SEMA Products: At the Judges' Table

SEMA’S TOP SELECTIONS

SEMA recognized Collision Repair’s leadership in the sector by naming William Simmons to its Media Judging Panel—an exclusive, invitation-only group tasked with determining the industry’s most impactful new products. With insider access to the latest equipment and technology, William’s selections reflect the innovations expected to drive change across the collision repair industry in 2025.

MORE THAN 1,300 PRODUCTS WERE ENTERED ACROSS 15 SHOWCASE CATEGORIES THIS YEAR AT SEMA. COLLISION REPAIR MAGAZINE’S MARKETING COORDINATOR AND AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR WILLIAM SIMMONS WAS PART OF THIS YEAR’S JUDGING PANEL. “ONE OF THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES WAS CHOOSING AMONG SO MANY GROUNDBREAKING PRODUCTS.”

iPro Images by Car-Part.com

Integrated Car Part Pro (iPro) from Car-Part.com is a comprehensive alternative parts marketplace designed for insurers, repairers and independent appraisers. iPro connects directly with all major estimating systems and provides streamlined search capabilities across more than 200 million parts. Featuring access to the industry’s largest alternative parts network — 4,000 suppliers and an additional 12,000 supplychain partners — iPro’s assembly-optimised workflow bridges the gap between the estimate and the recycled parts market.

The platform is engineered to help users locate quality recycled, aftermarket and alternative parts that meet repair requirements, while supporting sustainability goals with estimated CO2e savings data. Backordered components are easier to track down using the “Request Quote” feature. Additional tools, including analytics and the Car-Part Scorecard, help shops improve utilisation and part-sourcing efficiency. New functionality allows users to send and receive photos directly within chats with suppliers, further simplifying communication.

I chose Integrated Car Part Pro (iPro) because it solves several real challenges we see every day in Canadian collision repair. Parts delays continue to be one of the biggest hurdles for bodyshops, especially when we’re trying to balance cycle time, accuracy and customer expectations. iPro’s ability to search more than 200 million alternative parts — and integrate directly with estimating systems — means shops can move from estimate to repair with far less friction.

What stood out to me most is how practical the tool is. The assembly optimised workflow makes it easy to find the exact component needed, and the “Request Quote” feature gives shops a fighting chance when dealing with backorders. I also appreciate the sustainability angle: providing estimated CO2e savings gives repairers something meaningful to share with insurers and customers.

iPro represents the type of innovation that actually helps shops do safe, proper repairs while keeping work moving.

Kinetic Vision Platform by Kinetic Automation

The Kinetic Vision platform supports collision centres by providing remote estimating coordinators who validate estimates against current OEM repair data. The service is designed to help reduce administrative workload and improve estimate accuracy by centralizing information review. According to the company, its customization options allow shops to configure the platform so it aligns with individual workflow needs and existing processes.

I chose Kinetic Vision because it represents the kind of practical innovation our industry genuinely needs — technology that strengthens accuracy, transparency and workflow without adding complexity to a shop’s day. What impressed me first was the 3D digital twin. Being able to capture millions of data points and translate that into a detailed, consistent damage profile removes so much of the uncertainty we still face in the early stages of a repair.

The human verification piece is equally important. Having remote Estimating Coordinators validate every estimate means shops get the best of both worlds: speed from AI and confidence from experienced estimators. I also appreciate how carrier alignment is built right into the system, from supplement minimisation to automatic inclusion of ADAS calibrations.

Vision stands out because it directly addresses capacity challenges. Shops can move faster, document better and improve trust with both customers and insurers. It’s a forward-looking solution grounded in real shop needs.

GPR+ Pro Cart by Keco Body Repair Products

The GPR+ Pro Cart organizes glue-pull repair equipment in a compact, mobile workstation. Its layout is designed to help technicians maintain an efficient workflow by grouping tools where they are most accessible. According to the manufacturer, the cart can be configured to suit different shop routines, which supports consistency during panel correction work.

I selected the GPR+ Pro Cart because it reflects exactly what technicians tell us they need: organization, accessibility and durability. Glue Pull Repair has become an essential part of modern collision work, but only when the tools are properly arranged and easy to reach. What stood out to me is how intentionally this cart is designed.

The adjustable tool pan puts everyday tools right where technicians want them, and the integrated lighting is a small detail that makes a big difference when working on precise pulls. I also appreciate how customizable the platform is. Every shop has its own rhythm, and being able to configure the cart without tools means it can evolve with the workflow. The reinforced construction and perimeter holders show that Keco understands real collision-shop conditions — not just ideal ones.

The GPR+ Pro Cart is a productivity upgrade that helps technicians work smarter, not harder.

ADAS Integration Ecosystem by REVV

The REVV ADAS Integration Ecosystem provides calibration guidance, equipment integration and software support in one platform. According to the company, the system is designed to adapt to evolving ADAS requirements and consolidate procedures so shops can maintain consistency across different vehicle models. Its modular structure allows facilities to expand capabilities as demand grows.

Walking the floor at SEMA, I was struck by how many ADAS tools promise simplicity — yet still leave shops juggling fragmented steps. The REVV Ecosystem stood out because it actually solves that pain point. Its workflow integration felt genuinely technician-centric, eliminating the guesswork that often slows down calibrations. The ability to adapt as OEM requirements evolve also impressed me; it’s rare to see a system built with this much foresight. Among all the ADAS solutions showcased, REVV delivered the clearest blend of innovation, practicality, and long-term value, making it an easy pick for our featured selection.

