Bosch and Mitchell Introduce New Target System for Static ADAS Calibration
SAN DIEGO, CA—Mitchell, a leading provider of technology, connectivity and information solutions to the Property & Casualty (P&C) claims and Collision Repair industries and Bosch Automotive Service Solutions, a leading global supplier of technology and services, today announced the availability of the MD-TS21. The new computer-based target system is designed to allow repair facilities to quickly and precisely calibrate front-facing cameras, blind-spot monitors and radar sensors in popular automobile models with ADAS.
The MD-TS21 uses Bosch's best-in-class vehicle coverage, patented technology and industrial-grade digital cameras to automatically measure the distance and angles of targets in relation to the vehicle. With the help of guided lasers, technicians can easily adjust the target board and radar reflector positioning in minutes, without the need for plumb bobs, tape measures and mirrors. The system is controlled by the accompanying MD-500 wireless tablet and its positioning software that features an intuitive user interface designed to reduce errors and improve calibration efficiency. This helps maintain a high level of precision while decreasing labor time, providing additional support for proper, safe repair.
"Right now we outsource all of our ADAS calibration work," said Mike Rosanova, director of operations for Collision Repair Experts and Fix Auto Edmonton. "That increases cycle time, adds to our costs and can even lower customer satisfaction. With the MD-TS21, we can bring that work and the revenue it generates in-house."
Together, the MD-TS21 and MD-500 deliver a complete solution for diagnostic scanning, static and dynamic calibration and repair blueprinting. In October, Bosch and Mitchell announced the launch of the MD-500. The wireless tablet combines Bosch's market-leading hardware and diagnostics expertise with the mobility of Mitchell's cloud-based software—including Mitchell Cloud Estimating and its Integrated Repair Procedures. Repair planners can use it to perform pre- and post-scans, write estimates, take photos, link directly to OEM repair procedures from Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) and automatically upload pre-scan, post-scan and calibration reports.
"Automobile complexity continues to increase, making static and dynamic calibration essential," said Michael Simon, director of strategic accounts at Bosch Automotive Service Solutions. "Through our collaboration with Mitchell, we've brought to market innovative diagnostic tools that aid technicians in the efficient, accurate and safe repair of collision-damaged vehicles."
Once the calibration is complete, Mitchell's new calibration report is automatically attached to the job in Mitchell Connect. The report can then be shared electronically with vehicle owners or insurance carriers to expedite payment, while also providing the essential artifacts to properly document the repair.
"The MD-TS21, MD-500 and Mitchell's cloud-based solutions were created to help repairers exceed customer expectations, enhance profitability and safely return vehicle owners to the road," said Jack Rozint, senior vice president of repair sales at Mitchell. "Other systems may take 20 minutes or more to set up. They may also require extra manual work and specialized training for each vehicle model. The MD-TS21 target system is intended to streamline the calibration process, guiding technicians through each step on the MD-500. In addition, the system's digital cameras quickly align the targets—making it possible for even new users to efficiently and accurately perform all three main types of static calibration using targets, mats or mirrors."
Facilities interested in ordering the MD-TS21 and MD-500 or learning more can visit the Mitchell website.
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About Bosch
The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 400,000 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2019). The company generated sales of 77.7 billion euros in 2019. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. As a leading IoT provider, Bosch offers innovative solutions for smart homes, Industry 4.0, and connected mobility. Bosch is pursuing a vision of mobility that is sustainable, safe, and exciting. It uses its expertise in sensor technology, software, and services, as well as its own IoT cloud, to offer its customers connected, cross-domain solutions from a single source. The Bosch Group's strategic objective is to facilitate connected living with products and solutions that either contain artificial intelligence (AI) or have been developed or manufactured with its help. Bosch improves quality of life worldwide with products and services that are innovative and spark enthusiasm. In short, Bosch creates technology that is "Invented for life." The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 440 subsidiary and regional companies in 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch's global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. The basis for the company's future growth is its innovative strength. Bosch employs some 72,600 associates in research and development at 126 locations across the globe, as well as roughly 30,000 software engineers.
The company was set up in Stuttgart in 1886 by Robert Bosch (1861-1942) as "Workshop for Precision Mechanics and Electrical Engineering." The special ownership structure of Robert Bosch GmbH guarantees the entrepreneurial freedom of the Bosch Group, making it possible for the company to plan over the long term and to undertake significant upfront investments in the safeguarding of its future. Ninety-four percent of the share capital of Robert Bosch GmbH is held by Robert Bosch Stiftung GmbH, a charitable foundation. The remaining shares are held by the Bosch family, by a corporation owned by the family, and by Robert Bosch GmbH. The majority of voting rights are held by Robert Bosch Industrietreuhand KG, and industrial trust. The entrepreneurial ownership functions are carried out by the trust.
Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com, www.iot.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com, www.twitter.com/BoschPresse.
About Bosch Automotive Aftermarket
Bosch Automotive Aftermarket division (AA) provides aftermarket and repair shops worldwide with a complete range of diagnostic and repair shop equipment and a wide range of spare parts—from new and exchange parts to repair solutions—for passenger cars and commercial vehicles. Its product portfolio includes products made as Bosch original equipment, as well as aftermarket products and services developed and manufactured in-house. More than 18,000 associates in 150 countries, as well as a global logistics network, ensure that some 650,000 different spare parts reach customers quickly and on time. In its "Automotive Aftermarket Service Solutions" operations, Bosch AA supplies testing and repair shop technology, diagnostic software, service training, and information services. In addition, the division is responsible for the Bosch Car Service, one of the world's largest networks of independent repair shops, with some 20,000 workshops.
About Mitchell International
Headquartered in San Diego, Calif., Mitchell International, Inc. delivers smart technology solutions and services to the auto insurance, collision repair, disability and workers' compensation markets. Through deep industry expertise, connections throughout the insurance ecosystem and advanced technology such as artificial intelligence, extended reality and cloud-based solutions, Mitchell enables its customers and clients to succeed in today's ever-changing environment. Each month, Mitchell processes tens of millions of transactions for more than 300 insurance providers, 20,000 collision repair facilities and 70,000 pharmacies. Its comprehensive solution and service portfolio empowers clients to restore lives after a challenging event.
Mitchell, Genex and Coventry have recently aligned their joint industry expertise and advanced technology solutions into a combined organization of more than 6,000 associates committed to simplifying and optimizing property, casualty and disability claims processes and services.
For more information, please visit mitchell.com.