ZEISS Research & Quality Solutions 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 capability is intended to support reliable measurement of medium-sized and large components, including areas that are difficult to access with conventional line-of-sight systems. A newly developed optical sensor allows full-field geometry acquisition and precise feature measurement in one automated workflow, according to the company.
Integrated hardware and sensor design
The ZEISS TALOS MR metrology robot and the compact ZEISS TALOS AX blue-light sensor form an integrated measurement unit. The package is complemented by the ZEISS TALOS RT rotation table and the ZEISS TALOS Safeguard safety concept.
The TALOS AX uses two 24-megapixel cameras and captures images at 100 Hz, or up to 200 Hz in fast-scan mode. A 500 mm wide measurement volume and four multidirectional feature flashes are designed to let the sensor measure large surfaces for geometry analysis and digital twins as well as features such as holes, edges, bolts and threads.
Production readiness and software
ZEISS says the robot and system concept are designed to withstand temperature variations, vibration and dust. Measurement tasks can be prepared offline from a CAD model, while ZEISS INSPECT automatically calculates required measurement positions and robot paths. The company states that this reduces planning time and effort for new tasks.
One-click programming, robot motion and streamlined setup are intended to increase throughput and make more efficient use of measurement capacity. With ZEISS INSPECT, users can perform analyses, generate reports and integrate measurement results into existing processes, according to ZEISS.
Target applications
ZEISS TALOS is aimed at automotive, aerospace and commercial vehicle manufacturing, both near production and in dedicated measurement rooms. The company lists car bodies, hang-on parts, giga-casting parts, aerostructures, jet engines, truck cabins and weld seams among supported inspection applications.
High-resolution measurement data is intended to help evaluate component quality and deviations. Virtual tools can be used to assess functional dimensions, gap sizes and flushness, for example in automotive assembly.
Jan Thesing, head of ZEISS's 3D Optical Systems business unit, said TALOS integrates metrological capabilities directly into the system while retaining the speed, range and flexibility of robotic kinematics.