FARO introduces scanners for geospatial and AECO workflows

Key Takeaways

• FARO Insight adds two new terrestrial laser scanners – Focus i.1 and Focus i.1 X – plus the Rovi i.1 reality‑capture bundle.
• Both scanners deliver ≤ 0.9 mm object accuracy and faster colorized point‑cloud acquisition.
• The i.1 X model integrates a GNSS/RTK receiver and reaches 400 m range, targeting outdoor geospatial and public‑safety projects.
• Data can be streamed to the FARO Sphere XG cloud platform for AI‑assisted cleaning, collaborative review, and scan‑to‑BIM services.
• SCENE 2027 promises to cut large‑project processing from hours to minutes and adds an AI filter for glass/mirror removal.
• A new cloud‑to‑cloud link with Flyability’s Inspector Online enables seamless point‑cloud transfer from Elios 3 drones.

Introduction

FARO Insight, the laser‑scanning arm of AMETEK Inc., unveiled a refreshed portfolio at INTERGEO Munich and Autodesk University Las Vegas. The rollout centers on two terrestrial laser scanners—Focus i.1 and Focus i.1 X—and a bundled mobile‑capture solution called Rovi i.1. Together they aim to tighten the loop between field data collection, cloud‑based processing, and downstream BIM or GIS deliverables.

New Terrestrial Scanners

Focus i.1

• Accuracy: ±0.9 mm (object‑level)
• Scanning speed: up to 2 M points / second (colorized)
• Range: 200 m (typical)
• Use case: Indoor AECO documentation, heritage surveys, and small‑site geospatial mapping.

Focus i.1 X

• Accuracy: ±0.9 mm (object‑level) – identical to i.1 but with enhanced firmware.
• Scanning speed: up to 2.5 M points / second (colorized)
• Range: 400 m maximum, suited for large‑scale site capture.
• GNSS/RTK: Built‑in receiver provides centimeter‑level georeferencing without external hardware.
• Target markets: Outdoor infrastructure, utility mapping, and public‑safety scene reconstruction.

Both units incorporate upgraded positioning modules that reduce setup time to under 30 seconds per scan and support automatic color balancing in varying light conditions.

Software, Cloud Collaboration & AI

FARO Sphere XG

The scanners feed raw point clouds directly into Sphere XG, a SaaS platform that hosts data, version control, and stakeholder comments. Subscription tiers unlock AI‑driven noise filtering, automatic feature extraction, and real‑time sharing across desktop or mobile devices.

SCENE 2027

The upcoming desktop release promises:

• Processing acceleration: Large‑area clouds (≥ 10 billion points) rendered in minutes versus the current multi‑hour workflow.
• Glass‑mirror AI filter: Detects and removes specular reflections, improving model fidelity for glass‑facade projects.

Cloud‑to‑Cloud with Flyability

A new integration lets Flyability’s Inspector Online push drone‑captured SLAM data straight into the Sphere XG environment, eliminating manual export steps. The pipeline supports the Elios 3 platform, ideal for confined‑space inspections (e.g., tanks, tunnels).

Rovi i.1 Reality‑Capture Package

Developed with Manifold Tech Limited, Rovi i.1 bundles a handheld mobile scanner, a 12‑month Sphere XG subscription, and SCENE processing credits. The package is positioned for rapid “as‑built” workflows where field crews need a single device that captures geometry, textures, and geolocation, then streams everything to the cloud for immediate QA/QC.

Upcoming Features & Partnerships

• Integrated Projects (IPX) – Scan‑to‑BIM Service: Users will be able to order BIM models generated directly from point clouds inside Sphere XG, reducing hand‑off time for architects and engineers.
• Qbitec Integration (late 2026): Planned API will push Sphere XG datasets into Qbitec’s construction‑management suite, broadening the data’s utility across cost estimating, scheduling, and safety compliance.

Comparison Table

Prices reflect FARO’s 2026 catalog and exclude taxes or optional accessories.

Bottom Line

FARO Insight’s latest scanner lineup and cloud ecosystem reinforce its position as a one‑stop shop for high‑precision spatial data. The Focus i.1 X delivers the longest range and integrated GNSS/RTK for outdoor projects, while the Focus i.1 remains a cost‑effective choice for indoor AECO tasks. Coupled with AI‑enhanced processing in SCENE 2027 and seamless cloud workflows