ZEISS Research & Quality Solutions (ZEISS RQS) has introduced the ZEISS TALOS metrology robot for automated, high-volume inspection. According to ZEISS, the system pairs metrology-grade accuracy with the movement range of robotic kinematics and is aimed at medium-sized and large components that are hard to inspect with conventional line-of-sight systems. ZEISS quotes measurement uncertainty below 100 µm over a reach of 3.30 meters.
Positioning without external tracking
ZEISS says the robot can place its sensor precisely and repeatably without external tracking systems or reference markers. That capability is intended to support reliable measurement of difficult-to-reach areas on large parts. A newly developed optical sensor is designed to capture full-field geometry and measure precise features within one automated workflow.
Integrated hardware and sensing
The TALOS MR robot and compact blue-light TALOS AX sensor form an integrated measurement unit. They are complemented by the metrology-grade TALOS RT rotation table and the TALOS Safeguard safety concept. Dr. Jan Thesing, head of ZEISS's Business Unit 3D Optical Systems, described the launch as a shift in automated metrology: metrological capabilities are integrated into the system while retaining robotic speed, range and flexibility, according to the company.
One sensor for surfaces and features
ZEISS says optical metrology has long struggled to combine rapid surface capture with precise feature measurement. The TALOS AX sensor uses two 24-megapixel cameras that capture at 100 Hz, or up to 200 Hz in a fast-scan mode. Its 500 mm measurement volume and four multidirectional feature flashes are intended to cover large surfaces for geometry analysis and digital twins, as well as details such as holes, edges, bolts and threads.
Designed for production use
The robot and system are designed to tolerate temperature variation, vibration and dust, which ZEISS identifies as typical production conditions. Measurement tasks can be prepared offline from CAD models, with ZEISS INSPECT calculating the required positions and robot paths automatically. ZEISS says this can cut the time and effort needed to plan new tasks. One-click programming, efficient robot motion and simplified setup are intended to raise throughput and improve use of measurement capacity. ZEISS INSPECT also supports full analysis, report generation and integration of results into existing processes.
Target applications
TALOS is designed for automotive, aerospace and commercial vehicle manufacturing, both near production lines and in dedicated measurement rooms. ZEISS lists applications including car bodies, hang-on parts, giga-casting parts, 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.
The product extends robotic kinematics into inspection work that calls for metrology-grade positioning and optical feature measurement. ZEISS's statements about accuracy, repeatability and production use describe stated capabilities; the announcement did not include independent performance data.