‘METROLOGY BREW’ News Bulletin – 20th April

April 20, 2026

Summary of metrology and smart manufacturing news from the past 7 days.

Hexagon To Expand into NDT with Waygate Technologies Acquisition

Hexagon AB has announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Waygate Technologies, a leading provider of non-destructive testing solutions, from Baker Hughes. Waygate Technologies serves customers across aerospace, automotive, energy, and manufacturing sectors globally, and brings with it a portfolio of market-leading inspection technologies … read more

Redefining Industrial Robotics with Learned Physical Intelligence

The evolution of AI in manufacturing and metrology has long been defined by advances in perception, computation, and automation. Today, a new milestone is emerging—one that shifts the conversation from programmed automation to learned physical intelligence. The introduction of GEN-1signals a potential inflection point for industrial applications … read more

InnovMetric Acquires Strategic Partner Duwe-3d

Following 27 years of fruitful collaboration that enabled PolyWorks to become the universal 3D metrology platform in German-speaking markets, InnovMetric has completed the acquisition of its German business partner Duwe-3d. This transaction will enable InnovMetric to enrich the expertise of its European division and expand its technical services offering … read more

Accessible Multi-Sensor CMM Bridges Skills Gap

The recent introduction of the VISIUS multi-sensor CMM by Hexagon addresses critical challenges facing manufacturers. Designed to support high-mix, high-volume production environments, VISIUS combines precision, versatility, and ease of use in a single, affordable metrology system anyone can use. Manufacturers face increasing pressure to deliver high-quality … read more

Eyeonic Trace Ultra Sets New Benchmark with 3× Accuracy in Industrial Scanning

SiLC Technologies (SiLC) has announced the launch of Eyeonic Trace Ultra, the next generation of its Laser Line Scanner product family with 3x better accuracy. Trace Ultra delivers an unprecedented 100-micron range precision which is the thickness of a human hair or a sheet of paper. Designed for demanding industrial and inspection environments … read more

SHINING 3D Introduces EinScan Rigil Lite Expanding All-in-One Scanning Portfolio

With more than two decades of experience in high-precision 3D scanning, SHINING 3D has introduced the EinScan Rigil Lite, further strengthening its all-in-one scanning portfolio for professional users. The latest addition combines performance, flexibility, and accessibility in a compact, integrated platform. Rigil Lite incorporates a hybrid light-source … read more

FARO CREAFORM Cuts Laser Line Probe Time to Data on Challenging Surfaces

FARO CREAFORM, a global provider of 3D scanning and portable CMM solutions, has announced an update for its Laser Line Probe (LLP) portfolio used with the Quantum X FaroArm Series and Quantum Max FaroArm Series. The update introduces refined image processing algorithms designed to improve scan consistency and reduce time to data … read more

Augmented Reality Digitalizes and Optimizes Processes for Frontline Workers

Frontline workers remain central to production, inspection, and maintenance operations in manufacturing and industrial environments. Despite widespread digital transformation across engineering and design functions, many frontline processes still depend on paper-based instructions, fragmented data sources, and manual workflows. Augmented Reality (AR) is now emerging as a powerful enabler … read more

BYK-Gardner Expands Portable Spectrophotometer Line with color2check

BYK-Gardner USA, partner of the automotive, paint and plastic industries for quality control of color, appearance and physical properties, has introduced the new color2check, a portable spectrophotometer that offers a simple and affordable start to color quality control. The instrument complements the newly introduced color2go … read more

The End of Programming? Natural Language Interfaces in Industrial Robotics

Researchers from Huawei Noah’s Ark Lab, the Technical University of Darmstadt, and ETH Zurich have introduced a novel framework that brings large language models (LLMs) into direct collaboration with the Robot Operating System (ROS). This development marks a significant step toward more intuitive, flexible, and intelligent robotic systems … read more

Advanced Metrology and Process Control in Porsche’s Smart Battery Shop

For the new generation of the Cayenne, Porsche is using high-voltage batteries developed and manufactured entirely in-house. In doing so, the sports car manufacturer is continuing to expand its own battery expertise in a focused manner and deepening its technological expertise in the field of electromobility while also laying the foundation for performance, efficiency and quality … read more

