ZEISS Research & Quality Solutions (ZEISS RQS) has introduced ZEISS TALOS, a metrology robot intended for automated, high-volume inspection. The system combines metrology-grade accuracy with robotic kinematics and is specified to deliver measurement uncertainty below 100 µm over a reach of 3.30 meters.
ZEISS says the robot positions its sensor precisely and repeatably without external tracking systems or reference markers. That configuration is intended to support reliable measurement of medium-sized and large components, including areas that are difficult to reach with conventional line-of-sight systems. A newly developed optical sensor enables full-field geometry acquisition and precise feature measurement within a single automated workflow, according to the company.
Integrated hardware and safety concept
The metrology robot ZEISS TALOS MR and the compact blue-light sensor ZEISS TALOS AX form an integrated measurement unit. ZEISS adds a metrology-grade rotation table, ZEISS TALOS RT, and the ZEISS TALOS Safeguard safety concept. Dr. Jan Thesing, head of ZEISS’s Business Unit 3D Optical Systems, describes the product as a fundamental shift in automated metrology: metrological capabilities are integrated directly into the system while the speed, range and flexibility of robotic kinematics are retained.
One sensor for surfaces and features
ZEISS identifies a longstanding challenge in optical metrology as combining fast surface measurement with precise feature measurement. The TALOS AX sensor uses two 24-megapixel cameras that capture images at 100 Hz, or up to 200 Hz in a fast-scan mode. It has a 500 mm wide measurement volume and four multidirectional feature flashes. According to ZEISS, these features allow measurement of large surfaces for geometry analysis and digital twins as well as precise features such as holes, edges, bolts and threads.
Designed for production use
The robot and system concept are designed to withstand typical production-environment influences including temperature variations, vibration and dust. Measurement tasks can be prepared offline from a CAD model, while ZEISS INSPECT automatically calculates the required measurement positions and robot paths. ZEISS says this reduces the time and effort needed to plan new measurement tasks. One-click programming, efficient robot motion and streamlined setup are intended to increase throughput and make more efficient use of measurement capacity.
With ZEISS INSPECT, users can perform complete analyses, generate reports and integrate measurement results into existing processes. The system is positioned for automotive, aerospace and commercial vehicle manufacturing, both near production and in dedicated measurement rooms. ZEISS lists applications including car bodies, hang-on parts, giga-casting parts, aerostructures, jet engines, truck cabins and weld seams. High-resolution measurement data is intended to support evaluation of component quality and deviations, while virtual tools can assess functional dimensions, gap sizes and flushness, for example in automotive assembly.