ZEISS Research & Quality Solutions has introduced ZEISS TALOS, a metrology robot designed for automated, high-volume inspection. The system combines metrology-grade accuracy with the reach and flexibility of robotic kinematics, according to ZEISS.
ZEISS says the system delivers measurement uncertainty below 100 µm over a reach of 3.30 meters. It positions the 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 measurement systems.
Integrated measurement unit
The TALOS MR metrology robot and the compact TALOS AX blue-light sensor form an integrated measurement unit. The package is complemented by the TALOS RT metrology-grade rotation table and the TALOS Safeguard safety concept. ZEISS says the integrated design enables both full-field geometry acquisition and precise feature measurement within a single automated workflow. Dr. Jan Thesing, head of ZEISS's Business Unit 3D Optical Systems, described TALOS as a fundamental shift in automated metrology, saying metrological capabilities are integrated directly into the system while robotic speed, range and flexibility are retained.
Surface and feature measurement
ZEISS says a longstanding challenge in optical metrology has been 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. A 500 mm-wide measurement volume and four multidirectional feature flashes are designed to support measurement of large surfaces for geometry analysis and digital twins, as well as precise features such as holes, edges, bolts and threads.
Production-ready design
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 using the 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 tasks. One-click programming, efficient robot motion and streamlined setup are intended to increase throughput and make more efficient use of measurement capacity. INSPECT also supports complete analyses, comprehensive reports and integration of results into existing processes.
Target industries and applications
ZEISS TALOS is designed for automotive, aerospace and commercial vehicle manufacturing, both near production lines and in dedicated measurement rooms. Applications include car bodies, hang-on parts, giga-casting parts, aerostructures, jet engines, truck cabins and weld seams. High-resolution measurement data is intended to enable precise evaluation of component quality and deviations. Virtual tools can assess functional dimensions, gap sizes and flushness, for example in automotive assembly.