ZEISS Research & Quality Solutions (ZEISS RQS) has introduced ZEISS TALOS, a metrology robot built for automated, high-volume inspection. The system pairs metrology-grade accuracy with flexible robotic kinematics and, according to ZEISS, delivers measurement uncertainty below 100 µm across a reach of 3.30 metres.
The robot positions its sensor precisely and repeatably without external tracking systems or reference markers, which ZEISS says enables reliable measurement of medium-sized and large components, including areas that conventional line-of-sight systems struggle to reach.
An integrated measuring unit
ZEISS TALOS is not a single instrument but a combination of modules. The TALOS MR metrology robot and the compact blue-light TALOS AX sensor form the core measurement unit, supported by the metrology-grade TALOS RT rotation table and the 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
Optical metrology has long struggled to combine fast surface measurement with precise feature measurement in a single workflow. The TALOS AX sensor addresses this with two 24-megapixel cameras that capture images at 100 Hz, rising to 200 Hz in fast scan mode. A 500 mm measurement volume and four multidirectional feature flashes allow the same sensor to record broad surfaces for geometry analysis and digital twins as well as discrete features such as holes, edges, bolts and threads.
Designed for the production floor
ZEISS says the robot and system concept are built to withstand typical environmental influences including temperature variation, vibration and dust. Measurement tasks can be prepared offline from the CAD model, with ZEISS INSPECT automatically calculating the required measurement positions and robot paths — work that ZEISS says significantly reduces the time and effort needed to plan 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. The software also covers complete analysis, report generation and integration of results into existing processes.
Target industries and applications
ZEISS TALOS is aimed at automotive, aerospace and commercial vehicle manufacturing, both near the production line and in dedicated measurement rooms. Applications cited include inspection of car bodies, hang-on parts and giga-casting components, as well as aerostructures, jet engines, truck cabins and weld seams. High-resolution measurement data is intended to support precise evaluation of component quality and deviation, while virtual tools can assess functional dimensions, gap sizes and flushness — for example in automotive assembly.