Client: Audi Brussels

Technology Used: Hexagon Absolute Arm with Blue-Light Laser Scanner

Application: Precision inspection of automotive interiors (Innenmeisterbock) for Audi e-tron models

Industry: Automotive Manufacturing / Electric Vehicles (EV)

Overview

As the exclusive production site for the Audi e-tron and e-tron Sportback, Audi Brussels leads the charge in CO₂-neutral electric vehicle manufacturing. To maintain their reputation for precision and innovation, the quality assurance team turned to Hexagon’s Absolute Arm with integrated blue-light laser scanning to improve their Innenmeisterbock inspection processes—critical for ensuring that vehicle interior components meet Audi’s exacting standards.

Challenges in Traditional Interior Inspection

Audi’s quality philosophy demands that every component—from structural assemblies to interior finishes—aligns with their brand’s premium promise. This includes ensuring perfect fitment across complex surfaces like high-gloss black trim, which is increasingly prevalent in EV interiors.

Before upgrading, inspections involved:

• Manual probing and cubing processes outside the car
• Disassembling parts for sampling, then reassembling for re-testing
• Difficulty scanning reflective surfaces without using sprays
• Extended turnaround time and reduced workflow efficiency

“We used to disassemble parts outside the car and rebuild everything to validate changes. That slowed us down significantly.”
— Dries Daniels, Coordinator Innenmeisterbock, Audi e-tron Brussels

Solution: Hexagon’s Absolute Arm with Laser Scanner

To solve these inefficiencies, the Audi Brussels quality team deployed the latest Absolute Arm, which integrates a blue-light laser scanner, Absolute Encoders, and an ergonomic interface designed for high-precision, in-vehicle inspection.

Key Features & Benefits:

• Switch from probing to scanning instantly
• High-gloss surface scanning without the need for sprays
• Large scan width for faster data acquisition
• Built-in display screen for mode/profile switching
• 4m working volume, ideal for full interior inspections
• Absolute Encoders for accuracy with no warm-up time

“We now inspect the car interior directly, right where the issue is, and trace it back immediately. That speeds up everything.”
— Dries Daniels, Audi Brussels

Inspection Use Case: The Innenmeisterbock Workflow

The Innenmeisterbock—a full-vehicle mock-up for evaluating fit and finish—plays a critical role in the pre-series validation process. Audi’s inspection team uses the Absolute Arm to:

• Capture full 3D geometry inside assembled vehicles
• Compare parts from different suppliers in real time
• Identify and trace tolerancing deviations immediately
• Scan transparent and high-gloss components (like tail lights or piano black trims)

Results

“The laser scanner’s wide field and screen interface allow fast, intuitive scanning. The time saved is significant.”
— Dries Daniels, Audi e-tron Brussels

Strategic Partnership with Hexagon Belgium

Audi Brussels has relied on Hexagon technologies for over a decade, including older DEA systems and ROMER portable arms. The transition to the new Absolute Arm was supported by Hexagon Belgium, who provided:

• On-site testing prior to acquisition
• Application-specific training
• Ongoing support for integration with Audi’s QA systems

“Our close cooperation with Hexagon Belgium has been essential. They’ve supported every step of our technology evolution.”
— Thomas Marteau, Head of Department Meisterbock, Audi Brussels

Next Steps: Toward Inline and At-Line Inspection

With aging CMM infrastructure, Audi Brussels is now exploring:

• Replacing legacy CMMs with modern scanning solutions
• Inline/at-line inspection to bring QA closer to the production line
• Turnkey systems with environmental adaptability and operator-friendly interfaces

“We’re looking for the next generation of solutions—turnkey, flexible, and robust enough for real-world production environments.”
— Thomas Marteau, Audi Brussels

Conclusion

The integration of Hexagon’s Absolute Arm has transformed interior quality inspection at Audi Brussels, accelerating workflows, enhancing scan capabilities, and delivering precision in line with Audi’s global brand standards.

As Audi pursues a carbon-neutral and electric future, investments in digital metrology and smart manufacturing are central to delivering sustainable mobility—without compromising on quality.

Are You Ready to Redefine Automotive Inspection?

Discover how Hexagon Metrology solutions like the Absolute Arm can elevate your quality assurance processes—whether in EV production, interior validation, or inline inspection.
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