Leica Geosystems, a Hexagon company, announced today the launch of their new Leica T-Mac device, a Tracker-Machine wireless control sensor that can be mounted on moving robots, machines, or parts whose position(s) need to be monitored in 6DoF (Degrees of Freedom) space. The Leica T-Mac works in tandem with the Leica LTD840, LTD709, and LTD706 laser trackers from Leica Geosystems' current product portfolio, as well as the existing Leica LTD800 and LTD700 laser trackers. This innovative measurement device was developed in response to a number of customers who have modified their Leica T-Probe, a wireless probing device, for use in automated inspection and metrology routines. Leica Geosystems will begin taking orders for the Leica T-Mac this month. > >The Leica T-Mac operates similarly to the wireless Leica T-Probe, but is designed without a contact probe or tip. The Leica T-Mac features a special housing for easy installation, with additional reflector nests for calibration and easy orientation. Insensitive to environmental light, the Leica T-Mac offers the largest operation measurement volume of up to 30m (98ft), and a wider acceptance angle than any comparable system: pitch ±45°, yaw ±45°, roll 360°. > >Point rate output for the device is 1,000 points per second backed by a 2 sigma length measurement accuracy of 60 microns in a measurement volume of 15m (49ft). The Leica T-Mac incorporates acoustic process information feedback for ease-of-use, as well as visual feedback for power on, in-view and in-distance status, and for process information. > >"Over the past few years, we have witnessed a large increase in the number of customers who need a 6DoF solution for automated tracking of the position of robots or machines," states Dr. Raimund Loser, Leica T-Mac's chief developer. "Our wireless Leica T-Probe has been adapted for automated applications by Boeing Hawker de Havilland in Australia, the NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, Rolls Royce, and the Shanghai University. With the introduction of the Leica T-Mac, Leica Geosystems now offers a versatile, off-the-shelf solution that can be customized for specific tracking applications. For example, an interface for precise tool exchange units like those from Sandvik Coromant can be included."
