Schaeffler impressed the thousands of visitors to its stand at Automechanika Frankfurt with a variety of innovative mixed and augmented reality exhibits, all designed to complement the show’s theme of ‘Tomorrow’s Service and Mobility’.

Schaeffler’s Automotive Aftermarket division is the organisation behind the LuK, INA, and FAG brands and a true system specialist for transmission, engine, and chassis. At Automechanika the company was demonstrating how its system expertise can help meet the growing demands placed on workshops both today and in the future.

The original equipment manufacturer and supplier invited visitors to tour the ‘garage of the future’, a hands-on exhibit featuring technology that is very close to becoming a reality in the workshop. A team of REPXPERTs were on hand to help volunteers to carry out a timing chain replacement and a DMF installation, using mixed reality headsets displaying real-time instructions to the wearer, making each repair quicker and simpler to carry out.

Michael Söding, CEO Automotive Aftermarket, Schaeffler AG commented, "We wanted visitors to our stand to be more than just spectators. They also became part of our product world and experienced up close what we can deliver. It’s not by chance that our motto is: get more – be part of it.”

Using tablets, visitors to the stand were able to get product information at different levels of detail, depending on their interest. Holding a tablet in front of one of the three augmented reality exhibits (transmission, engine, and chassis), virtual information about the intelligent repair solutions and special tools from Schaeffler appeared on the screen. Visitors could then request additional facts about the company’s portfolio, market coverage, and the potential for business. The correct way to use the special tools was also explained simply and clearly with the help of virtual animation and interactive elements.

Also unveiled at the show was a brand new ‘glass car’ exhibit, where visitors could get up close and personal with over 40 Schaeffler products and technologies, using two giant movable screens displaying video content and technical information. Focus products included the e-clutch, iARC stablilisation system, thermal management module and electric axle.

The REPXPERTs were also kept busy at five workstations, all of which were fitted with tablets linked directly to the REPXPERT website. Visitors were given a virtual step-by-step tour of how to maximise the benefits available from the workshop portal and were also told about the latest updates on LuK transmission, INA engine and FAG safety-critical chassis systems.

The Schaeffler-sponsored Audi Sport Team Phoenix RS5 DTM of Mike ‘Rocky’ Rockenfeller was also attracting lots of attention outside the large Schaeffler exhibition space in Hall 0, while on another area of the stand the Audi e-tron FE04 currently being driven in the Formula E series provided plenty of photo opportunities. This fully electrically powered racer demonstrates how Schaeffler technology has proven itself even under the toughest racing conditions.

Schaeffler Marketing Communications Manager, Jeff Earl, said, "The ‘garage of the future’ exhibit is truly amazing, and I am pleased to say that Irish and UK technicians will get a chance to find out how good it is for themselves on the Schaeffler stand at Automechanika Birmingham next June.”