Powering the factories of the future
The combination of collaborative robotics and in-process digital metrology represents a strategic convergence for the manufacturing industry and factories of the future. On the one hand, collaborative robots make it possible to automate handling and assembly tasks flexibly and safely without the need for physical barriers and, on the other hand, digital metrology integrated into the process means that components can be measured and checked directly in the production line with high precision.
In this context, the Tekniker technology centre, member of the Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA) partnership, with extensive expertise in this set of technologies, will present a solution that brings together automation, high-precision measurement and digitalisation in industrial environments at the next edition of the Biennial International Machine Tool Exhibition (BIEMH).
The demonstrator, developed in collaboration with ZEISS, KUKA and SCHUNK, will consist of a robotic system capable of automatically identifying, collecting, positioning and measuring parts with almost identical geometries. This robotic measurement allows for quality control of the parts and classification according to their reference and conformity.
“The main differential element is the combination of a flexible component feed with advances in digital metrology that allow fully automated quality control, integrating visualisation, handling, measurement and classification into a single system. This approach is not common in industrial environments and is an innovative and advanced solution,” highlights Gorka Kortaberria, director of Industrial Metrology at Tekniker.
The solution is mainly aimed at advanced manufacturing applications in sectors such as automotive, aeronautics, energy or precision component manufacturing.
Consolidated technologies
The prototype developed by Tekniker combines consolidated commercial technologies with in-house developments in integration, robotics, control and machine vision.
To the solution, ZEISS adds its DuraMax measuring system, which is specifically designed for demanding production environments and offers high precision, even in changeable conditions. For its part, KUKA brings a 7-axis collaborative robotic arm designed for precise and safe handling in environments shared with people. And SCHUNK includes a series of systems that allow parts to be secured and handled reliably during the measurement process.
This technological combination is completed with Tekniker’s Smart Picking asset, which makes it possible to locate and manipulate parts in unstructured environments.
“Our application allows the system to determine the position and orientation of parts from information obtained through machine vision, and then guide the robot towards the parts it needs to handle,” adds Eneko Ugalde, director of Intelligent Autonomous Systems at Tekniker.
Finally, the centre also incorporates its capabilities in plant and process digitisation through its Smart Factory Hub software, highlighting the management of critical data from production operations and being able to learn from them for subsequent decision-making.
The solution will be on display from the 2-6 March at the BIEMH 2026 Tekniker stand, located in pavilion 1, aisle E24.
