Micro-Epsilon: Robotic 3D inspection for bodyshells

Inspection Precise Defect Detection on Bodyshells

2026-04-07 Source: Press release from Micro-Epsilon | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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Micro-Epsilon presents its robot-based measuring system for the fully automated surface inspection of bodyshells, Surface Control Automotive.

The Surface Control Automotive measuring system from Micro-Epsilon automatically detects dents, scratches and other surface defects on body shells.(Image: Micro-Epsilon) — The Surface Control Automotive measuring system from Micro-Epsilon automatically detects dents, scratches and other surface defects on body shells.
(Image: Micro-Epsilon)

Surface Control Automotive from Micro-Epsilon is a robot-based measuring system for the fully automated surface inspection of body shells. The system uses the principle of structured light projection and uses a learning process to detect dents, dings and scratches, among other things.

Surface Control Automotive is a robot-based measuring system for fully automated defect detection on body shells in the automotive industry. The diffusely reflecting surfaces are detected by 3D sensors that use the principle of fringe light projection. According to Micro-Epsilon, local shape defects—for example dents, dings, notches or scratches—can be detected with high precision and reproducibility using a learning process.

Standardized Test Processes for Series Production

The Surface Control Automotive measuring system has a very high detection rate and a surface coverage of ≥ 97 percent—including edge areas, design edges and heavily cambered areas such as door handle recesses. Defects on stripped areas of the body-in-white are also reliably detected. Thanks to this extremely high coverage, flawlessly inspected body shells can be transferred directly to the paint shop without manual visual inspection. According to the manufacturer, a CAD-based simulation for the rapid definition of measuring positions and movement sequences and an integrated 6D offset correction to compensate for position deviations ensure reliable processes. Quick adaptation options in the parameterization are also intended to facilitate the transfer to other plants and new body models.

Powerful Software

In addition to the measurement technology hardware, Surface Control Automotive offers a powerful software platform. In addition to generating a digital master from the data sets of defect-free reference parts, the components can also be analyzed using a digital whetstone and a digital light tunnel. The evaluation is based on real 3D data, allowing 3D features such as diameter, area and height to be assigned to each defect. Defects are classified taking into account permissible deviations according to the user's individual specifications. According to the manufacturer, all results are saved in an XML file and can be integrated into existing quality assurance systems. In combination with Reflect Control Automotive in the paint shop, the measuring system offers a consistent inspection concept for the entire body manufacturing process.

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Date: 08.12.2025

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