Inspire update adds point cloud and ATS800 support

Hexagon’s Portable Metrology Division has introduced an update to Inspire, its inspection software for portable probing and 3D scanning. The update is intended to help shop-floor manufacturing and quality teams incorporate 3D metrology into production processes.

Inspire provides a single interface for measuring, aligning and inspecting parts against CAD using supported measuring devices. The software guides operators from scan data acquisition to inspection results, reducing the number of separate steps needed in the workflow.

The first 2026 release adds a unified point cloud architecture that preserves raw scan data while allowing edits to be toggled, reordered or removed. This provides traceability for measurement data and lets users recover the original scan. Hexagon says the updated software opens large point cloud files up to 50% faster and stores them in up to 50% less space, with memory management intended to support interaction with large datasets.

The latest version also adds support for the Leica Absolute Tracker ATS800, enabling targetless measurement of parts and features from distances up to 40 meters. ATS800 Region, Line and Feature scans, along with circle and slot selection for Measure Perimeters, are integrated into a single scan workflow within Inspire. A simplified overview camera process replaces multiple legacy scan profiles with one profile to reduce setup steps.

The release includes workflow and automation updates for inspection tasks. A new Remeasure Out of Tolerance action guides operators through remeasuring features that failed inspection criteria, clearing and rechecking each one before the process continues. Configurable retry passes support consistent inspection procedures. Perimeter construction, vector comparison displays and cloud-from-mesh creation have also been revised to reduce manual setup and review steps.

The release is built on a modernized software platform while maintaining existing workflows. Expanded Python scripting provides additional control over inspection criteria, including GD&T annotations, duplicate feature creation and cardinal point construction for automated inspection tasks.

Updated CAD compatibility includes AutoCAD 2026, Revit 2026, SolidWorks 2026, NX 2512, Parasolid 38 and ACIS 2025. This capability is included with each Inspire license, allowing users to work from current design data without file translation.

For more information, visit hexagon.com.

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