Industrial automation advances in metrology and metalworking

Industrial automation companies are introducing new technologies to enhance manufacturing efficiency and autonomy.

Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence has launched Metrical, an automated feeding system for coordinate measuring machines (CMM). The system is designed to handle the sorting, loading, and unloading of workpieces of various sizes. By automating these repetitive manual tasks, Metrical aims to increase inspection throughput and allow continuous operation across multiple shifts, integrating with existing Hexagon portfolios such as the Maestro CMM and Global Scan+.

At the AMB trade fair in Stuttgart, Kuka is demonstrating new automation solutions for metalworking. The company is showcasing its latest generation of KR Cybertech robots, which feature a payload capacity of up to 35 kilograms and a newly developed central hand. These robots are intended for tasks including handling, loading, and testing. Kuka's approach focuses on using artificial intelligence and smart networking to link individual production steps—from machine tool loading to quality control—into a seamless, end-to-end manufacturing process.