When metrology software and machines speak the same language

Automated and robotic inspection are on the rise. Their main appeal lies in making a labour-intensive process repeatable and fast. Because such setups require a significant investment, you want to make sure they’re reliable and future-proof.  

An important factor in this scenario is how your machines and software communicate. Ideally all the elements required for inspection would exchange data seamlessly, without the need for additional solutions for bridging communication gaps. In industrial manufacturing today this is achieved with OPC UA, a protocol for machine-to-machine communication. 

OPC UA, which stands for Open Platform Communications Unified Architecture, is the universal language for Industry 4.0 and IoT. It allows different machines, devices, control systems, and enterprise software to exchange data and information securely and reliably. 

OPC UA, the industry standard

When it comes to automated or robotic inspection, it’s also valuable to have a metrology software with an UPC UA integration. Software is one element of a system where multiple elements need to be coordinated. That could involve, for example: 

• A robotic controller that operations the robot and performs the inspection 
• Measurement devices used for inspection 
• Metrology software processing the information
• A feedback system between devices and databases used for oversight 

OPC UA enables direct communication between all of them. At the centre of this setup is a PLC, an industrial computer used to control and monitor equipment. A robot waits for instructions from the PLC. For example, the robot could be told to position an object. It will move close to the needed position and then receive feedback on its position from an external device, such as a laser tracker. A laser tracker sends the feedback, and it goes through the PLC by the OPC UA down to the robots. 

Several pieces need to be communicating almost in real-time. In such an inspection workflow, it’s beneficial to eliminate any additional steps required for translation. Over the years, OPC UA has been embraced as the standard communication protocol for everything in a factory. And it makes sense to have it on metrology software. 

This is where Hexagon’s SpatialAnalyzer comes in. This is a portable, instrument-independent metrology software for large-scale applications. With a new OPCA UA client integration, it can speak directly to your devices and machines, no matter the vendor. Plus, you get robust security features, including encryption and authentication. 

Reliable, lasting solution for inspection

SpatialAnalyzer version 2026.1 also offers sophisticated options for coordinated measurement tasks:  

• 25 new MP/SDK commands to support OPC
• Subscription Services - Time Intervals, Callback Actions, and PLC Heartbeat
• Notification Services – Node Registration Events, Interval Timer Modes (one shot, pulse, timeout, etc.)

Together with the new OPCA UA integration, these features enable a stable communication loop and a secure solution that will last.

Learn more about these capabilities and others launched with the 2026.1 release. 

Robots are good at repeating tasks. What they need help with is accuracy. Whether you’re using them to position objects, construct products or analyse the result, SpatialAnalyzer will help them perform with micron-level accuracy.