ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions specialises in high-precision multidimensional metrology technologies. In conversation with Rakesh Rao during Hannover Messe 2026, Dr Robert Zarnetta, Head of Customer Segment Management, ZEISS Industrial Quality Solutions, discusses AI-driven metrology, India’s manufacturing growth and scaling for SMEs.
Could you outline ZEISS’ scope of operations?
ZEISS is widely known as an optics company, producing products such as glasses and binoculars. However, 80 per cent of all microchips are manufactured using lithography optics developed by ZEISS.
Within Industrial Quality Solutions and Research Microscopy Solutions, we provide a broad portfolio: coordinate measuring machines (CMMs), microscopes, 3D scanners, Computer tomography (CT) systems, software and AI-based metrology. Our solutions help customers meet stringent quality standards across diverse sectors. India has emerged as one of our fastest-growing markets. To support this, we are building an 53-acre factory in Bangalore (Karnataka), adding to our manufacturing footprint alongside Germany, the US and China.
The Indian market presents opportunities not only in traditional automotive and aerospace sectors but increasingly in electronics, batteries and semiconductors. With manufacturing shifting to India, our focus is on enabling high-quality production for both domestic use and global export.
Is the new factory operational?
We have existing production capabilities, but the new facility, which is expected to open in the fall, will expand output tenfold. The project anticipates the growth trajectory in India and reinforces our long-term commitment to the region.
Which products are being localised for Indian manufacturing?
We plan to produce a full range of products: optical lenses, coordinate measuring machines, microscopes, and CT solutions. India will host software development and engineering services, alongside a Global Competence Center for R&D, reinforcing our all-in commitment.
What are the highlights of ZEISS’ Hannover Messe showcase?
Our focus is automation and inline inspection. We are introducing inline-capable solutions for 100 per cent quality control, targeting sectors where reliability is critical: medical, aerospace, battery and electronics manufacturing. Companies producing millions of units annually cannot afford recalls, making inline and automated quality control indispensable. Complementing this, AI-driven data analysis enables inspection systems to augment human quality control effectively.
How does ZEISS support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in India?
While large enterprises adopt full automation, the backbone of India’s industrial growth lies with SMEs. ZEISS offers scalable solutions: starting with basic handheld 3D scanners suitable for harsh shop-floor conditions, progressing to semi-automatic arms, small scan boxes, and eventually inline systems. This stepwise approach allows SMEs to adopt metrology and automation progressively as production scales.
What is your outlook for India’s manufacturing sector and ZEISS’ role?
India is rapidly scaling in both quality and production capacity. This growth extends across automotive, aerospace, semiconductors and beyond. Our role is to equip manufacturers with the tools and technologies necessary to meet local and global quality standards. As companies adopt more advanced inspection and metrology solutions, we anticipate a virtuous cycle: better quality attracts more business, prompting further investment in capabilities. ZEISS aims to remain an integral partner in this scaling journey, supporting both large companies and SMEs.