ZEISS Research & Quality Solutions has added ZEISS TALOS to its metrology portfolio, describing the product as a robot-based system for automated, high-volume inspection. The system is intended to bring metrology-grade accuracy together with the reach and flexibility of robotic kinematics.
According to ZEISS, TALOS achieves measurement uncertainty below 100 µm over a reach of 3.30 metres. The robot positions the optical 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 reach with conventional line-of-sight measurement systems.
Integrated robot, sensor and rotation table
The core configuration combines the TALOS MR metrology robot with the TALOS AX compact blue-light sensor as an integrated measurement unit. ZEISS also lists the TALOS RT metrology-grade rotation table and the TALOS Safeguard safety concept as part of the system.
Dr. Jan Thesing, head of ZEISS’s 3D Optical Systems business unit, framed the launch as a shift in automated metrology. In remarks provided by the company, he said metrological capabilities are integrated directly into the system while the speed, range and flexibility of robotic kinematics are retained.
Surface and feature measurement in one workflow
ZEISS identifies the combination of fast surface measurement and precise feature measurement as a long-standing challenge in optical metrology. A newly developed optical sensor is designed to handle full-field geometry acquisition and precise feature measurement within a single automated workflow.
The TALOS AX uses two 24-megapixel cameras and captures images at 100 Hz, or up to 200 Hz in a fast-scan mode. Its measurement volume is 500 mm wide, and four multidirectional feature flashes support measurement of large surfaces for geometry analysis and digital twins as well as features such as holes, edges, bolts and threads.
Designed for production environments
The robot and system concept are built to withstand common production influences including temperature variation, vibration and dust. Measurement tasks can be prepared offline from a CAD model, while ZEISS INSPECT software 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, robot motion and a streamlined setup are intended to raise throughput and make better use of measurement capacity. ZEISS INSPECT also supports complete analysis, report generation and integration of measurement results into existing processes.
Target applications
ZEISS TALOS is aimed at automotive, aerospace and commercial-vehicle manufacturing, for use near production lines as well as in dedicated measurement rooms. The company lists car bodies, hang-on parts and giga-casting parts among automotive applications, alongside aerostructures, jet engines, truck cabins and weld seams.
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.