Leica Absolute Laser Tracker AT500

Overview

The Leica Absolute Laser Tracker AT500 is a fully integrated, portable metrology system engineered for high-accuracy 3D coordinate measurement in dynamic industrial environments. Based on absolute distance measurement (ADM) and interferometric (IFM) hybrid technology, the AT500 delivers real-time, traceable spatial data without requiring homing or reflector initialization — enabling immediate deployment from transport case to first measurement point. Its core architecture eliminates dependency on external controllers, cabling, or alignment procedures, making it uniquely suited for shop-floor metrology, large-part assembly verification, aerospace tooling validation, and field-based reverse engineering tasks where mobility, speed, and environmental resilience are critical.

Key Features

• Integrated All-in-One Design: Combines onboard computing, dual hot-swappable IATA-certified batteries, environmental sensors (temperature, pressure, humidity), HD panoramic camera, and ergonomic carrying handle into a single compact unit — reducing setup time to under 60 seconds.
• PowerLock Auto-Reacquisition: Patented wide-field optical tracking algorithm automatically restores laser lock within seconds after beam interruption — even during rapid target motion or transient occlusion — without manual intervention or recalibration.
• Battery-Powered Operation: Supports continuous wireless operation for up to 6 hours per battery set; batteries are hot-swappable, enabling uninterrupted measurement cycles across full-shift deployments.
• Wireless B-Probeplus Probe: A fully autonomous 6-degree-of-freedom (6DoF) contact probe with 16° angular reception window at 12 m standoff distance; features tactile button ergonomics, real-time feedback, and certified performance per ISO 10360-10 for volumetric accuracy and repeatability.
• Robust Environmental Rating: Certified to IP54 per IEC 60529, ensuring protection against dust ingress and water splashing — validated for reliable operation across temperature ranges from −15 °C to +50 °C, including outdoor staging, unconditioned hangars, and high-vibration manufacturing floors.
• Intuitive Smart Connectivity: Embedded Wi-Fi and Bluetooth modules support remote configuration, firmware updates, and diagnostics via the dedicated AT500 Connect mobile application (iOS/Android), eliminating the need for laptop tethering or network infrastructure.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AT500 supports standard spherically mounted retroreflectors (SMRs), active targets, and the B-Probeplus for contact-based feature acquisition. It is compatible with common metrology software platforms including SpatialAnalyzer®, PolyWorks®, and Metrolog X4 via standard API protocols. The system’s measurement uncertainty budget is traceable to national standards through ISO/IEC 17025-accredited calibration services. For regulated industries, the AT500 platform supports audit-ready documentation workflows aligned with GLP and GMP principles; optional configurations include 21 CFR Part 11–compliant electronic signature and change-control logging when integrated with validated metrology software suites.

Software & Data Management

Data acquisition, visualization, and reporting are managed through Leica’s proprietary GeoMoS Metrology Suite and third-party interoperable APIs. Raw ADM/IFM sensor streams are timestamped and logged with environmental metadata (ambient temperature, air pressure, relative humidity) to enable real-time atmospheric compensation. Measurement reports export to industry-standard formats including XML, CSV, and STEP AP242, supporting seamless integration into PLM systems (e.g., Teamcenter, Windchill). Audit trails capture operator ID, session start/stop timestamps, probe type, target ID, and all parameter modifications — satisfying requirements for ISO 9001 clause 7.1.5.2 and AS9100 Rev D section 8.5.1.

Applications

• Aerospace: Tooling alignment, wing spar inspection, fuselage section mating verification
• Automotive: Body-in-white dimensional analysis, jig and fixture certification, battery module assembly metrology
• Energy: Wind turbine blade geometry validation, nuclear containment vessel deformation monitoring
• Heavy Machinery: Large gear train alignment, excavator boom structural verification
• Research & Development: Kinematic chain characterization, robotic cell calibration, prototype dimensional benchmarking

FAQ

Does the AT500 require reflector initialization before measurement?
No. As an absolute distance measurement system, the AT500 determines position instantly upon target acquisition — no warm-up, homing, or SMR initialization sequence is required.
Can the AT500 operate indoors and outdoors interchangeably?
Yes. With IP54 certification and a −15 °C to +50 °C operating envelope, it is qualified for both climate-controlled labs and unsheltered outdoor environments — provided atmospheric refraction corrections are applied via integrated environmental sensors.
Is the B-Probeplus probe calibrated independently of the tracker?
Yes. Each B-Probeplus undergoes individual ISO 10360-10 verification prior to shipment; its 6DoF error model is stored onboard and automatically loaded during pairing with the AT500 host.
How is measurement traceability maintained across field deployments?
All factory calibrations are performed in accordance with ISO/IEC 17025 requirements; users receive NIST-traceable calibration certificates with uncertainty budgets. On-site verification routines (e.g., ball bar tests, artifact checks) are supported via embedded diagnostic tools.
What network security protocols does the AT500 support?
The device implements WPA2-Enterprise authentication, TLS 1.2 encrypted data transfer, and configurable firewall rules — meeting baseline cybersecurity requirements for industrial IoT devices per IEC 62443-3-3.