Making Laser Scanning Simple

FARO Technologies, headquartered in Lake Mary, USA, is specialised in 3D measurement, imaging and realisation technology. The company develops and markets computer-aided measurement and imaging devices and software. The technology permits high-precision 3D measurement, imaging and comparison of parts and complex structures within production and quality assurance processes. The devices are also used for documenting large volume spaces or structures in 3D.

FARO had its start in a friendship between two self-proclaimed ‘techno-junkies’ who were working on their PhDs in biomedical engineering at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. Simon Raab and Greg Fraser founded Res-Tech on 21 February 1981, and the name was changed to FARO two years later when they began developing technology and software to support advanced surgical and diagnostic methods. They introduced their first articulated-arm measurement technology in 1984, with additional models following in 1986 and 1988. In 1991 Raab and Fraser recognised parallels between medical 3D diagnosis and processes in component construction with the aid of CAD in the manufacturing industry. FARO took a new direction with 3D measurements in manufacturing, which was completed in 1994. FARO acquired the software company CATS in 1998, allowing significant improvements to be made to FARO AnthroCAM software. In 2005 FARO acquired iQvolution and iQsun and their phase-shift laser technology, allowing for expansion into markets such as architecture, forensics and surveying with the FARO Laser Scanner LS. Recently FARO has been announced as one of the Top 100 fastest-growing companies by Fortune magazine.

High Precision

FARO develops and markets computer-aided measurement and imaging devices and software. The company’s technology permits high-precision 3D measurement, imaging and comparison of parts and complex structures within production, quality assurance processes and 3D documentation in architecture and facility management. The devices are used for inspecting components and assemblies, production planning, documenting large volume spaces or structures in 3D, surveying and construction, as well as for investigation and reconstruction of accident sites or crime scenes.

Most Trusted

FARO’s mission and vision is to be the world’s most trusted source for 3D measurement, imaging and realisation technology and to enable people to easily and accurately connect the physical world to the virtual world. FARO’s core values represent the foundation of its culture. This means believing in the necessity of collaboration and dedication to product quality. FARO strives for the ability to find, suggest and implement the best solutions for its customers.

International Scope                                                                                               

The company's global headquarters is located in Lake Mary, Florida, USA. Its European head office is in Stuttgart, Germany, and its Asia/Pacific head office is based in Singapore. FARO has branches in Brazil, Mexico, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Poland, The Netherlands, India, China, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand and Japan. In 2012, FARO had 961 full-time employees, made up of 365 sales and marketing professionals, 165 production staff, 117 research and development staff, 111 administrative staff and 203 customer service/application engineering specialists. In 2012, the company generated USD273.4 million in sales and USD149.6 million in gross profit.

Reducing Measuring Time

FARO’s technology helps to reduce the amount of on-site measuring time. The various industry-specific software packages enable users to process and present their results quickly and effectively. The company’s principal products include the portable measurement arm – the FaroArm; the FARO Laser Tracker VantageTM; the FARO Laser ScanArm; the FARO FOCUS3D; the FARO Gage articulated measuring devices; the FARO3D Imager AMP; and the CAM2 family of advanced CAD-based measurement and reporting software. FARO is ISO9001 certified and ISO17025 laboratory registered. Worldwide, approximately 15,000 customers are operating more than 30,000 installations of FARO's systems in production and quality control. Airbus, Audi, Boeing, BMW, Ford, General Electric, General Motors, Honda, Johnson Controls, Komatsu American International, Lockheed Martin, NASA, Northrup Grumman, Siemens and Volkswagen all belong to FARO’s extensive customer list.

"FARO’s development has always been strongly guided by the needs of its customers, whose aim is mainly to further increase productivity. This is a powerful motivation for our product development. Specifically, it means that our customers’ processes are becoming increasingly complex. Measurement systems should be user-friendly, portable, rugged and intuitive to operate. And they have to meet the high demands on accuracy at fast workflows. Our task is in the interaction with these factors to increase the productivity of our customers by providing tailor-made products," says Ralf Drews, managing director of FARO Europe and senior vice president of EMEA.

Looking Ahead

FARO had a good year in 2012 despite the economic challenges around the world. The company’s sales grew by almost 8% and the cash position increased by 22%. Based on the forecasts for the next three and five years, FARO wants to become larger and more global, and to offer a significantly broader and deeper technology portfolio.

The opportunities for FARO are significant: “We understand our world in 3D. Our perception is the benchmark of the requirements of 3D documentation and the technology that is used for it. The issue is now more topical than ever and we are receiving a demand from various industries. We are focusing on the EMEA market and we are expecting high growth and good results,” says Ralf Drews.