ZEISS Research & Quality Solutions (ZEISS RQS) has introduced ZEISS TALOS, a metrology robot built for automated, high-volume inspection. The system combines metrology-grade accuracy with flexible robotic kinematics, and ZEISS specifies a measurement uncertainty below 100 µm across a reach of 3.30 meters.
According to the company, the robot positions its sensor precisely and repeatably without the need for external tracking systems or reference markers. That capability is aimed at medium-sized and large components, including areas that conventional line-of-sight measurement systems struggle to reach.
Accuracy and robotic flexibility in one unit
The offering is assembled from several elements. The ZEISS TALOS MR metrology robot and the compact blue-light ZEISS TALOS AX sensor form an integrated measurement unit, complemented by the metrology-grade ZEISS TALOS RT rotation table and the ZEISS TALOS Safeguard safety concept.
“ZEISS TALOS marks a fundamental shift in the automated metrology category: metrological capabilities are integrated directly into the system, while the speed, range and flexibility of robotic kinematics are retained,” said Dr. Jan Thesing, Head of Business Unit 3D Optical Systems at ZEISS.
One sensor for surfaces and features
ZEISS frames the combination of fast surface measurement and precise feature measurement as a long-standing challenge in optical metrology. The TALOS AX carries 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 allow the same sensor to cover large surfaces for geometry analysis and digital twins as well as discrete features such as holes, edges, bolts and threads.
Designed for production environments
The robot and system concept are engineered to withstand temperature variation, vibration and dust, per ZEISS. Measurement tasks can be prepared offline from the CAD model, and ZEISS INSPECT software automatically calculates the required measurement positions and robot paths, which the company says significantly reduces the time and effort of planning new tasks. One-click programming, efficient robot motion and a streamlined setup are intended to raise throughput and make more efficient use of measurement capacity. ZEISS INSPECT also supports complete analyses, report generation and integration of results into existing processes.
Target industries and applications
ZEISS TALOS is intended for automotive, aerospace and commercial vehicle manufacturing, both near the production line and in dedicated measurement rooms. Applications cited by the company range from car bodies, hang-on parts and giga-casting components to aerostructures, jet engines, truck cabins and weld seams.
High-resolution measurement data is used to evaluate component quality and deviations, and virtual tools can assess functional dimensions, gap sizes and flushness, for example in automotive assembly.