Session I: The Value of OEM Repair Information:

The OEM Collision Repair Technology Summit is designed to put our audience in a room with innovators in automotive structural design and technology.

In this presentation and panel discussion, members of the Rivian Research, Engineering, Service and Collision teams present on the process an automaker undertakes to research, develop, validate and publish new repair procedures for the industry. The case study will focus on the developmental life cycle of the front frame rail section concept. Through field data it was determined that the front frame rail could incur damage even in low-speed impact, and that the market would benefit from a safe, and cost-effective alternative to a complete “skateboard” replacement.

Rivian embarked on an intensive validation process to develop and test solutions that would ensure the vehicle owner would receive a repair that met specific safety and performance aspects. Audience members will gain better understanding of how automakers prioritize procedure development and timing, and how rigorous testing protocol can create greater efficiency in similar future procedure developments throughout the vehicle. The panel will give a unique overview of testing methodology, in many cases mirroring the protocol used in the manufacturing process, and will depict the timeline of approval with unique visual examples. Understand the consequences of improper repairs, and the process to validate the outcome of misplaced welds, incorrect cut or section locations, and effect on non-visible structural aspects of the vehicle.  

Join presenters: David Sosa, Dan Black and Kelly Logan of Rivian in a unique look into the depth and complexity that goes into developing the OEM repair information available to the collision repair industry today.

Session II: How Telematics Technologies are Evolving the Consumer Experience

Telematics has heralded new opportunities in the relationship between the driver, the vehicle, collision repair businesses and auto insurance providers. Telematics technology stemming from both vehicle and consumer solutions stands as a linchpin in the transformation of the consumer experience —from crash detection, onsite support, first notice of loss, damage identification, system restoration and claims processing.

Real-time digital data directly from the crash scene improves the accuracy and speed of how the industry can serve the consumer, and the availability of information today has evolved the relationship through enhanced crash detection, accident reconstruction and consumer communication. 

This session delves into real ways in which automotive and consumer telematics technologies are revolutionizing the relationship between the consumer and service industries intent on setting new industry standards for safety, satisfaction, and technological integration.

Panelists include: Ryan McMahon, Senior Vice President of Strategy & Corporate Development at Cambridge Mobile Telematics (CMT), Hilary Cain, Senior Vice President of Policy, Alliance for Automotive Innovation, and John Eck, Head of Product – Accident Assistance, Global Strategy & Innovation at General Motors.

Join us to explore the transformative impact of accident reconstruction and crash detection technologies on the consumer experience in collision repair and insurance industries.

Session III: Laser Welding in Automotive and Aerospace Manufacturing, and Developing Technologies for Repair Solutions

Rex Alexandre, Principal Engineer at the Handheld Laser Institute, and former Sr. Welding Engineer for SpaceX will join Dean Brennan of IPG Photonics to demonstrate how laser welding has become popularized as an integral manufacturing technique in transportation industries. The two will explore with Jeff Poole of I-CAR, research and testing of the application in the collision repair industry, as well as challenges and considerations for the implementation of the photon joining process.

This session will focus on the manufacturing application of laser welding in the OEM automotive and aerospace production process. Understand the engineering objectives of laser welding in a production environment, and the evolving landscape of handheld laser welding technologies for repair process solutions. Attendees will gain insight into fundamental research being conducted to identify the opportunity for utilization, best practices, and industry standards governing the use of handheld laser welding that may set the groundwork for introduction as a future replacement methodology. 

Panelists include: Rex Alexandre, President, Principal Engineer at the Handheld Laser Institute, Dean Brennan, North American Sales Manager – LightWELD at IPG Photonics, and Jeff Poole, Manager, Subject Matter Expert at I-CAR.

Digital release of this program made possible with support from: