The ATS800 supports automated inspection to improve repeatability, save time, and meet modern production needs.
Amid increasing production demands and workforce challenges, Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence division has introduced the Leica Absolute Tracker ATS800. This laser tracker is designed for high-mix, large-structure manufacturing environments, offering direct scanning capabilities with accuracy similar to traditional reflector systems in a compact and portable form.
The ATS800 integrates with digital and robotic automation workflows to help reduce inspection time and support real-time measurement and process alignment. It includes FeatureDetect, an automatic feature recognition function that identifies key part geometries without manual programming, helping to lower operator workload and improve efficiency in both automated and manual inspection tasks.
FeatureDetect operates from CAD data or independently, using the ATS800’s built in high-resolution panoramic camera. This wide aspect live image feed allows the system to recognize features directly from the physical part, accelerating set-up and streamlining inspection.
Engineered for safety-critical industries where manual inspection of large and complex structures often creates bottlenecks, the ATS800 combines high-accuracy direct scanning and reflector tracking in a single compact system. With setup times reduced from hours to minutes, it supports unattended or in-process inspection – from fuselage alignment to composite layups – without compromising on accuracy or traceability.
Digitally automated high-accuracy scanning
The ATS800 merges Hexagon’s renowned laser tracker technology with high performance direct scanning, in a single compact device. Performing high-accuracy reflectorless measurements at ranges of up to 40 meters, the ATS800 captures detailed data on key features like edges, holes, slots and threads without physical contact or close-proximity scanning. For even greater flexibility, full 3D reflector tracking capability further accelerates alignment and set-up processes across large-structure inspection and assemblies.
New AI-powered FeatureDetect technology removes a significant bottleneck in large-structure metrology by identifying what to measure and how. Operating from CAD or panoramic camera view, it streamlines programming and enables more agile, autonomous workflows with less reliance on experts.
Compatible with widely used metrology software platforms such as PC-DMIS, SpatialAnalyzer and third-party alternatives, the system fits easily into existing inspection workflows. It’s automation-ready, offering customers a plug-and-play path to scalable, high-throughput inspection through using the HxGN Robotic Automation software.
Robotic and AGV/AMR automation
Despite its advanced capabilities, the ATS800 has been engineered with portability and deployment flexibility in mind. Its compact form factor allows for flexible mounting in any orientation – even upside down – and seamless deployment on AMRs, gantries, lifts, rails and robot arms, supporting safe, space-efficient operations on busy shop floors.
With a well-established and fully supported SDK, the ATS800 can be embedded into complex robotic workflows, enabling automated feature measurement, dynamic part tracking and closed-loop process control in real time. Whether integrated with a fixed station lift-and-rail combination, or patrolling large assemblies on an AMR, the ATS800 gives engineers a versatile metrology solution for lights-out inspection or continuous quality assurance.
For example, the ATS800 will be powering Hexagon’s latest PRESTO Quality Stations, where it is combined with high-speed 2 axis positioning to automate the inspection of automotive chassis features. Using long range, reflectorless scanning, multiple complex features are inspected with only single axis movement on a vertical lift or horizontal rail – drastically reducing cycle times and increasing repeatability and throughput.
Unlocking “third-shift” workflows and real-time assembly
As production increases in aerospace and other large-structure industries, the need for overnight or in-process inspection is growing. The ATS800 supports unattended scanning, real-time tracking, and subassembly alignment, with digital traceability. It is designed to assist with tasks such as fuselage integration or composite inspection without disrupting production workflows.
The system uses Hexagon’s TruePoint Interferometer, a measurement engine designed to reduce noise and maintain accuracy on a range of surface types and angles.
For mobile applications, Hexagon’s PowerLock technology helps maintain continuous measurement by quickly reacquiring reflectors in motion.
For more information, visit hexagon.com.
