are essential in modern vehicles for safety and driver assistance systems. The image quality of these cameras heavily depends on the precise alignment of the lens and sensor. A key to achieving this image quality is a process known as Active Alignment – a precise adjustment process. MRB Automation GmbH has made a significant leap forward in this area.

Imagine your vehicle navigating through a busy city, accurately detecting pedestrians, traffic signs, and obstacles. This can only be achieved by using advanced camera systems that serve as the vehicle’s “eyes,” carrying out their functions reliably in critical moments. While image quality is crucial in conventional camera systems, the automotive industry demands much more than this:

Reliability, precision, and error-free operations in all conditions.

This is where the Active Alignment process comes into play, a process that MRB Automation has truly mastered by leveraging the team’s unparalleled expertise.

Experience meets innovation 

Our team specializes in optimizing this critical process for industries like automotive. With decades of experience in image processing and developing extremely precise adjustment and assembly systems, MRB has developed an active alignment system. This makes us a key player in an industry that’s increasingly reliant on automation and digitalization.

"The demands of the automotive industry are unique: high volumes, strict quality requirements, and the need to adapt to production demands require flexible and adaptable solutions. That's why our focus is on developing a system that is not only precise but extremely robust and flexible as well," explains Robert Hierling, Research & Development at MRB Automation.

Our universal lab setup offers a glimpse:

We have a universal lab setup at MRB Automation for qualifying our own image processing systems and sample parts. It includes:

• 6-axis manipulator
• Illuminated reference marks
• Evaluation technology
  
  

A hexapod manipulates the relative position between the image sensor and the lens until optimal imaging performance is achieved. The image quality is evaluated using the Modulation Transfer Function (MTF), which measures how well the optical system (lens + image sensor) transmits contrast and details from the object to the image at a specific resolution.

A fresh look at tried-and-tested processes

Active alignment is well-known in the industry. However, current systems only focus on optical processes. This is problematic for industries such as automotive, as Robert Hierling explains:

“In the era of Industry 4.0, automation is becoming increasingly important. That’s why we aim to support customers from the automotive industry and other sectors with our automated Active Alignment systems. In addition to the individual integration of upstream and downstream processes, we offer comprehensive automation solutions with our SCIO Business Segment Discrete Automation, covering all aspects of a production chain.”

Curious or do you still have questions? Visit us at Motek 2024 and experience our Active Alignment System live!