February 2026 Metrology News Magazine

Editors Message:

As manufacturing continues its rapid transformation toward smarter, more connected production environments, robotics is redefining what quality control looks like on the factory floor. Once confined to repetitive handling and assembly tasks, robots are now integral to inspection, measurement, and real-time process verification – bringing speed, repeatability, and data-driven intelligence to quality operations.

Robotic inspection cells have moved firmly into the mainstream of advanced manufacturing – they are now production-critical assets rather than optional enhancements. Equipped with high-accuracy sensors, structured light scanners, laser trackers, and advanced vision systems, these automated platforms can execute complex, repeatable measurement routines inline or near-line without interrupting production flow.

By integrating directly with manufacturing execution and quality management systems, robotic inspection cells drastically reduce bottlenecks, compress feedback loops, and enable real-time process corrections. The result is faster decision-making, improved consistency, reduced scrap and rework, and a more resilient, data-driven production environment where quality assurance operates at the same speed as manufacturing itself.

When combined with intelligent software and digital twin frameworks, robotic quality systems are delivering actionable data in real time – turning inspection from a reactive checkpoint into a proactive control mechanism.

Beyond automation, we are now witnessing the emergence of adaptive robotic systems that learn from measurement data and adjust inspection paths dynamically. AI-enhanced vision platforms, force-sensitive probing, and autonomous navigation are enabling robots to make contextual decisions, identify anomalies earlier, and continuously refine process control strategies. This convergence of robotics, advanced sensing, and analytics is laying the groundwork for self-optimizing production environments where quality assurance operates as a closed-loop system rather than a periodic audit function.

The shift is also cultural. Quality is no longer a downstream function; it is embedded within the production process. Robotics enables this integration by bringing metrology directly to the manufacturing line, aligning with Industry 4.0 principles and supporting the digital thread across product lifecycles.

As manufacturers face increasing pressure to produce higher-quality components at faster cycle times, robotics offers a powerful solution – bridging the gap between production speed and are reshaping the very foundations of quality control.

This month featured articles included “Inline Metrology at the Speed of Production”; “Humanoid Robots Role in Factory Metrology”; “The Pursuit of Zero-Defect Manufacturing”; “Dance of the White Light Robots”; “Visual Intelligence Powering Next-Generation Robotics“; “Driving Automotive Quality with Automation” and “Function-First Robot To Redefine Factory Automation“.

Access the full library of February Metrology News articles by clicking here.

As usual, I welcome your comments, news, and views – my inbox is always open.

Keith Mills – Publishing Editor

Function-First Robot To Redefine Factory Automation

Chinese home appliance giant Midea Group has introduced a striking new entrant into the industrial robotics landscape: the MIRO U. Unlike the growing wave of humanoid robots designed to mimic human form, MIRO U takes a radically different path. It prioritizes function over form, embodying a purpose-built architecture engineered specifically for efficiency, adaptability, and seamless integration into modern production environments … read more

Visual Intelligence Powering Next-Generation Robotics

Machine vision has moved beyond its early role as a replacement for human inspection. Today, it is becoming a core enabler of robotic intelligence, giving automated systems the contextual awareness, adaptability, and measurement capability required for high-mix, high-precision manufacturing. As industrial robotics shifts from repetitive, pre-programmed motion … read more

Humanoid Robots Role in Factory Metrology

The smart factory is no longer defined by isolated automation cells. It is an environment where machines, systems, and people operate within a continuous data ecosystem – sensing, analyzing, and responding in real time. One of the most intriguing new participants entering the production floor is the humanoid robot. Far from being futuristic curiosities, these human-shaped … read more

The Pursuit of Zero-Defect Manufacturing

Zero-defect manufacturing has long stood as one of the most ambitious goals in industrial quality control. For decades, however, it remained more of a guiding philosophy than a practical reality, limited by sampling inspection, human oversight, and delayed feedback from production. Digital twin technology is now reshaping that landscape, turning Zero-defect manufacturing … read more

Inline Metrology at the Speed of Production

As smart factories move from concept to reality, inline metrology is shifting from a peripheral quality check to the central nervous system of the production floor. Len Chamberlain, Chief Commercial Officer at LMI Technologies, discusses how measurement data is being transformed into immediate action and what still stands in the way of a fully closed-loop manufacturing future … read more

Hexagon’s HYPERSCAN Drives 3D Inspection

Hexagon, a global leader in precision technologies has introduced HYPERSCAN, a robust 3D scanning solution designed to deliver outstanding performance in complex industrial environments. The system combines speed, flexibility and simplified integration to transform handheld and robotic inspection processes. HYPERSCAN provides high-resolution data stream … read more

CAPPS 2026 Powers Data-Driven CNC Manufacturing

Applied Automation Technologies (AAT3D), a leader in on-machine metrology and adaptive manufacturing software, has announced the release of CAPPS 2026, the most advanced version of its CNC and metrology software suite to date. The release delivers major enhancements in closed-loop process control, reporting, and multi-platform hardware support– enabling manufacturers to measure, analyze, and adapt directly on the machine … read more

LMI Technologies Launches Gocator 2D Smart Cameras

LMI Technologies has announced the launch of Gocator 2D Smart Cameras, a new class of industrial 2D vision systems that deliver high-speed imaging, edge-native AI, rapid deployment, and factory-ready integration in a single, rugged device. Built on the proven Gocator smart platform and powered by GoPxL vision inspection software, Gocator 2D Smart Cameras … read more

Driving Automotive Quality with Automation

Since its foundation in 1978 in Gyeongsan, South Korea, Ajin Industrial has become a cornerstone supplier of high-volume automotive body-in-white components. Serving Hyundai and Kia for over forty years, the company manufactures an extensive range of structural press-formed parts – including dashboard panels, front apron assemblies, rear quarter panels … read more

