Automated Laser Scanning for Large-Scale Industrial Metrology

The Leica Absolute Tracker ATS800 utilizes high-resolution direct scanning to perform automated quality inspections on large-scale structures, such as aircraft fuselages and wind turbines. By removing the requirement for manual reflector placement or worker proximity to hazardous surfaces, the system facilitates high-precision metrology in assembly and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) applications.

Direct Scanning and Automated Feature Identification
The transition from manual to automated inspection in a digital supply chain relies on the ability to capture spatial data without physical contact. The ATS800 operates as a portable, battery-powered device capable of direct scanning from distances up to 40m. Unlike traditional laser trackers that require a handheld reflector or probe, this technology uses a zooming lens assembly and panoramic viewfinder to assess surfaces at high resolution from a single vantage point.

A primary technical advancement in this ecosystem is the FeatureDetect capability. This AI-based computer vision system uses the tracker’s onboard camera to automatically locate circular features, including bolt holes and mating points. While standard precision measurements typically rely on pre-defined CAD data, FeatureDetect automates the initial localization of these features. For large "raw" castings or components undergoing contract inspection where CAD alignment may be incomplete, this mechanism reduces setup time by identifying reference points autonomously.

Integration with Mobile Robotics and "Automation Without Robots"
The ATS800 is designed for integration into wider automation frameworks via built-in Wi-Fi and the patented PowerLock technology. PowerLock allows the sensor to immediately "lock on" to a fixed reflector to establish an absolute position reference. This functionality is critical when the tracker is mounted on linear rails or autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), such as those manufactured by Omron.

In aerospace applications, an ATS800 mounted on an AMR can navigate underneath a fuselage to perform flush and gap measurements. This allows for "third shift" operations, where inspection occurs overnight without interrupting manual assembly tasks. Technical data from initial implementations indicates that these automated workflows can reduce inspection cycles from several days to a matter of hours.

Alternatively, the technology enables "automation without robots" through specialized hardware configurations. Integration partner ARGON developed a forklift-based measurement station that utilizes the ATS800's direct scanning to inspect large parts on the shop floor. This approach eliminates dependency on operator skill and achieves efficiency gains of five to ten times compared to manual metrology methods.

Operational Specifications and Industry Applications
The hardware supports field operations with a portable form factor and an operating time of 6 to 12 hours depending on the battery configuration. These specifications address the logistical requirements of shipbuilding, aerospace, and energy sectors where components are often too large to be moved to a dedicated metrology lab.

Geert Creemers, Founder and Managing Partner at ARGON, noted that direct scanning technology brings precision to domains where manual measurement was previously the only option, resulting in operator-independent data quality. By establishing a stable coordinate system through automated sphere target identification, the system ensures that measurement accuracy is maintained even when the tracker is relocated across vast manufacturing environments.

Edited by Evgeny Churilov, Induportals Media - Adapted by AI.

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