Smart 3D imager arrays - A new class of automated metrology sensor provides sophisticated in-process measurement, minimizing integration and infrastructure costs

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FARO Technologies, Inc.

Jan 12, 2016, 07:48 ET

Interchangeable lenses on the Cobalt 3D Imager provide multiple fields of view

FARO Cobalt 3D Imager mounted on a robot scanning a car door.

A multiple imager array of the FARO Cobalt 3D Imager

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LAKE MARY, Fla., Jan. 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- FARO Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ: FARO), announces highly-adaptable 3D imager arrays that promise to drive automated industrial manufacturing metrology processes to the next level.

The new FARO Cobalt 3D Imager is equipped with dedicated on-board processors – an industry first. The smart sensor allows unique multi-imager array configurations enabling industrial manufacturers to significantly improve productivity and operations in a way never before possible. An unlimited number of 3D imagers can be placed in array configurations virtually anywhere in a manufacturing process – all scanning simultaneously and controlled by a single computer.

Ideal for integration within the production environment, Cobalt can also be installed in more conventional ways, such as in conjunction with a rotary table, robot, or industrial inspection cell. Combining blue light projection, stereo cameras and powerful on-board processing, Cobalt captures and processes millions of 3D data points in seconds. With high resolution, automatic exposure and high dynamic range, Cobalt expertly handles complex parts with fine details, varying colors, textures and reflectivity. Cobalt delivers fast and consistent measurements, independent of the operator, for quality inspection and reverse engineering applications on parts, assemblies, and tools.

"The FARO Cobalt 3D Imager delivers reliable and accurate 3D scan data within an automated workflow. With no restrictions on the number of sensors in an array, the sky is the limit for improving inspection cycle time, making it an exciting new product that enhances the FARO portfolio for in-process or near-process inspection," stated Dr. Simon Raab, FARO's President and CEO. "The price and capabilities of Cobalt make it a cost-effective, versatile, and convenient tool that delivers a rapid return on investment for customers in a variety of metrology and product design applications."

Dr. Raab added, "We are particularly proud of Cobalt's patent-pending on-board processing feature, which ultimately helps simplify the integration of the sensor into advanced production environments. Coupled with FARO's CAM2^® Measure 10 software, an unlimited number of Cobalt sensors can simultaneously capture large surface areas or complex assemblies. The configurable field of view, intelligent on-board point cloud processing and resolution can adapt to multiple measurement needs. Our analysis shows that for dedicated inspections of large products or assemblies, a fixed multiple imager array of Cobalt sensors will be faster, more easily integrated, more affordable, more accurate and easier to maintain than purchasing the robot-based imager or laser line systems currently on the market. Yet, Cobalt can also outperform as a robot-based system with its high resolution and data processing speeds in combination with its low profile and light weight."

The FARO Cobalt 3D Imager is designed for quick and easy integration onto the production floor, and seamlessly connects with the full-featured FARO CAM2 Measure 10 metrology software.

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that are subject to risks and uncertainties, such as statements about demand for and customer acceptance of FARO's products, and FARO's product development and product launches. Statements that are not historical facts or that describe the Company's plans, objectives, projections, expectations, assumptions, strategies, or goals are forward-looking statements. In addition, words such as "is," "will," "promise," "can," "deliver" and similar expressions or discussions of FARO's plans or other intentions identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to various known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors that may cause actual results, performances, or achievements to differ materially from future results, performances, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Consequently, undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements.

Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from what is expressed or forecasted in such forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to:

development by others of new or improved products, processes or technologies that make the Company's products less competitive or obsolete;
the Company's inability to maintain its technological advantage by developing new products and enhancing its existing products;
declines or other adverse changes, or lack of improvement, in industries that the Company serves or the domestic and international economies in the regions of the world where the Company operates and other general economic, business, and financial conditions; and
other risks detailed in Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Forward-looking statements in this release represent the Company's judgment as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, unless otherwise required by law.

About FARO

FARO is the world's most trusted source for 3D measurement technology. The Company develops and markets computer-aided measurement and imaging devices and software. Technology from FARO permits high-precision 3D measurement, imaging and comparison of parts and complex structures within production and quality assurance processes. The devices are used for inspecting components and assemblies, rapid prototyping, documenting large volume spaces or structures in 3D, surveying and construction, as well as for investigation and reconstruction of accident sites or crime scenes.

The Company's global headquarters is located in Lake Mary, FL; its European regional headquarters in Stuttgart, Germany; and its Asia Pacific regional headquarters in Singapore. FARO has other offices in the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Germany, the United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, Turkey, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Portugal, India, China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, South Korea, and Japan.