3D metrology in automation engineering with optical sensors

3D vision and robotics

This video provides a clear and practical introduction to 3D metrology in automation engineering, showing how optical sensors expand the capabilities of traditional tactile measurement systems. It explains how point clouds are generated, how accuracy is evaluated, and why modern optical 3D systems are increasingly used for industrial inspection, robot guidance and inline quality control.

You’ll learn how 3D optical metrology works in real applications - from beam labelling and washing‑machine assembly to wood‑processing optimisation - and how point cloud data enables precise measurements, deformation analysis and shape comparison. The video also highlights key considerations such as resolution, noise filtering, measuring volumes and system accuracy, helping you choose the right sensor setup for demanding automation tasks.

Topics covered

  • Differences between tactile and optical 3D metrology systems
  • How point clouds are created, processed and used for measurements
  • Real industrial applications using Ensenso 3D sensors
  • Accuracy, resolution and noise considerations in 3D metrology
  • How to adapt optical sensors to different measuring volumes
  • Typical automation use cases for 3D optical systems

Video timeline

  • 00:00 - Introduction and agenda
  • 00:42 - Further videos about 3D in machine vision
  • 01:15 - Applications of 3D metrology in automation
  • 04:57 - 3D metrology systems: 2 kind of measuring systems
  • 08:29 - 3D data from tactile and optical measuring system
  • 11:52 - Benefits of the complete surface data
  • 13:20 - Application example of 3D data for complete surface
  • 15:24 - Application: box with different rings
  • 16:44 - Various measurements in a point cloud
  • 18:40 - Accuracy of optical 3D sensors
  • 20:55 - Adapting an optical 3D sensor to your application
  • 22:46 - Adapting different measurement volumes
  • 25:54 - Flexible measurement volume with optical systems
  • 28:28 - Providing point cloud at high framerate
  • 29:44 - Summary

Who should watch

Ideal for automation engineers, quality assurance specialists, machine builders, system integrators and anyone exploring 3D optical metrology for industrial processes.

Watch now to see how optical 3D metrology can transform your automation workflows.

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Further information
Contact
Speaker Ute Seitz
Ute Seitz
Machine Vision Specialist

IDS Imaging Development Systems GmbH

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