State-of-the-art, complex production lines enable high-volume, multi-variant manufacturing in the shortest possible time. However, the higher the level of complexity in production, the greater the likelihood of human error — and such errors can be costly. With our industrial localization solutions, you gain greater control over your processes — reducing human error, improving traceability, and boosting overall production quality.
Our industrial tool location systems can virtually eliminate errors in manual tightening processes, significantly enhancing productivity and quality, especially in fast-paced production environments.
We distinguish between three levels of tool positioning
We offer customized solutions to help you choose the right technology for your specific needs — a crucial step toward error-free assembly. The following video provides a concise introduction to the different positioning systems we offer for a variety of applications.
Level 1 & 2
Tool Location.
Always work in the right area.
With Industrial Location Mapping (ILM) your assembly tools are only active where they’re supposed to be – whether at a fixed station or along the production line. This helps prevent errors, saves time, and cuts costs.
Your challenge
Cordless tools offer a high degree of flexibility in production as they can be used at any point in a plant. The drawback is that you cannot be sure that they are only used at the appropriate location as they are not connected to a cable. If an operator uses a tool on the wrong station, the result will be incorrectly tightened bolts or documentation, as the tightening was not assigned to the correct component. This can cause significant costs in the event of a recall.
Our solution
Industrial Location Mapping (ILM) is a system that is connected to your tool like a virtual cable. Via radio signals, the system detects whether the tool is active in the wrong working area. With ILM, you can limit the area where the tool is used to an entire production line or individual stations or products. This is especially useful on stop and go lines and on moving lines such as those used in the automotive industry.
The benefits
- Limits working radius to ± 30-50 cm depending on mode
- Easy configuration of tool tags for different product variants or new product lines
- Presents tool position on a real-time basis
- Identifies tool orientation
- Easy set up
- Different modes for optimum adaptation of the system to individual requirements
- UWB location and communication without any impairment of WLAN or Bluetooth
Level 3
Correct Tightening
From the correct sequence to the final torque.
Industrial Location SpotPoint (ILS) ensures that manual tightening operations are carried out precisely and in the correct sequence.
Your challenge
A wide variety of products are assembled on your production lines. At the same time, cycle times are becoming shorter and shorter. As a result, there is a growing risk of errors in manual tightening sequences. A further challenge arises if joints which have to be tightened with different torque values are positioned very close to each other and can easily be confused. In both cases, errors reduce product quality and cause additional cost, for example for reworking.
Our solution
Industrial Location SpotPoint (ILS) is a sensor-based, bolt-level positioning system. Thanks to its infrared sensor technology, the system detects the precise tool position and informs the user if it is incorrect. The smart tool then automatically blocks the tightening operation.
The benefits
- Supports the operator through the entire tightening process
- Reduces errors to a minimum
- Easy-to-install all-in-one solution
- Passive tool tags that do not require a power supply
- One sensor can detect up to 6 tools
- Dynamic referencing using tags on components
Smart error prevention in assembly.
Stufe 3
Tightening at a station
Minimizing errors and improving productivity.
Industrial Location Arms (ILA) improves productivity and quality in applications where the tool is installed on a torque arm.
Your challenge
For the assembly or repair of high-quality components, tools are often operated manually using stationary torque arms to absorb reaction forces. Potential sources of error include incorrect positioning or tightening parameters as well as tightening in incorrect sequences. These problems reduce productivity, give rise to additional cost and impair the quality of products.
Our solution
Industrial Location SpotPoint (ILS) is an integrated, independent error proofing system that ensures the correct, reliable performance of work with the tool installed on a torque arm. Position sensors in the torque arm detect the position of the tool. The system visualizes the bolt locations and the sequence of tightening, monitors the position of the tool, automatically selects tightening parameters and guides the user through the correct workflow.
The benefits
- High production quality
- Ensures traceability in the event of errors
- Quick and easy installation
- Time-saving through clear error diagnosis
- Allows flexible use in different applications
- User guidance and visual indication of process status as well as feedback improve safety and efficiency
Level 3
Precise tightening
Reliable results, even in the toughest mounting conditions.
