Current technology involves stationary sensor tunnels measuring the same models repeatedly at high throughput. However, flexibility is limited because each measuring point requires a sensor on a fixed support. Furthermore, measuring-point modi-fications or model changes result in additional sensors or long adjustment periods ranging from several hours to several days.

The BMW plant in Spartanburg, SC, in its search for a more flexible gauging system, chose a Flexible Robotic Absolute Measuring System (FRAMS) from St¿li (Duncan, SC), which can be used in-line and off-line. FRAMS can reduce costs compared with fixed sensor solutions in instances where flexibility is a priority over throughput. Easy model changes or short measuring point modifications can be accommodated within minutes. The system also has high accuracy and repeatability and needs only one sensor.