Perceptron's AutoGuide System to Optimize Body Fit On 2004 Model Mercedes-Benz

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Sept. 5 -- Perceptron, Inc. today announced its AutoGuide(R) robot guidance systems have been selected by DaimlerChrysler Corporation to automate critical assembly operations in the production of a new model Mercedes-Benz to be produced in 2004.

14 Perceptron AutoGuide(R) robot guidance systems will be installed in the automaker's Rastatt, Germany assembly plant. The systems will provide fully automated seam sealing, closure panel assembly and position-optimized hole punching for taillights. Perceptron's laser sensors and AutoSolve(TM) software algorithms measure the exact position of each vehicle in 3-dimensional space and calculate "best fit" position information to guide industrial robot paths during the assembly operation. This allows the vehicle to be built to great accuracy and consistency.

"Our European operation, headquartered in Munich, has extensive experience in robot guidance systems. These are mission-critical systems whose reliability is essential to the manufacturing process. The knowledge and experience of our installation and support engineers in Europe were critical factors in winning this order," says Bill Corriveau, Perceptron senior vice president.

Perceptron's first generation robot guidance systems were developed in close cooperation with Mercedes-Benz production experts. The initial application automated their door assembly processes. Today, Perceptron's AutoGuide(R) systems are used in a growing spectrum of automated assembly functions including roof placement, bumper plate welding, windshield mounting and seam sealing. AutoGuide(R) systems allow automakers to reallocate valuable manpower assets from potentially dangerous process centers to those that are much less physically demanding, while reducing costly rework and optimizing body fit quality.

About Perceptron

Perceptron produces information-based process improvement solutions for industry as well as technology components for non-contact measurement and inspection applications. Automotive and manufacturing companies throughout the world rely on Perceptron's process management solutions to help them improve quality, shorten product launch times and reduce overall manufacturing costs.

Headquartered in Plymouth, MI, Perceptron has approximately 215 employees worldwide, with facilities in the United States, Germany, Spain, France, Brazil, and Japan. For more information, please visit www.perceptron.com .