Why ADAS Calibration Is Critical: Expert Insights from Ascential Technologies on Vehicle Safety

ADAS in the Aftermarket: Why It Matters Now More Than Ever

The ADAS Empowered Community Podcast welcomed Brunno Moretti, President of Ascential Technologies, for an in-depth conversation that’s already turning heads in the collision repair and automotive technology industries. Hosted by Joel Adcock of Revv, this episode delivers a powerful exploration into ADAS calibration, OEM end-of-line standards, and the growing safety concerns around improperly repaired vehicles.

Whether you're a shop owner, technician, or estimator, this episode will reshape how you think about automated driver assistance systems (ADAS) and why the aftermarket must rise to meet new standards.

Who Is Brunno Moretti? A Leader in Automotive Safety Technology

Brunno’s career has spanned OEM giants like General Motors and ZF, advanced sensor companies like Cepton, and now Ascential Technologies (formerly Burke Porter). With a background in electrical engineering and years developing Super Cruise, LiDAR, and other sensor systems, Bruno’s mission today is simple but urgent:
Bring OEM-grade calibration and automation tools to the aftermarket.

What Is ADAS Calibration and Why Is It So Important?

ADAS calibration ensures that radar, camera, and LiDAR sensors on a vehicle are aligned and functioning correctly after a repair or parts replacement. Without proper calibration, critical features like:

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Lane-Keep Assist
• Adaptive Cruise Control
• Blind Spot Monitoring

may not function properly, leading to safety risks and liability concerns.

Brunno explained how many shops still rely on manual calibration using plumb bobs, tape measures, and guesswork. In contrast, Essential Technologies uses automated equipment, backed by a vast database of OEM procedures, to ensure each calibration is precise and repeatable.

Revealing the Data: TRC Calibration Study Results

One of the episode’s standout moments was Brunno’s presentation of a recent calibration study conducted with the Transportation Research Center (TRC):

• Vehicle Tested: 2024 model with 13,000 miles
• Scenarios:
  1. Baseline (factory-calibrated)
  2. No Calibration
  3. Poor Calibration
  4. Proper Calibration (OEM-equivalent)

Key Results:

• No calibration: AEB failed to engage. Total safety failure.
• Poor calibration: Inconsistent performance and braking distances.
• Proper calibration: Consistent, safe performance matching OEM standards.
• Surprise finding: Even the baseline vehicle missed key targets, suggesting calibration drift can occur even in relatively new vehicles.

The Industry’s Wake-Up Call: SEMA & MEMA ADAS Symposium

Brunno and Joel also reflected on the recent ADAS Symposium hosted by SEMA Garage and MEMA. 60+ industry professionals came together to identify and solve calibration challenges in the field.

Brunno’s Takeaways:

• Shops are overdue for technology adoption.
• The industry lacks standardization, causing confusion and risk.
• There’s a massive opportunity for automation, AI, and smarter calibration tools.

Brunno praised Revv's role in flagging ADAS-related issues in estimates using AI, helping shops identify calibration needs faster and with better documentation.

FMVSS 127: The 2029 AEB Mandate

A major topic was the upcoming FMVSS 127 regulation, which will require Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) in all new vehicles by 2029. The systems must perform reliably:

• At high speeds (up to 62 mph)
• At night
• Detecting pedestrians

This regulation is expected to drive more powerful sensors (e.g., imaging radar, high-res cameras, even LiDAR) into vehicles—further raising the calibration bar for repair shops.

Advice for Shop Owners and Technicians

Brunno’s message to repair professionals is clear:

• Educate your team on what ADAS is and how it works.
• Invest in automation to reduce calibration errors and variance.
• Document everything—calibration records may be your best liability defense.
• Don’t wait for regulations to mandate compliance. Lead now.

“If you’re not calibrating correctly—or at all—you’re gambling with lives and liability.” – Brunno Moretti

Where Do We Go from Here?

As more vehicles come equipped with 5+ cameras, 6+ radars, and complex ADAS features, the repair industry must adapt. That means shifting from a mindset of “Do I need to calibrate?” to “Prove why I don’t need to.”

ADAS isn’t just the future—it’s already here. And if you're not ready, your shop (and your customers) could be at risk.

🎧 Listen to the Full Episode:
👉 ADAS Empowered Community Podcast with Brunno Moretti