Apera Evolves 4D Vision Guided Robotics Platform

Apera AI has introduced a major update to its 4D Vision-guided robotics platform, releasing Apera Vue 9.52 alongside significant performance upgrades to its Apera Forge simulation and AI training environment. The release focuses on areas that remain persistent bottlenecks in robotic automation: motion control precision, deployment speed and diagnostic visibility … read more

Dance of the White Light Robots – A Closer Look at the Newest Inspection Technology in MRO

Not long ago, GE Aerospace brought revolutionary technology to some of the most crucial yet laborious work in aviation: inspecting every nook and cranny of a high-pressure turbine (HPT), including one particular part that spins at tremendous speeds inside the very core of a jet engine. These exquisitely machined, nickel-based disks bear the blades of the HPT and their maintenance requires painstaking scrutiny … read more

Ansomat’s New Management System Brings Real-Time Control to Shop Floor Guidance

Ansomat, a provider of Operator Guidance Technology, has announced the launch of its new Management System Platform, a centralized solution designed to eliminate complexity in the creation, management, and deployment of digital work instructions across modern manufacturing environments. As factories adopt an increasing mix of technologies … read more

New Generation Robotic Cells to Drive Flexible Aerospace Manufacturing

The aeronautical industry faces a dual challenge: achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 while enhancing competitiveness through reduced production costs. These goals are constrained by heavy, costly, and inflexible machinery that dominates traditional manufacturing processes. IDEKO has played a key role in developing a new generation of flexible, sensorised, and connected robotic cells as part of the ROBOCOMP project … read more

Humanoids on the Line: Toyota Canada Deploys ‘Digit’ to Enhance Production Efficiency

Agility Robotics, creator of the general-purpose humanoid robot Digit, has announced that Toyota Motor Manufacturing Canada (TMMC) has signed a commercial agreement with the company. After a successful pilot, TMMC plans to deploy Agility’s robot, Digit, in its facilities to support employees with manufacturing, supply chain and logistics operations … read more

4Di InSpec SR Surface Roughness Gauge Wins the SPIE Prism Award

Onto Innovation has announce that its 4Di InSpec SR Surface Roughness Gauge was awarded the 2026 SPIE PRISM Award in the Test and Measurement category. The 4Di InSpec SR is an innovative, fully portable, vibration-immune, 3D surface roughness tester which non-destructively measures even rough surfaces with nanometer-level vertical resolution … read more

Intelligent Automation Comes to Rail Wheel Ultrasonic Inspection

Waygate Technologies, a leader in NDT solutions for industrial and infrastructure inspection, has expanded its advanced inspection solutions portfolio for the rail industry with the introduction of the Krautkrämer WheelStar RPS. A fully automated ultrasonic testing system that is combined with proprietary matrix technology ensures precise results in the inspection process … read more

5-Axis Measurement Cuts Inspection Time Without Cutting Accuracy

Measuring complex parts – parts with complex geometries, tight tolerances, deep cavities, thin walls, and multi-axis surfaces is a challenge. These parts are often complicated, but also slow, to measure. And in industry, time is often a luxury you can’t afford. Do you need to measure complex parts, but without compromising on precision and measurement quality?… read more

Automating Airbag Yarn Quality Control with AI Defect Detection

A leading manufacturer in the thread roll industry, recognized for its diverse applications in industrial, sports, and fishing sectors, has initiated a strategic project to enhance the quality control of its airbag yarn production. The goal to upgrade inspection processes to meet the rigorous safety standards required for automotive components … read more

Advanced Metrology Drives Red Bull Ford’s First F1 Power Unit

Advanced measurement technologies from Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence have been instrumental in the development and production of the first-ever powertrain produced by Red Bull Ford Powertrains. Ready for the dramatic rule changes for chassis and engines governing the 2026 F1 season, Red Bull Ford Powertrains has used Hexagon’s ultra-high CMM, 3D laser scanners and software to achieve the sub-micron tolerances … read more

All-in-One SLAM LiDAR, RTK and 360° Imagery Scanner Launched

Emesent, autonomous mapping technology supplier, has launched the Emesent GX1, the world’s most accurate integrated Simultaneous Localization and Mapping and Real-Time Kinematic scanner. The product marks a significant breakthrough and industry first, by achieving 5-10mm global accuracy to deliver unparalleled precision for topographic surveying … read more

Fourier Analysis: Turning Measurement Data into Process Insight

In manufacturing, precision down to the sub-micron range counts, and the demands on precision and quality are extremely high. Even the smallest deviations can affect the function, service life and noise development of components. In order to detect such sources of error and keep processes stable, measurement engineers use a method called Fourier Analysis … read more

$124M Investment Funds First Large-Scale Intelligent Factory

Machina Labs, a leader in advanced manufacturing and robotics, has announced it has closed a Series C financing totaling $124 million and the development of its first large-scale Intelligent Factory. The funding marks a critical inflection point for Machina Labs as the company scales from breakthrough manufacturing technology to deploying software-defined production … read more

Breaking the Data Bottleneck: Synthetic Data Accelerates AI-Driven Quality Control

In the evolving world of manufacturing, AI powered automated inspection systems are emerging as a transformative force in quality control. They deliver exceptional accuracy, speed and consistency, enabling real time defect detection on complex surfaces in demanding sectors such as automotive, aerospace and electronics dramatically reducing human error … read more

SHINING 3D Expands Industrial 3D Scanning Range with New Metrology Systems

SHINING 3D has announced the introduction of two new additions to its industrial metrology portfolio – the OptimScan Q9 and FreeScan Omni Lite – further strengthening its strategy to deliver flexible, scalable digital inspection solutions to users worldwide. The launch reflects a commitment to providing a broader spectrum of metrology technologies … read more

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