Hexagon Adds Automated Inspection Features to ATS800

Why It Matters

Automating high‑precision inspections cuts labor costs and cycle time, boosting throughput in safety‑critical, large‑scale manufacturing while preserving quality standards.

Key Takeaways

• FeatureDetect AI auto‑locates bolt holes, cutting setup time.
• PowerLock auto‑locks reflectors, enabling real‑time robot coordination.
• ATS800 portable, 12‑hour battery life, scans up to 40 m.
• ARGON’s forklift stations semi‑automate large‑part inspections.
• Remote Wi‑Fi enables unattended measurements in hazardous zones.

Pulse Analysis

Large‑scale manufacturers face a paradox: the need to accelerate output while maintaining exacting tolerances on components that are often massive, heavy and difficult to access. Traditional manual inspections require workers on elevated platforms for multiple shifts, creating bottlenecks and safety concerns. Hexagon’s enhanced ATS800 tackles this by embedding AI‑based computer vision that instantly identifies circular features such as bolt holes, aligning scans with CAD data and slashing setup time. The device’s portable, battery‑powered design lets it be deployed across sprawling shop floors without extensive infrastructure.

Beyond feature detection, Hexagon’s PowerLock technology provides continuous, real‑time positional referencing by automatically locking onto reflectors. This capability is a cornerstone for integrating the tracker with autonomous mobile robots or linear rails, enabling coordinated measurement sequences without human intervention. Companies like ARGON have already leveraged the ATS800 on forklift‑mounted stations, creating semi‑automated inspection cells that reduce reliance on operator skill and improve repeatability. The built‑in Wi‑Fi further extends functionality, allowing remote operation in hazardous zones or during off‑hours, which is especially valuable for aerospace MRO and wind‑turbine blade inspections.

The market implications are significant. Early adopters such as GKN Aerospace are evaluating the system’s impact on production schedules, and the broader industry is watching for measurable gains in productivity and quality assurance. By lowering the labor intensity of precision inspections, Hexagon positions the ATS800 as a catalyst for the next wave of digital manufacturing, where sensor‑driven automation and AI analytics converge to streamline complex assembly lines. As OEMs and suppliers seek to meet tighter delivery windows and regulatory standards, tools that blend portability, AI, and robotic compatibility will become essential components of the smart factory ecosystem.