Automatic and ultra-precise check of the installation quality
of telematics equipment

 

 

The Mercedes-Benz C220 CDI in assembly hall 38 of the Mercedes-Benz plant in Sindelfingen, Germany, has a comprehensive telematics package that includes the multimedia system COMMAND APS, cell phone equipment, and a surround sound audio system. Almost fully assembled, the car with the tenorite gray paint job waits to be moved to the next work station. A plant worker opens the driver door. With a cell phone in his pocket and a metal cross in his hands, he gets into the car and attaches the metal device, which is known as a “steering wheel balance.” He checks with a glance to see if everything is straight and inserts the cell phone into the docking port.

Thus prepared, he rolls with the car to the next station, where the chassis of the car is precisely adjusted. This process, which is facilitated by the steering wheel balance, takes less than two minutes, during which time strange sounds emanate from the car. Suddenly the cell phone rings, and someone seems to start playing around with the COMMAND system. It sounds as though an invisible hand is trying out the automatic station search. And shortly afterward, some unseen leprechaun seems to be doing a sound check with the loudspeakers.