Imagine a factory floor, once bustling with individual tasks and manual inspections, now orchestrating a symphony of precision and efficiency. Robotics dance with measurement devices, while data flows seamlessly, guiding critical decisions in real-time. This transformation, a shift from traditional metrology to integrated automation, defines the current landscape for forward-thinking manufacturers. As highlighted in the accompanying video with Andreas Zacherl from MQS, this evolution isn’t just about adopting new tools; it’s about fundamentally rethinking quality control and operational flexibility.
MQS has navigated this complex journey, transitioning from foundational roots in classic measurement machine technology to becoming a powerhouse in advanced automation solutions. Their strategic pivot recognizes an undeniable industry truth: the burgeoning demand for comprehensive, adaptable inspection systems. This shift wasn’t a sudden leap but a calculated expansion, acknowledging that modern manufacturing necessitates far more than standalone coordinate measuring machines (CMMs); it requires an intelligent, interconnected ecosystem.
The Evolution of Precision: From Manual to Automated Metrology
The metrology landscape is undergoing a profound metamorphosis, driven by an escalating need for faster, more accurate, and more comprehensive quality data. Enterprises, ranging from burgeoning Tier 1 suppliers to established Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) like BMW and Audi, are actively seeking partners capable of delivering integrated solutions. Andreas Zacherl emphasizes that MQS recognized this pivotal trend early, understanding that merely producing sensors or CMMs was insufficient for the future.
Their vision centered on enabling meaningful geometric part verification, whether at-line or in-line, directly within the production process. This commitment to flexible, customer-centric approaches distinguishes them in a competitive market. Moving beyond merely automating existing measurement devices, MQS focuses on orchestrating entire quality control workflows, ensuring that every component meets rigorous specifications without impeding production flow.
Nexos: Powering Adaptable Inspection Architectures
The underlying architecture enabling this adaptability is critical, and MQS leverages platforms like Nexos to deliver robust solutions. The evolution from Nexos 4.0 to the more recent Nexos Air release signifies a commitment to scalable, versatile deployment. Nexos Air, for instance, significantly broadens the scope of achievable projects, allowing MQS to implement smaller, more agile solutions alongside their traditional large-scale OEM installations.
This includes the increasing adoption of collaborative robot (cobot) solutions, which present an attractive pathway for many manufacturers seeking to integrate automated inspection without the extensive footprint or complex safety enclosures typically associated with industrial robots. Cobots offer a practical bridge, allowing for human-robot collaboration in flexible production environments, enhancing both efficiency and safety in geometric verification tasks.
Mastering In-House Innovation and Sensor Integration
A significant competitive differentiator for MQS lies in its comprehensive in-house capabilities. Operating a fully integrated innovation cycle, MQS houses expertise in design, metrology, and robotics under one roof. This vertical integration allows for unparalleled agility and control over project execution, from initial concept to final deployment. The ability to prototype, test, and refine solutions internally streamlines development cycles, ensuring bespoke systems meet precise client requirements with exceptional reliability.
The vastness of their sensor portfolio further underscores this in-house strength. MQS possesses an encyclopedic knowledge of various optical and tactile measurement technologies, enabling them to select the optimal sensor for any application. Their expertise spans a wide array of systems, including:
- **Aicon Streifenlicht Systems:** Advanced structured light technology providing high-density point clouds for comprehensive surface analysis.
- **Zeiss-Scan Systems:** Leveraging established tactile and optical measurement methodologies from a legacy leader in metrology.
- **Scantech Solutions:** Incorporating both handheld and automated scanning systems for diverse inspection scenarios.
- **AS1 Systems:** Expanding their optical measurement toolkit to address specific application needs.
This broad spectrum of capabilities is continuously refined by invaluable input from their dedicated metrology department. Extensive experience with tactile measurement and optical metrology on CMMs often proves indispensable when developing complex automation solutions, acting as a crucial feedback loop that drives continuous improvement and innovation across the entire MQS portfolio.
The Strategic Advantage of Diverse Metrology Expertise
The strategic deployment of varied measurement technologies is akin to a master craftsman selecting the perfect tool for a specific task. For MQS, understanding the nuances of different sensors—their strengths, limitations, and optimal application environments—is paramount. A structured light scanner excels at capturing complex freeform surfaces rapidly, while a tactile probe offers pinpoint accuracy for critical features. Integrating these disparate technologies into a cohesive automated workflow is where true value is created, delivering comprehensive data faster than ever before.
This deep understanding allows MQS to construct measurement cells that are not just automated but also highly intelligent. The flexibility to interchange sensors or adapt measurement strategies based on part complexity or production volume provides clients with future-proof investments. This agile approach to sensor integration is particularly vital for industries like automotive, where product lifecycles are shortening and component geometries are becoming increasingly intricate, necessitating adaptable automation solutions.
Shaping the Future at Industry Events
The dynamic nature of MQS’s innovation is consistently showcased at industry events, offering tangible demonstrations of their latest advancements. On October 27th, for example, the Hexagon Automation Day provides a platform for MQS to unveil cutting-edge developments. Attendees can anticipate witnessing their reconfigured measurement cell, now integrated with an Aicon Streifenlicht system and driven by a Kuka robot.
These demonstrations are more than just product showcases; they are live blueprints of what modern manufacturing automation can achieve. They provide insights into the practical application of flexible measurement strategies, illustrating how different setups can be tailored to meet diverse customer demands. The continuous evolution of their demonstration setups reflects MQS’s ethos: constant experimentation, adaptation, and refinement to stay at the forefront of automation and advanced metrology solutions.
Automated Innovation Q&A with Andreas Zacherl
What does MQS do?
MQS provides advanced automation solutions for geometric part inspection in manufacturing. They help factories move from traditional, manual quality checks to integrated, automated systems for better efficiency.
What is ‘metrology’ in manufacturing?
Metrology is the science of measurement. In manufacturing, it’s about accurately measuring parts to ensure they meet exact quality standards and specifications throughout the production process.
Why is automation important for quality control?
Automation is important because it makes quality control faster, more accurate, and more comprehensive. It allows manufacturers to quickly inspect parts and ensure they meet strict specifications without interrupting production.
What is Nexos?
Nexos is an underlying software architecture used by MQS that helps create flexible and adaptable automated inspection systems. It allows them to deploy a wide range of solutions, from small, agile setups to large-scale factory installations.
What are ‘cobots’ and how are they used in inspection?
Cobots are collaborative robots designed to work safely with humans in a shared space. MQS uses cobots to integrate automated inspection tasks, offering a flexible and practical way to enhance efficiency and safety in geometric verification.