Audi Cam lets you watch the entire repair from your mechanic's point of view

Westyfield2 · 7 Jul 2010 at 09:27

Feed: Engadget
Posted on: 07 July 2010 06:01
Author: Sean Hollister
Subject: Audi Cam lets you watch the entire repair from your mechanic's point of view

Need to get a critical tune-up, but don't trust the factory techs not to Ferris Bueller your ride? If you live in the UK and drive an Audi, you'll have technology on your side. Following a successful pilot program, the German manufacturer's outfitting each Audi Centre in Britain with helmet cameras and two-way radios to let customers monitor the entire job. While this sounds fantastic from a consumer standpoint, you'll see mechanics and IT professionals in the audience sadly shaking their heads -- if you've ever had to explain a technical product to an Average Joe who thinks they know better than yourself, you'll understand there are certain disadvantages to this idea. PR after the break.

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Audi Cam lets you watch the entire repair from your mechanic's point of view originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 01:01:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Audi Press Release

Hmm, I like the idea but aren't sure yet.... I can see it being annoying for the mechanics when they have someone who doesn't actually know what they're on about!

Wicksta · 7 Jul 2010 at 09:40

I'd love to see one of these on Joshy, hopefully Bentley will be doing the same. Tea cam.

DM · 7 Jul 2010 at 09:40

Good idea, i like that.

mrk · 7 Jul 2010 at 09:41

Cameras? What happened to the "just step this way and I'll show you sir..." ?

Dano · 7 Jul 2010 at 09:42

I can see the complaints now when the mechanic forgets to remove it before going to the loo...

IAmATeaf · 7 Jul 2010 at 09:44

I assume that these cameras are grafted on to the mechanics skin in some way in order to ensure no Ferris Bueller type moments?

paradigm · 7 Jul 2010 at 10:20

Khaaan! said:
Cameras? What happened to the "just step this way and I'll show you sir..." ?

Health & Safety stuck its oar in

DAnDan · 7 Jul 2010 at 10:22

Dano said:
I can see the complaints now when the mechanic forgets to remove it before going to the loo...

"What happened?"

"Oh, just some bigoted old customer woman..."

paradigm · 7 Jul 2010 at 10:23

DAnDan said:
"What happened?"

"Oh, just some bigoted old customer woman..."

You're more bothered about the commentary when the mechanic goes for a number two?

DAnDan · 7 Jul 2010 at 10:25

paradigm said:
You're more bothered about the commentary when the mechanic goes for a number two?

In the scenario in my mind they were in a workshop, but whatever floats your boat

.

Participant · 7 Jul 2010 at 10:25

This kind of transparency is exactly what the motor industry needs. The problem being that a share of the cost of this tech will get slapped directly onto the cost of a service.

Wicksta · 7 Jul 2010 at 10:28

Robbie G said:
This kind of transparency is exactly what the motor industry needs. The problem being that a share of the cost of this tech will get slapped directly onto the cost of a service.

Maybe being under constant surveillance the mechanics might work harder though? Although I can't imagine it making for a nice working environment. I hate people looking over my shoulder when I'm doing anything.

Gaijin · 7 Jul 2010 at 10:28

Sod Audi though, they need this more in Kwik Fit and Mr Clutch!

Sin_Chase · 7 Jul 2010 at 10:35

This is bull.

As an IT Tech I cannot STAND people looking over my shoulder. I work in my way and my way only. It should be a closed system used to review if a customer has a specific complaint.

Being watched is annoying and distracting enough, but having someone able to talk to you while you work? fo!

Fr0dders · 7 Jul 2010 at 10:42

dont agree with the two way radio part

just going to get in the mechanics way.

Cuchulain · 7 Jul 2010 at 10:42

I like the sound of it, they should roll it out over all main dealers, perhaps it'll force their mechanics into doing an honest days work.

Dup · 7 Jul 2010 at 10:52

How many people sit around and wait these days? Seems like a PR ploy to get people in the showrooms to me.

Moeks · 8 Jul 2010 at 14:36

I like the idea of them recording the work ...I do not like the idea of the two way radio and live feed, I would say the customer should be able to review the recording if they wish ...but not watch it live and certainly not be able to bug the person while they are doing the job ...at least not like this they shouldn't. I do think customers should be able to observe first hand though and talk to the mechanic/tech if they wish ...unfortunately health and safety thinks it's knows better ...so unless you get someone willing to flex 'ze rules' this isn't likely.

paradigm · 8 Jul 2010 at 15:12

A better idea would have just been a rotating feed of 5-6 various cameras throughout the workshop, displayed on TVs around the dealership.

Better for the mechanic as they don't feel like they are being scrutinized, better for the ambiance of the dealership, as the views are interesting for everyone, not just the single person getting their car serviced at that moment, and more interesting.

The two-way radio was a stupid idea to begin with.

Jonny ///M · 8 Jul 2010 at 15:19

I hate people watching over me!

Mostly down to the fact most people don't know what they're talking about constant "What's this.....what's that?.........is that meant to be that way?".

It would be cool for it to be recorded and watched back at a later date though.