Industrial Location PointSense (ILP) precisely detects difficult-to-access bolt positions – for error-free processes and maximum efficiency.
Your challenge
On modern production lines, users often face the challenge of completing tightenings precisely in a secure process in difficult ergonomic conditions with restricted visibility. If the situation also includes dynamic assembly environments such as moving assembly lines, other location systems rapidly reach their limits.
Our solution
Industrial Location PointSense (ILP) allows the precise detection of tightening locations on bolt-level based on sensor data of 3D LIDAR technology. This system detects bolt locations and tool orientation right down to the last millimeter. Thanks to the integrated sensor solution installed directly on the tightening tool, the ILP system is not limited to individual stations and is therefore ideal for use in dynamic production environments.
The benefits
- High mobility, as the sensor is not physically linked to a single station
- Low installation cost
- Easy to handle, with easy-to-understand user guidance
- Unsurpassed location precision
- High-resolution optical system with minimum processing effort, allowing independent working without an external server
- Can be combined with other location technologies such as Industrial Location Mapping (ILM) for tool location on bolt and work station level
Our systems for reliable tool location in a decision matrix
| Decision matrix | ILA | ILS | ILP | ILM |
| There may be obstacles between the transmitter and receiver – no line of sight required |
x | x* | x | |
| Bolt-level precision (possibility of detecting which bolt is tightened) |
x | x | x | |
| Orientation/position detection | x | x | x | x** |
| Configurable for large or small areas | x | |||
| Cordless solution | x | x | x | |
| Moving component/line | x | x | x | |
| System accuracy | 1,5-2,5 cm*** | 1 cm**** | 1 cm | ±30-50 cm |
FAQ
1. What technologies are available for the positioning of industrial tools?
Various technologies are available today for the precise localization of tools in industrial manufacturing – depending on accuracy requirements and the specific environment:
Infrared technology: Especially suitable for bolt-level localization. It enables positioning accuracy of up to 1 cm, even under challenging lighting conditions
Ultra-Wideband (UWB): Uses short radio pulses for precise station-level localization. Accuracy is around 10 cm, even in environments with high interference.
RFID: Tracks tools using radio frequency tags. Accuracy varies depending on the system and environment, from a few centimeters to several meters.
3D LIDAR: Offers millimeter-level accuracy in complex or dynamic production environments – ideal where visibility is limited or space is tight.
2. What localization technologies does Atlas Copco use?
At Atlas Copco, we integrate a range of advanced technologies to deliver the right solution for every application. Our systems combine precision, flexibility, and reliability:
ILM (Industrial Location Mapping): UWB-based zone monitoring for cordless tools, helping prevent incorrect tool usage through virtual work zones.
ILS (Industrial Location SpotPoint): Infrared sensors for pinpoint location and control of tightening processes.
ILA (Industrial Location Arms): Position sensors embedded in torque arms – ideal for high-torque, stationary applications.
ILP (Industrial Location PointSense): 3D LIDAR technology for millimeter-level accuracy in identifying bolts.
3. Which industries benefit most from tool localization?
Tool location is especially valuable in industries where precision and process reliability are critical. Many of our customers operate in the automotive sector, including OEMs, suppliers, battery production, and high-voltage energy storage.
But the potential goes far beyond that. Any manufacturer aiming for zero-error assembly processes can benefit from our solutions.
We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. Instead, we work closely with our partners to understand their unique challenges and deliver tailored systems that meet their specific needs.
4. How do I know which tool location solution is right for my assembly environment?
Choosing the right location technology starts with a clear understanding of your production environment. Key factors include: knowing your specific application, the required accuracy, user-friendliness, integration with existing systems and your budget.
To find the best-fit solution, we recommend speaking with an Atlas Copco expert. Our team will help you assess your needs and guide you to the most effective setup.
Would you like to take the next step toward higher quality and productivity in your tightening processes?
Benefit from our smart solutions for tool location now.
Discover more about tool location:
