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, a pairing ZEISS presents as a way to measure medium-sized and large components without relying on external tracking systems or reference markers.
Integrated robot, sensor and safety package
ZEISS TALOS is organized around two core elements: the TALOS MR metrology robot and the compact blue-light TALOS AX sensor. The company says these form an integrated measurement unit. The offering also includes the TALOS RT rotation table and the TALOS Safeguard safety concept.
Dr. Jan Thesing, head of ZEISS’s Business Unit 3D Optical Systems, describes the launch as a fundamental shift in automated metrology. According to Thesing, metrological capabilities are integrated directly into the system while the speed, range and flexibility of robotic kinematics are retained.
Accuracy and optical measurement
ZEISS specifies measurement uncertainty below 100 µm over a reach of 3.30 meters. The robot is designed to position the sensor precisely and repeatably without external tracking or markers. According to ZEISS, this supports reliable measurement of medium-sized and large parts, including areas that conventional line-of-sight systems can find difficult to access.
The TALOS AX sensor is intended to combine full-field geometry acquisition with precise feature measurement in one automated workflow. It uses two 24-megapixel cameras and captures 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 both large-surface measurement for geometry analysis and digital twins, and measurement of features such as holes, edges, bolts and threads.
Designed for production use
ZEISS says the robot and system concept are designed to withstand common production-environment influences, including temperature variation, vibration and dust. Measurement tasks can be prepared offline from the CAD model, while ZEISS INSPECT calculates the required measurement positions and robot paths. ZEISS says this can significantly reduce the time and effort needed to plan new tasks.
One-click programming, robot motion and streamlined setup are presented as ways to increase throughput and use measurement capacity more efficiently. With ZEISS INSPECT, users can carry out complete analyses, generate reports and integrate measurement results into existing processes, according to the company.
Target industries and applications
ZEISS TALOS is aimed at automotive, aerospace and commercial vehicle manufacturing, both near production lines 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 the supported applications.
High-resolution measurement data is intended to help evaluate component quality and deviations. ZEISS also notes that virtual tools can be used to assess functional dimensions, gap sizes and flushness, for example in automotive assembly.