Real-Time Wheel Detection and Rim Classification in Automotive Production

Abstract: This paper proposes a novel approach to real-time automatic rim detection, classification, and inspection by combining traditional computer vision and deep learning techniques. At the end of every automotive assembly line, a quality control process is carried out to identify any potential defects in the produced cars. Common yet hazardous defects are related, for example, to incorrectly mounted rims. Routine inspections are mostly conducted by human workers that are negatively affected by factors such as fatigue or distraction. We have designed a new prototype to validate whether all four wheels on a single car match in size and type. Additionally, we present three comprehensive open-source databases, CWD1500, WHEEL22, and RB600, for wheel, rim, and bolt detection, as well as rim classification, which are free-to-use for scientific purposes.