Hexagon Introduces SARCA Robot-Calibration Device to Improve Industrial Robot Accuracy

Hexagon Introduces SARCA Robot-Calibration Device to Improve Industrial Robot Accuracy

(IN BRIEF) Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence business has launched OPC UA support in SpatialAnalyzer, enabling real-time precision metrology data to be integrated directly into automated production and assembly workflows. The update connects high-precision laser measurement with industrial control systems used by robots and production lines, helping manufacturers improve accuracy in large-scale manufacturing environments such as aerospace, energy and shipbuilding. Hexagon is also introducing SARCA, a robot-calibration device that can improve industrial robot accuracy by up to ten times, alongside expanded support for the Leica Absolute Tracker ATS800 and other precision scanning technologies. SpatialAnalyzer 2026.1 also adds Google Sheets integration and broader scanner compatibility.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 20-Jul-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence business has introduced OPC UA support in SpatialAnalyzer, its software platform for large-scale metrology and alignment.

The update brings real-time precision measurement data directly into automated production and assembly workflows, connecting high-accuracy laser measurement with the industrial control systems used to operate robots and production lines.

The release is designed to address one of the major limitations in robotic automation for large and complex parts: achieving the level of accuracy required in industries such as aerospace, energy and shipbuilding.

Manufacturers working with large-format components are under pressure to raise output while maintaining exacting standards. In aerospace, that pressure is reflected in major aircraft backlogs. Forecast International’s May 2026 Airbus and Boeing orders and deliveries report showed that the two manufacturers had combined commercial aircraft order backlogs of more than 16,000 aircraft at the end of May 2026, representing roughly a decade of production at current delivery rates.

Hexagon said robots alone cannot guarantee the precision needed for large, complex assemblies. By adding OPC UA support to SpatialAnalyzer, manufacturers can connect metrology data to industrial control systems such as PLCs and robots through a secure and commonly used communications standard.

The new OPC UA client includes encryption and authentication for secure data exchange. It is also supported by 25 new MP/SDK commands, enabling developers to build automated OPC UA workflows.

Zach Rogers, Product Manager for SpatialAnalyzer at Hexagon, said robots are increasingly needed in large-format manufacturing, but their accuracy can be insufficient for tasks such as precision drilling on large parts.

“SpatialAnalyzer is the software for orchestrating quality inspections and complex, metrology-assisted manufacturing and assembly processes, used by OEMs and their system integrators and line builders,” said Rogers.

He added that the release is significant for manufacturers and system builders working with automated metrology-assisted processes, with support for common metrology devices.

Hexagon is also introducing SARCA, a new robot-calibration device designed to improve industrial robot accuracy by up to ten times through multi-zone, multi-tool calibration.

Used with SpatialAnalyzer, SARCA allows manufacturers to calibrate robots for high-precision work before they enter production.

The release also enables full use of the Leica Absolute Tracker ATS800, a new class of metrology device that supports room scanning, conventional laser position tracking with reflectors and high-precision direct scanning of features.

Support for the ATS800 is being delivered through Hexagon’s revamped System Integrator Programme, which brings new metrology devices and capabilities to systems developed by OEMs and integrators.

Aziz Tahiri, Global Director, Aerospace and Defence at Hexagon, said customers need faster ways to deliver high-quality results as aerospace and defence demand continues to rise.

“SpatialAnalyzer is trusted throughout the industry, and with robust OPC UA support for metrology, we have unlocked new automation capabilities in stable processes and brought mature building blocks to new challenges,” said Tahiri.

He added that support for the Leica Absolute Tracker ATS800’s direct scanning capabilities will help the wider ecosystem bring process innovations to manufacturers worldwide.

SpatialAnalyzer 2026.1 also introduces Google Sheets integration for automated data workflows and expanded support for precision scanners including API LADAR, Leica RTC360 and Nikon LR.

The release is also compatible with RDS 6.6 and the Leica TS20.

SpatialAnalyzer 2026.1, SARCA and the Leica Absolute Tracker ATS800 are available now as part of a global release.

Media Contact:

Robin Wolstenholme
Global Media Relations and Analyst Relations Manager
Hexagon’s Manufacturing Intelligence Business Area
media.mi@hexagon.com
+44(0)7407 642190

SOURCE: Hexagon