Investing in innovation
In 2024, Hexagon channelled over £800 million – 16% of annual revenue – into bold R&D efforts advancing productivity, quality, safety, and sustainability.
If it doesn’t exist, Hexagon invents it
World-class engineers, researchers, and product specialists across Manufacturing Intelligence, Geosystems, and Autonomous Solutions don’t wait for solutions, they create them.
In 2024:
450 products and updates launched
71 new patent applications were filed
15–16% of annual revenue was invested in R&D
€855.7m in total was spent, reflecting 16% of net sales
From concept to customer
Hexagon R&D has a dual engine. Industry specialists in our divisions identify the needs for their future products. Our Innovation Hub team then rapidly develops functional models and prototypes and tests cutting-edge technologies in response. Once feasibility is demonstrated the divisional R&Ds develop and engineer the products and solutions with the optimal product-market fit.
Briefing and prototyping
R&D at Hexagon starts with the Innovation Hub tackling early-stage ideas or tech challenges from any one of our divisions. Engineers and researchers develop prototypes and collaborate closely with industry specialists to refine, test, and evolve the technology.
Precision optics for Manual Total Stations
Hexagon’s Geosystems division and the Innovation Hub co-developed an optical system for a new total station. After creating the components, the division’s mechanical team worked with suppliers and the Hub to refine every detail, down to the correct adhesives for extreme environments.
Next level motion control for Absolute Arm 7-Axis
The Manufacturing Intelligence division and the Innovation Hub developed a high-precision angle encoder for every joint of the Absolute Arm. It is the only portable arm on the market to eliminate warm-up delays.
Development and market launch
The divisional and Innovation Hub teams co-develop the technology, aligning it with customer needs and market potential. The division leads the roadmap and iterative development, refining and testing the solution. Once matured, it is productised and launched as part of Hexagon’s commercial portfolio.
State-of-the-art visualisation in Nexus
The Innovation Hub’s visual computing team collaborated with the Manufacturing Intelligence division to create Centre Stage, a cutting-edge visualisation technology integrated into the Nexus platform.
AI-powered models for HxDR Reality Cloud Studio
The Innovation Hub developed and coded a mathematical model that the Geosystems division integrated into HxDR Reality Cloud Studio.
Where innovation lives
The Innovation Hub is Hexagon’s early-stage research lab, focused on supporting the breakthrough technologies that shape future product releases for all industries.
R&D centres
Hexagon’s world-class R&D centres are strategically located across the world, including:
Hyderabad, India
Zurich, Switzerland
Leuven, Belgium
''Innovation is our past, our present and our future.''
Burkhard Boeckem
Chief Technology Officer, Hexagon.