Optotrac—cat’s eyes and lasers Available to Purchase

For the off‐line programming of robots to be successful the graphical simulation must model the real work cell to a very high degree of accuracy which calls for equally accurate calibration of the robot. The University of Surrey has been developing a optical, non‐contact 3‐D repeat motion tracking system called Optotrac to carry out this task. Outlines the Optotrac specification and principals of operation which is based on the use of a “cat’s eye” target and two laser beams. Compares Optotrac with other robot metrology tools and gives examples of fits application. Concludes that most metrology tools are still confined to the laboratory but as the systems become more widely available and the prices fall they will spread into industrial application.