Leica AT960 Absolute Laser Tracker

Overview

The Leica AT960 Absolute Laser Tracker is a high-precision, portable large-volume metrology system engineered for deterministic 3D coordinate measurement in industrial environments. Based on absolute interferometric distance measurement (AIFM), the AT960 integrates an absolute distance meter and a heterodyne laser interferometer within a single optical path—enabling simultaneous, real-time acquisition of 3D position and 3D orientation (6 degrees of freedom, or 6-DOF), extended to 7-DOF with dynamic motion compensation. Unlike traditional laser trackers requiring homing or reacquisition after beam interruption, the AT960 employs PowerLock technology—a proprietary wide-field-of-view target recognition and reacquisition algorithm—that autonomously restores tracking without operator intervention. Its compact, ergonomic design (<14 kg total mass), integrated environmental monitoring station, and battery-powered operation support rapid deployment in production floors, aircraft assembly bays, shipyards, and field calibration sites—without reliance on external power or cabling. The system complies with international safety standards (IEC 60825-1:2014 for Class 2 laser emission) and environmental protection requirements (IP54 per IEC 60529), ensuring operational robustness under demanding workshop conditions.

Key Features

• AIFM Core Metrology Engine: Combines absolute distance measurement and interferometric displacement sensing in one coaxial beam path, delivering sub-micron-level repeatability and traceable accuracy over volumes up to 160 m in diameter.
• PowerLock Auto-Reacquisition: Maintains uninterrupted tracking across beam breaks caused by obstructions or target occlusion—re-establishing lock within milliseconds using a 360° horizontal × 120° vertical field of view and onboard panoramic imaging.
• Integrated Environmental Compensation: Real-time correction for air temperature, barometric pressure, and relative humidity via embedded sensors aligned with ISO 10360-8 and VDI/VDE 2617 Part 8 guidelines for volumetric error mitigation.
• Origin-to-Gravity (OTG) Alignment Mode: Enables gravity-referenced Z-axis orientation—critical for jig and fixture leveling, tooling setup verification, and kinematic reference frame establishment in aerospace assembly.
• 7-DOF Real-Time Data Streaming: Delivers synchronized position, orientation, and angular velocity data at up to 1000 Hz, supporting closed-loop robotic control, dynamic CMM integration, and automated inspection workflows compliant with ISO 10360-12 and ASTM E3122.
• Wireless & Battery-Operated Architecture: Dual hot-swappable Li-ion battery packs enable full-day cordless operation; integrated Wi-Fi (802.11n) supports remote control from laptops, tablets, or smartphones—eliminating interface cables and reducing setup time by >40% versus tethered systems.
• IP54-Rated Enclosure: Dust- and splash-resistant mechanical housing validated per IEC 60529, permitting reliable use in uncontrolled manufacturing environments including machining cells and outdoor staging areas.

Sample Compatibility & Compliance

The AT960 is compatible with a broad range of passive and active targets—including spherically mounted retroreflectors (SMRs), Leica T-Probe tactile probes, T-SCAN HD line scanners, T-MAC photogrammetric markers, and AS1 articulating arms—enabling hybrid measurement strategies across tactile, optical, and photogrammetric modalities. All measurement data generated adheres to ISO/IEC 17025 traceability requirements when used with certified calibration artifacts and documented environmental correction protocols. System firmware and software are designed to support audit-ready documentation per FDA 21 CFR Part 11 (electronic records/signatures), GLP, and GMP frameworks—particularly when deployed in regulated aerospace (AS9100), automotive (IATF 16949), and medical device (ISO 13485) manufacturing settings.

Software & Data Management

The AT960 operates natively with Leica’s proprietary SpatialAnalyzer (SA) software platform, which provides full support for GD&T evaluation (per ASME Y14.5 and ISO 1101), statistical process control (SPC), and automated report generation with configurable templates. SA implements built-in uncertainty estimation models aligned with ISO/IEC Guide 98-3 (GUM), and supports bidirectional data exchange with major CAD platforms (Siemens NX, CATIA, SolidWorks) via STEP AP242 and QIF schemas. For enterprise integration, the tracker exposes RESTful APIs and OPC UA interfaces—facilitating direct linkage to MES, PLM, and digital twin infrastructure. All measurement sessions include timestamped audit trails, user authentication logs, and version-controlled configuration snapshots—ensuring full compliance with ISO 17025 clause 7.7 and NIST SP 800-53 controls for measurement integrity.

Applications

• Aerospace: Tooling verification for wing spar jigs, fuselage panel alignment, and engine nacelle assembly metrology.
• Automotive: Body-in-white dimensional validation, robotic weld cell calibration, and battery module positioning in EV production lines.
• Energy: Turbine blade profile scanning, wind turbine tower segment alignment, and nuclear containment vessel deformation monitoring.
• Heavy Machinery: Large gear train geometry verification, hydraulic cylinder bore straightness assessment, and crane rail parallelism checks.
• Research & Calibration Labs: Primary length standard dissemination, coordinate measuring machine (CMM) volumetric calibration, and multi-sensor system synchronization.

FAQ

What is the maximum unambiguous measurement volume supported by the AT960?
The AT960 achieves a spherical measurement envelope with a diameter of up to 160 meters, verified per ISO 10360-2 Annex B using certified SMR arrays and environmental correction protocols.
Does the AT960 require periodic factory recalibration?
No—its self-diagnostic routines, on-board thermal drift compensation, and field-adjustable alignment parameters allow users to perform routine verification and basic recalibration onsite per ISO 10360-8 procedures without returning the unit to a service center.
Can the AT960 operate in outdoor environments with variable lighting or dust exposure?
Yes—the IP54-rated enclosure and high-dynamic-range panoramic camera ensure stable operation in ambient light levels from 0–100,000 lux and particulate-laden atmospheres typical of shipyard or construction site deployments.
Is 7-DOF data output compatible with industrial robotics control systems?
Yes—via Ethernet/IP or OPC UA, the AT960 streams low-latency 7-DOF pose data at 1000 Hz with sub-millisecond jitter, meeting the real-time determinism requirements of ISO/IEC 61784-3 for collaborative robot guidance and adaptive machining applications.
How does the AT960 handle atmospheric refraction errors during long-distance measurements?
It applies real-time Edlén-based refractive index correction using concurrent readings from its integrated temperature, pressure, and humidity sensors—achieving residual path-length uncertainty below ±0.5 ppm across its full working range.