Perceptron, Inc. Announces New Product
29 July 1997
Perceptron, Inc. Announces New Product
PLYMOUTH, Mich., July 29 -- Perceptron, Inc.
announced today, in conjunction with its recently acquired Autospect
subsidiary, the introduction of an innovative new product called DCM, the
Defroster Continuity Monitor. The new system provides real time, in-line
detection of faults in the electric defrosters that are imbedded in or applied
to automobile windows.
The DCM represents the first new product developed through the
collaboration between Perceptron engineers and the engineers of the Company's
recently acquired Autospect subsidiary. This application is an important step
in the expansion of Perceptron's presence into the automobile trim and final
assembly process, a new and growing area to Perceptron.
The first DCM was installed at a North American assembly plant in May of
this year and has already demonstrated positive results. A new application of
sensing technology enables the DCM to automatically verify the operation of
rear-window defogger/defroster elements by actually "seeing" them operate as
electric current flows. Defrosters with defective segments can then be
repaired or replaced before the vehicle is shipped, resulting in improved
quality and reduced customer warranty claims.
The DCM is field configurable to adapt to multiple model types, and is
targeted at the 400 plus assembly plants worldwide as well as the first-tier
glass suppliers who manufacture electric window defrosters. First production
models are expected to be available at the end of the third quarter of 1997
for domestic markets and in the fourth quarter of 1997 for international
markets.
Commenting on the development, Alfred A. Pease, Chairman, President, and
Chief Executive Officer of Perceptron stated, "Joint development efforts
involved in this product represent just one of the synergies from the
Perceptron-Autospect merger. Sensing technologies brought by Autospect to
serve the paint shop have been adapted in a strong collaborative effort to
serve the assembly areas. I am proud of the way these once separate teams
have worked together to bring a new product to market in such a short time."
Perceptron designs, manufactures and markets information-based process
measurement and guidance solutions for industry. Perceptron's systems are
recognized in a number of industries and market segments as important tools
for improvement of both quality and efficiency. Perceptron markets its
products worldwide through its offices in Michigan, Germany, Brazil, The
Netherlands, Korea, and Japan.
Safe Harbor Statement
Certain statements in this press release are "forward looking statements"
within the meaning of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Actual results
could differ materially from those in the forward looking statements due to
a number of uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the ability of the
Company to resolve technical issues inherent in the development of new
products and technologies, the ability of the Company to identify and satisfy
market needs, general product development and commercialization difficulties,
the quality and cost of competitive products already in existence or developed
in the future, the level of interest existing and potential new customers may
have in new products and technologies generally, the continuation or
acceleration of the automotive industry's retooling programs, rapid or
unexpected technological changes, general product demand and market acceptance
risks, the ability of the Company to successfully compete with alternative and
similar technologies and the effect of economic conditions.
SOURCE Perceptron, Inc.