The robogonio is available in many variants for different payloads, uses and space limitations. The smaller models are designed for measuring the luminous intensity distribution of luminaires and LED PCBs as well as for scanning illuminance distributions. The larger models are suitable for systems such as street lights, stage lights and headlights. The sky’s the limit - almost. Even payloads of up to 1,000 kg are possible.

With its large range of motion, a measurement in the traditional A, B or C planes are possible with one measuring system. With six axes, the robogonio combines multiple goniophotometer types into one device (DIN 5032-1 | DIN EN 13032-1 | CIE 121 | CIE S 025). Especially Type 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3 are a piece of cake for the robogonio.

In the far field, the robogonio measures the Luminous Intensity Distributor of luminaires. Standardized formats of documentation for this type of far field data such as the European EULUMDAT (*.ldt) or the American equivalent IES (IESNA LM-63) are generated immediately. This enables the automatized generation as well as the loss-free, platform-spanning exchange of precise measurement results. With the robogonio’s EULUMDAT or IES data, optical system designers can now work independently in different locations without precision loss.

Angle dependent luminance measurements are the foundation for glare ratings and the measurement of the UGR-value (Unified Glare Rating). With the high-resolution luminance intensity measurement camera photometer luca, the robogonio can measure light sources from 10.000 different angles. This generates reliable near field ray data for the application in all common optic simulation environments.

For goniophotometric measurements of the types 1.1, 1.2 and 1.3, the detector is stationary while the light source (sample) is moved by the robogonio around the vertical and horizontal axis. Through the flexibility in the room, measurements with the robogonio are possible with a sample of any length and width, as well as the pivot point in the room. This opens the system up to new measurement ways such as the scanning of geometrics or elongated light sources.

When the detector is mounted on the robogonio, it can scan any desired geometry, e.g. planes. This enables a quick estimation of the luminous distribution of luminaires and headlights.

When the robogonio is holding the detector, it circles the light source and therefore functions as a luminous flux integrator for the measurement of the total luminous flux.

The aim of expanding photometry at LED Linear was to be able to thoroughly test light sources and optics. Cold, heat air humidity and temperature changes are simulated in climatic test chambers. Long-term tests are about service life predictions. The illuminants are operated for 10,000 to 15,000 hours at increased temperatures to be able to make substantive statements. "The stress tests are mainly about whether components can be improved and to see whether foils, adhesives and polyurethanes
maintain their characteristics," says Iavarone.

"We perform these tests with all new developments, but we also regularly test our standard products to determine possible error sources."

The light lab, accredited in accordance with DIN ISO/IEC 17025, is also equipped with the robogonio goniophotometer by opsira and an Ulbricht sphere. The integrating sphere provides the luminous flux or R_a and the spectral radiant power. The robogonio provides the light distribution curve up to gamma = 120°, the luminous flux and the angular dependent colour coordinate-specific values. The photometric results are provided as IES or EULUMDAT files. "That's all a light lab has to be able to do," notes Iavarone. "What's exciting on the one hand is that the robogonio works completely different than a
mirror goniometer and allows significantly faster precise measurements. On the other hand, we have a measuring option for the coffee spots problem that paves the way to the perfect optic."

Mirror goniometers are still frequently used, but since the market introduction of the robogonio in 2012, different photometry manufacturers have developed robot solutions. "We have been working with opsira for the past five years," says Iavarone. "The measuring technology is often comparable, but the companies differ. opsira's support is fast and competent and we pursue a reasonable exchange. Besides the good product, this is a huge benefit." For this reason, LED Linear relied on the certification for measurements in accordance with DIN EN 13032-4 being possible with the goniophotometerby opsira, and this trust has paid off.Since then, the company has been profiting from various advantages that are interesting for internal development and external customers. While a mirror goniometer requires a very large, very high room and moves around the luminaire, the robogonio moves the luminaire. "So we only need a long, narrow room at whose end the detector records the measuring values." The consequence: the light distribution curve is measured at a speed that cannot be realised with a mirror goniometer. Valid results are thus available faster and the development process speeds up. "With the rapid developments nowadays, this is a giant advantage," says Iavarone.Another central aspect is a measurement that is designed to remove coffee spots. In combination with a spectral measuring head, luminaires can also be tested in the outmost angle of radiation. "The trend goes towards increasingly smaller luminaire dimensions, which is why it becomes increasingly challenging to achieve a homogeneous light distribution." Measurements of the colour spectrum and temperature allow us to quantify errors and compare these with the target value. "We use a lot of computer simulations in optics development. These become significantly more accurate when fed with precise values," notes Iavarone. "As this will become increasingly important in the future, it is important for us to make sure that our lab is ready for this trend."

The robogonio offers highest precision because it unites goniophotometry in the near and far field together with various detector systems in one device. The class L photometer reduces measuring time and performs a half space measurement, for example, in about two minutes.
The robogonio ensures maximum precision with an angular repeatability of up to 0.005°. Complicated and error-prone measurements with mirror goniophotometers are a thing of the past thanks to its intuitive handling.

The robogonio is available with various detectors and in various robot sizes (lifting capacity from 4 to 1,000 kg) for different application fields. Special models are also always an option. Three product lines already cover most applications: the alpha line with the sturdy frc‘3 photometer, the pro line with the fast Class-L photometer frc-f-l, and the top line with its combination of frc-f-l photometer and spectrometer.

LED Linear GmbH develops and produces high-quality linear LED illumination systems for technically demanding interior and exterior lighting. Its main products are linear and scalable luminaire modules and systems on LED basis with a protection class of up to IP67. More than 30 million individual solutions can be generated on the basis of a modular construction system.

The luminaire systems are applied all over, ranging from ambient and general lighting and furniture installations to facade lighting at a height of 300 metres. The use of high-quality and durable components guarantees energy-saving solutions with an extremely long service life of up to 60,000 hours. The products are distributed globally, for example in the USA and Canada, Singapore, India, Australia, France, Spain, the UK and in the Middle East. The company employs around 175 employees globally.

LED Linear GmbH
Pascalstraße 9
47506 Neukirchen-Vluyn
Tel. +49 2845 98462-0
www.led-linear.de