Waygate & GE Aerospace Drive the Future of Automated Engine Maintenance

Providing a glimpse into the future of automated engine maintenance, Waygate Technologies, a leader in nondestructive testing (NDT) solutions for industrial inspection, and GE Aerospace have announced the deployment of new, automated Menu Directed Inspection (MDI) templates for GEnx-1B and -2B engine borescope inspections that will help deliver a new level of … read more

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Process-Stable Colour Measurement for Dynamic Industrial Applications
April 24, 2026
With the P1PF colour sensor, wenglor introduces a robust and versatile solution for reliable colour detection in demanding industrial environments. Designed to bridge the gap between technical precision and user-friendly operation, the sensor integrates dual colour evaluation approaches: analytical processing in the RGB colour space and intuitive adjustment via the HSL model.
Bruker Alicona Celebrate 25 Years of Advancing Focus Variation in Industrial Metrology
April 24, 2026
At the turn of the millennium, surface metrology faced a distinct technological gap. Tactile measurement systems offered high accuracy but struggled with complex geometries, steep flanks, and delicate surfaces.
Laying the Groundwork for Industrial AI Leadership in Europe
April 23, 2026
Artificial Intelligence (AI) can become a key driver for productivity, new business models, and technological sovereignty in the mechanical and plant engineering sector. Based on industrial domain knowledge, interoperable data ecosystems, and shop-floor applications, industry has the opportunity to achieve more efficient and new industrial value creation - as underscored by the VDMA’s new position paper on Industrial AI.
High-Speed Data Capture and AI Analytics Drive Peak’s New Automation Ecosystem
April 23, 2026
Peak Technologies has announced the launch of Peak Automation Intelligence, an integrated AI-powered platform designed to help manufacturers and operators of warehouses and distribution centers modernize their operations with real-time visibility, automated data capture, and high-speed material flow intelligence.
3D Vision Meets the Digital Thread in Next-Gen Aircraft Assembly
April 22, 2026
In today's aircraft production, precision is everything. Every hole and every fixing point must be precisely positioned to ensure safety and quality. As part of the DiCADeMA project (Digital Cabin Architectures and Design for Manufacturing) led by the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), a novel, fully digitally networked process has been developed.
Onto Innovation and Rigaku Partner to Advance Semiconductor X-ray Process Control
April 22, 2026
Onto Innovation has announced a strategic collaboration with X-ray technology leader Rigaku Holdings Corporation to advance next-generation process control solutions for semiconductor manufacturing.
Integrated Quality Assurance Achieves 30 Percent Time Savings
April 22, 2026
Volkswagen plans to offer 70 percent of all cars produced as fully electric vehicles by 2030. Despite this enormous change to its product portfolio, Volkswagen's commitment to quality remains unchanged. “Our components must meet high quality standards, whether they are combustion engines or electric motors”, says Holger Giersberg, sub-department head for quality assurance in the foundry and machining division at the Volkswagen plant in Kassel.
CMM Discovery at IMTS Helps Machine Shop Grow Aerospace Business
April 22, 2026
After evaluating needs and considering the options, EWT/3DCNC purchased two machines: a ZEISS CONTURA bridge CMM with a touch probe and a ZEISS O-INSPECT multi-sensor vision measuring machine (VMM) with a touch probe, a camera, and a white light scanner.
Artec Jet Combines SLAM, LiDAR, and AI for Fully Autonomous 3D Mapping
April 22, 2026
Artec 3D has announced the launch of Artec Jet, a powerful new SLAM-based LiDAR system for precision data capture at scale.
Inline 3D Metrology Transforms Shipbuilding by Enabling Real-Time Forming Accuracy
April 21, 2026
The DIKUQ project has developed a semi-automated process chain for forming steel sheets for shipbuilding. Fraunhofer IOF designed a novel inline 3D measurement system that can digitally capture workpieces in less than half a second and reconstruct them as 3D images. The system reduces the workload for specialists and minimizes quality fluctuations.