Paint Protection Spray by NGenco

NGenco Paint Protection Spray is a peelable, spray-on protective coating engineered to shield vehicle surfaces from chips, scratches, and environmental wear. Applied like a traditional paint product but removable on demand, it offers a flexible alternative to vinyl wraps and permanent paint-protection films. The coating selflevels for a smooth finish, cures quickly, and is compatible with a wide range of colours and gloss levels — making it ideal for both temporary protection and custom styling. For shops looking to expand services without investing in specialized film-installation skills, NGenco delivers a high-quality, user-friendly solution that broadens what’s possible in-house.

On the SEMA floor, NGenco immediately grabbed my attention because it represents that perfect intersection of practicality and creativity. While many products promise protection, NGenco offers a level of versatility that genuinely empowers both technicians and customers—especially shops wanting to offer customization without committing to permanent changes. Watching demonstrations, it was clear how accessible the application process is and how impressive the finish quality can be. In a sea of new coatings and films, NGenco stood out for offering real-world value, new revenue potential, and a fresh way for shops to differentiate their services.
 

The 3M™ Performance Gravity Fine Finish Atomizing Head is engineered to deliver precise, consistent spray performance across an impressive range of automotive coatings. Its intuitive, color-coded design makes switching between materials incredibly fast — simply change the nozzle and move from a heavy, textured application to an ultra-fine, glass-smooth clear coat in seconds. With sizes spanning 0.9 mm to 2.0 mm, this system offers remarkable versatility, high-quality atomization, and the kind of control technicians rely on in demanding collision repair and refinishing environments. It’s a smart, efficient solution built to streamline workflow without compromising on finish quality.

I chose the 3M™ Performance Gravity Fine Finish Atomizing Head because even as someone who isn’t in the spray booth every day, its impact is immediately clear. The ability to switch effortlessly between coatings—and maintain such precise, consistent atomization — speaks to smart design and a real understanding of what technicians need. From a media standpoint, it’s the kind of product that stands out: innovative, practical, and genuinely improving workflow in a way that’s easy to appreciate, even from the outside looking in.

SATA Spray System

The SATA spray system is engineered for precision, efficiency and ergonomic handling. According to SATA, its design focuses on consistent atomization and reduced operator fatigue during refinishing work. Its construction supports uniform performance across the coatings commonly used in collision repair environments.

Even as someone who observes rather than works in a shop every day, the 4400–100 Years Edition stands out immediately. Its combination of precision, efficiency, and thoughtful design makes it easy to appreciate from any perspective. The smooth, controlled spray and the ability to switch colors quickly show a real understanding of what refinishing professionals need. Beyond that, the centennial design adds character, giving the tool a story as well as performance. It’s the kind of product that’s as enjoyable to look at as it is to use — a clear favorite for both functionality and style.

Hunter Road Force WalkAway Balancer by Hunter Engineering

The Hunter Road Force WalkAway balancer combines automated measurement with a diagnostic load roller designed to simulate road conditions using vision-based technology. Hunter describes the system as engineered for speed, precision and shop efficiency. The automated process is intended to reduce technician involvement during balancing and support consistent ride-quality assessments across a range of tire and wheel combinations.

From a media or outside-observer’s point of view, the Road Force WalkAway™ stands out because it isn’t just smart — it’s autonomous. The automatic inflation and balancing mean that techs can be free to do other high-value work while the machine handles one of the most time-consuming tasks in tire service. That kind of efficiency is compelling even if you’re not the one turning the wrench.

At the same time, it doesn’t trade off quality for speed. The diagnostic load roller and vision-based measurement give a highfidelity “new car ride” by catching vibration issues other balancers miss. It’s that balance of innovation and real-world diagnostic power that makes the WalkAway™ feel like a serious upgrade — not just for productivity, but for customer experience. In short, it’s the kind of advanced, future-forward tool that makes you sit up and take notice.

SEMA 2025 reminded me why the collision repair industry is always evolving — and why innovation matters so much on the shop floor. From AI-driven estimating with Kinetic Vision to the parts-streamlining power of iPro, every standout product shared a common goal: making real-world repairs faster, more accurate, and more efficient. Tools like the GPR+ Pro Cart, 3M™ atomizing heads, Hunter’s WalkAway™, and SATA’s centennial spray guns may look different on paper, but what connects them is practicality. 

NGenco Paint Protection Spray and the REVV ADAS Integration Ecosystem fit that same mold — solutions rooted in real technician needs, whether it’s protecting finishes with flexible, peelable coatings or simplifying complex ADAS calibrations through intelligent workflow integration. All of them are designed to solve everyday challenges while improving workflow, consistency, and even sustainability. It’s that blend of thoughtful design and high performance that turns great tools into game-changers.

What struck me most about this year’s SEMA isn’t just the technology — it’s the mindset behind it. These aren’t innovations made for the sake of being new; they’re solutions built from real shop experience, balancing speed, accuracy, and usability. Walking the show floor, it was clear that collision repair is moving toward a future where efficiency and quality go hand in hand, and where the right tools give technicians the freedom to focus on what really matters: doing safe, proper repairs while keeping work — and customers — moving. For anyone watching the industry, it’s an exciting, practical, and very human-forward vision of what’s coming next.