The metrology robot at the workshop of Metromecánica. ©Metromecánica
Fusion for Energy (F4E), EUROfusion and the European Commission have selected Metromecánica as the winner of the 2025 Fusion Technology Transfer Award. The Spanish SME will receive a 10,000 EUR prize for taking their expertise from fusion to new industrial markets.
A solution designed to inspect ITER components
The innovation story of Metromecánica, a firm specialising in automated metrology and inspection solutions, started with a contract for ITER. F4E tasked the company with developing a tool to support the production of Europe’s Inner Vertical Targets. This component requires thousands of accurate dimensional checks to comply with extremely tight tolerances, which could not be made through manual methods.
In this context, Metromecánica developed a bespoke robotic system to meet ITER’s requirements. This fully automated solution tool offers high-precision dimensional control of gaps and steps in complex assemblies. The result was a reliable, repeatable and efficient inspection process capable of handling intricate geometries.
Transfer to the automotive sector
The successful application of the tool in ITER revealed broader industrial potential beyond the fusion market. In particular, its capabilities are well suited to the automotive industry. Geometrical precision is key to manufacturing components in which even the smallest dimensional deviations can affect quality and user experience.
Building on its experience, Metromecánica adapted the system to automotive production, accounting for different materials and upscaling constraints. The technology has now been deployed by major suppliers in the industry, demonstrating its scalability and suitability for new contexts.
A recognition for innovation and industrial impact
Thanks to this out-of-the-box application, the company strengthened its competitiveness and entered new markets, supporting the creation of skilled jobs in engineering and software development.
These reasons earned Metromecánica the Fusion Technology Transfer Award. The prize recognises its ability to transform an ITER tool into a commercially viable industrial solution, which shows the wider impact of fusion R&D.
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