Audi->ke14 is pioneering a new method of vehicle repair and service with the ART Robot, a human-sized device that allows local Audi technicians to directly communicate with Audi of America engineers located back at HQ -- in real time, just as if the two were standing side by side.

The new robot, whose full name is Audi Robotic Telepresence, is capable of moving around a vehicle and inspecting items with a borescope and hand-held camera system. A video monitor allows both people to see each other and the issues related to the vehicle repair.

The ART Robot is designed to give local technicians technical support->ke1701 with difficult repairs or unusual problems that may occur. Audi is initially rolling out 100 of the ART Robots at dealerships across the U.S. in hopes of streamlining the repair process and cutting service times for intricate repairs.

Click past the jump to read more about the Audi Robotic Telepresence.

Why It Matters

The days of shade-tree mechanics are long gone with the cars of today. Their electrical components, microscopic mechanical tolerances, and extreme level of engineering means the technicians working on these cars are more likely to have four-year degrees than at any time before.

Even still, Audi is looking to make its corporate engineers available for issues that may arise. This technology will also likely come in hand if a recall investigation is needed or when collecting information on common problems found in similar vehicles across the country.

As mentioned before the jump, Audi is expecting to have roughly 100 ART units in dealerships throughout the U.S. Those dealers need nothing more than Wi-Fi with a decent connection. The operator simply needs a generic computer or even a tablet to control the ART unit. Audi hasn’t mentioned a specific timeline for its rollout of the new Robo-technicians, but will likely start putting units in place this year.